Mount Arafat: The Hill of Mercy
An illuminating exploration of a sacred peak central to the Hajj pilgrimage and Islamic tradition, detailing its geology, significance, and location.
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Overview
Sacred Summit
Mount Arafat, known in Arabic as Jabal `Arafat, is a granodiorite hill situated approximately 20 km southeast of Mecca in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Province. It stands about 70 meters (230 feet) high, with its highest point reaching an elevation of 454 meters (1,490 feet).[2][3]
Geological Identity
Geological studies classify Mount Arafat as a granodiorite formation, with its rock age estimated at 9.13 ± 1.05 million years ago. Its composition primarily includes feldspar, quartz, and muscovite. This formation is linked to the geological processes that led to the formation of the Red Sea.[1]
Naming
Arabic Designations
The mountain is known by two primary Arabic names: Jabal `Arafat (جبل عرفات), meaning "Mountain of `Arafat," and Jabal ar-Raḥmah (جبل الرحمة), translating to "Mountain of Mercy." The latter name is believed to stem from traditions associating the site with the forgiveness of Adam and Eve.[2]
Hajj Significance
The Day of Arafah
Mount Arafat holds immense significance during the Hajj pilgrimage. The ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, known as the Day of `Arafah, is the most crucial day of Hajj. Pilgrims gather in the Plain of Arafat, spending the entire day in prayer and supplication to Allah for forgiveness.[7]
Prophet's Sermon
Islamic tradition holds that Mount Arafat is the location where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada') to his companions during his final Hajj.[6]
Adam and Eve's Reunion
Some Muslim traditions suggest that Mount Arafat is where Adam and Eve were reunited on Earth after their expulsion from Paradise. It is believed to be the place where they received forgiveness, contributing to the mountain's name, "Mountain of Mercy."[2]
The Plain of Arafat
The term "Mount Arafat" is often used to refer to the entire surrounding plain, which is an essential site for Hajj rituals. Pilgrims depart from Mina to Arafat, and failure to be present in this plain on the designated day invalidates the pilgrimage.[9]
Geology and Radiology
Composition and Age
Mount Arafat is composed of granodiorite, a rock type rich in feldspar, quartz, and muscovite. Petrographic and dating techniques place its formation around 9.13 ± 1.05 million years ago, associated with the tectonic activity that formed the Red Sea.[1]
Radiological Assessment
Studies analyzing the primordial radionuclide concentrations (specifically 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in Mount Arafat's granodiorite have concluded that these levels do not pose a significant radiological health hazard to the public.[1]
Location
Geographic Coordinates
Mount Arafat is located at coordinates 21°21′17″N 39°59′02″E. It lies approximately 20 km (12 mi) southeast of the holy city of Mecca within the Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia, in the historical region of Hejaz.[3]
Mountainous Context
The mountain is situated within the Hijaz Mountains, a range that runs along the western part of the Arabian Peninsula. Its geological context is tied to the broader tectonic history of the region.[19]
In Literature
Literary Echoes
Mount Arafat has found mention in notable literary works, including James Joyce's complex novel, *Finnegans Wake*, reflecting its cultural and symbolic resonance beyond its religious significance.[10]
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References
References
- Peters, F.E., 1996. The Hajj: The Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca and the holy places. Princeton University Press.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not religious or travel advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding religious practices, travel planning, or historical interpretation. Always refer to authoritative religious texts and consult with qualified scholars or travel professionals for specific guidance.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.