On the first day of Hajj (the day of arafah), while millions of pilgrims begin their journey towards Mina, women of Mecca head to the Grand Mosque. This practice is an age-old tradition among the locals.
In the Islamic calendar, the Day of Arafah holds the highest sanctity. It is a day dedicated to prayer and unity among Muslims. This sacred day coincides with an ancient tradition of the people of Mecca.
As pilgrims head towards Mount Arafat, a serene silence envelops Mecca, particularly around the Grand Mosque. The usually crowded area around the Kaaba becomes significantly less populated. This day is known as “Yawm al-Khalifah,” meaning “Day of Emptiness.” On this day, Meccan women and children flock to the Grand Mosque while the men join the pilgrims on their five-mile journey to the Valley of Mina.
The Role of ‘Mutawwifin’
Every year, the residents of Mecca, known as ‘Mutawwifin,’ begin preparations for the Hajj season right after Eid al-Fitr. They eagerly anticipate the arrival of pilgrims who travel to Mecca via Jeddah, facilitated by their agents. Women of Mecca prepare their homes to welcome these guests, who stay with them under agreements made with their Mutawwif.
Fatin Hussein, a Mutawwifah specializing in Hajj-related services, told Arab News, “The relationship between a pilgrim and a Mutawwif is deeply rooted and goes beyond financial interests. It is built on human, spiritual, and religious grounds, passed down from the first generation of Mutawwifin to their descendants. They consider serving and caring for pilgrims as a great honor.”
On the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the men of the city gather food, tents, and other necessary supplies for the pilgrims, guiding them from the Grand Mosque to Mina. According to Fatin Hussein, “The sons and sometimes daughters of Mutawwifin accompany the pilgrim groups to assist the female pilgrims and ensure no one gets separated from their group.”
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Activities of Women on the Day of Arafah
Before the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of the Grand Mosque, Meccan women used to carry their meals and head to the mosque with their friends and relatives. They would even break their fast together at the mosque in the evening.
Islamic tradition encourages those not performing Hajj to fast on the Day of Arafah. After spending the day in prayer, people begin preparing for Eid, shopping for toys and sweets for children. Meccan women often take advantage of the emptier mosque to perform Umrah, a practice common among the locals.
Nada Zaher, a graphic designer from Jeddah, shared with Arab News that she grew up watching her grandmother and aunts head to the Grand Mosque on the Day of Arafah. She observed that the number of women going to Mecca on this day has only increased over the years.
Nada Zaher recalled a memorable experience in 2011, saying, “As I circled the Kaaba, I noticed someone behind me touching the Kiswah (the cloth covering the Kaaba). My focus was on completing my rounds, but when I had the chance to touch the Kiswah, the spiritual feeling was indescribable. I haven’t had the opportunity to touch the Kiswah again since then.”
Conclusion
The Day of Arafah is a unique time in Mecca, marked by deep spirituality and tradition. While millions of pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat, Meccan women embrace the opportunity to engage in their own religious practices at the Grand Mosque. This day allows them to reflect, pray, and prepare for the upcoming Eid festivities in a serene and less crowded environment. The longstanding customs of the Mutawwifin and the community’s dedication to serving pilgrims highlight the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connections that define this holy city.