Hajj: Rare storm rages near Mecca hours before Day of Arafat

Camp used by Malaysian pilgrims hit on the eve of religious event’s spiritual climax

An unusual storm hit a holy site on the Hajj pilgrimage route on Sunday evening, leading to a power outage at a camp used by Muslim pilgrims.

The fierce weather was unexpected – a rare event during the five-day religious pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Although tents used by Malaysian pilgrims were damaged in the high winds and downpour of rain, no one was injured.

Caught by surprise, the Saudi authorities cut the electricity supply for the safety of more than 30,000 people at the camp.

It was restored at around 10.45pm, according to The New Straits Times.

The storm took place just hours before the Day of Arafat – part of the pilgrimage known as wuquf – marks the spiritual climax of the annual ritual.

More than two million Muslims have been making their way from the holy city of Mecca to Mount Arafat valley around 12 miles away.

Dr Abdulfattah Mashat, the deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, said the heavy rains would not affect any of the Saudi authorities’ plans.

He told Arab News that “movement is smooth and the pilgrims are currently present in Mina and tomorrow they will ascend upon Mount Arafat as expected.”

Hajj is the world’s largest annual gathering of people.

According to the Islamic calendar, today marks the ninth day – the time pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat to pray and repent.

You can read more about Hajj here.