SAUDI ARABIA .
Over one thousand Ugandan Muslim pilgrims Thursday converged at the plains of Mount Arafat corresponding to the 9th day of Zul Hijja on the Islamic calendar—marking the spiritual climax of the annual Hajj rituals .
The pilgrims spent the entire Thursday in deep personal supplication and devotion, glorifying and praising Almighty Allah, who chose them from among multitudes of Muslim faithful in Uganda and enabled their safe journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There, they joined Muslims from around the world in retracing the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajarah, their son Prophet Ismail, and their descendant, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Them All).
The male pilgrims were clad in simple white, unstitched sheets—one draped over the shoulder and another wrapped around the waist—symbolising purity, humility, and the equality of all people before God, regardless of social status or position.
Earlier in the day, the pilgrims braved intense heat to listen to spiritually uplifting sermons. Sheikh Muwonge encouraged the faithful to make the most of their time at the sacred site by seeking divine blessings through sincere worship.
Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wandega, the Eastern Regional Assistant in the Office of the Mufti, congratulated the pilgrims on reaching Arafat—where Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) delivered his final sermon. He reminded them that on this very spot, Allah revealed one of the final verses of the Koran , declaring Islam as the complete religion for humanity.
Sheikh Wandega also shared the origin of the name “Arafat,” recounting the story of Prophet Adam and Eve (Hawa) who, after being separated on Earth, reunited on this very plain. “Let us take this as a lesson and strengthen our unity as Ugandan Muslims, just as we are united here today,” he said.
“We are celebrating the unity of Prophet Ibrahim’s family,” he added. “It was this unity that helped them overcome Satan—a moment we commemorate through the ritual stoning. Each of us must overcome the Satan within, and no family can prosper without unity.” He also urged the pilgrims to pray for their children and leaders, emphasizing the importance of respect and avoiding insults toward leadership.
Among the pilgrims is Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the secretary general of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), alongside several other Muslim leaders. The high spiritual event was crowned by powerful special prayers dedicated to the well-being of pilgrims, their families, the Nation and all spheres of life were delivered by Sheikh Yusuf Kayongo and Sheikh Ismail Mayambala.
Tomorrow , Friday pilgrims in Mecca City will join millions of other faithful across the globe to mark Idd-ul-Adhuha prayers and later take part in slaughtering animals to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail, as an act of obedience to God. This practice involves sacrificing livestock like camels, cattle, sheep, or goats. The meat is then shared with family, friends, and the poor.