Mount Arafat is a granite hill located at the southeastern side of Makkah. The word Ararich means creator, so most words that have sacred significance or that have to do with creation start with the letters AR in Armenian. Miraculous Journey, The Significance and of 'Isra and Miraj' in Islam, Lessons to be Learned From the Life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W. Arafat renounced the idea of liberation of the whole of Palestine and the creation of a democratic state where Muslims, Christians, and Jews would coexist (which meant the destruction of Israel as a state) and accepted the notion of a state comprising the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Explore our annual reports & world-renowned Zakat Handbook here. After spending the night in the massive valley of Mina, the pilgrims head to Mount Arafat, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, for the pinnacle of the pilgrimage. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Do you now know it? and Abraham answering: Araftuh. What you might not have expected is that you have the opportunity to see and climb this historical site in person. The whole Day of Arafat, from dawn till dusk, is spent in devoted supplication, worship, prayers and seeking of Allahs (SWT) forgiveness. If you speak to any Armenian, you will experience the sense of longing that they feel towards the lost mountain, which remains such a prominent part of the Yerevan skyline. He was standing at Arafat on a Friday. [Bukhari], Prophet Muhammad PBUH said, There is no day on which Allah SWT frees people from the Fire more so than on the Day of Arafah. According to Aisha (RA), the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Standing on Mount Arafat is an integral part of the annual pilgrimage; without it, Hajj cannot be complete. Also regarded as being of the Western Hajar, Highest mountain in the UAE, but the peak is in Oman, Due to the peak of Jebel Jais being in Oman, this mountain has the highest confirmed peak in the UAE, Highest confirmed peak in the Arabian Peninsula, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Saudi Arabia Hajj: Millions at Mount Arafat for ceremonies", "Sea of people arrive at Mecca and Mount Arafat as Hajj pilgrimage gets underway", "More than 2 million pilgrims complete journey to Mount Arafat for second day of Hajj", Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for Hajj's key moment, Muslim pilgrims scale Mount Arafat for peak of hajj, Millions Of Muslim Pilgrims Gather At Mount Arafat To Mark Pinnacle Of Hajj | TIME, 2 1433 , Current Ummah of Islam (Ummah of Muhammad), ibn Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib ibn Hashim, List of mountains in the United Arab Emirates, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mount_Arafat&oldid=1122213364, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from April 2019, All articles needing additional references, Wikidata value to be checked for Infobox mountain, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Mother Abiona or Amtelai the daughter of Karnebo. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Some Muslims hold that part of the Quranic verse announcing that the religion of Islam had been perfected was revealed on this day. [1] Mount Arafat reaches about 70m (230ft) in height and is also known as the Mount of Mercy (Jabal ar-Rahmah). Now, we will attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Mount Ararat trek so that you can have the best experience possible when you choose to climb the mountain. On a normal Hajj, it would be around 21km (13mi) to walk. On the final day of the Caucasian Challenge, as teams make the drive from Tatev Monastery to the rallys final destination Yerevan, participants are treated to one of the most spectacular views of the trip. In 197576 the armed Palestinian presence in Lebanon helped fuel that countrys descent into civil war, and, in spite of Arafats early efforts to remain free of it, the PLO was drawn into the fighting. Near does He draw to them [the Pilgrims upon Arafah]. sincere repentance: Repentance, heartfelt and humble, is the object of these holy days and Hajj, and it could not be more crucial nor likely more accepted, successful and rewarded than in this special season. Thus, it and its surrounding plain became known as the Mount of Arafah. Located on the route between the two Saudi cities of Mecca and Taif, the Mountain of Mercy is considered one of the most famous and important mountains in Mecca, according to Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The 5 Best Reasons to Join the Caucasian Challenge. According to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him): If one fast on the Day of Arafat, the sins one has committed in the previous year and the year to come, are forgiven. To continue browsing, ", "people prayed at places called Karbala of Iran", "4 Sunnah Acts for Zulhijjah, Especially the Day of Arafah", 4 Sunnah Acts for Zulhijjah, especially the Day of Arafah, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Day_of_Arafah&oldid=1139690552, The Day of Repentance and Acceptance of Supplications, This page was last edited on 16 February 2023, at 11:32. this . The large-scale intervention of the Syrian army in Lebanon in mid-1976 in support of the Christian right against the PLO-Muslim-left alliance strained relations between Arafat and Syrian Pres. Mount Ararat has become a potent symbol for Armenians. In 1969 Arafat was named chairman of the executive committee of the PLO, an umbrella organization created in 1964 by the Arab League in Jerusalem, which had until then been under the control of the Egyptians. Your email address will not be published. remembrance of God (dhikr): It is the practice of the Prophet, on him be peace, in these days to say the remembrances of God in abundance and aloud in the mosque, at home, on the street, and in all permitted places, especially: tamd Alhamdulillah, All praise is for God, tahll L ilha illaLlh, There is no God but Allah. Please select which sections you would like to print: Alternate titles: Muammad Abd ar-Raf al-Qudwah al-usayn, Ysir Araft. According to Islamic tradition: The Day of Arafat is considered a day of Eid and celebration for Muslims. It was narrated from Abu Qatadah that Muhammad was asked about fasting on the day of 'Arafah and he replied: It expiates for the past and coming years. In November 1988 Arafat led the PLO to recognize UN General Assembly Resolution 181 (the famous partition plan of November 1947) and UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 (which called for an end to the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War, respectively). Fasting on the Day of Arafah for non-pilgrims is a highly recommended Sunnah which entails a great reward; Allah forgives the sins of two years. The Israeli invasion of Lebanon forced Arafat to abandon his Beirut headquarters at the end of August 1982 and set up a new headquarters in Tunis, Tunisia. [10] Customs [ edit] It is basically the climax of Hajj when Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat and offer a day-long prayer with recitations of the Quran. Arafat was subsequently commissioned into the Egyptian army, and in October 1956 he served on behalf of Egypt during the Suez Crisis. It occurs on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah (and its surrounding religious waymarks) that Muslims are obligated to perform at least once in their lifetimes, if able. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Yasser Arafat, also spelled Ysir Araft, byname of Muammad Abd al-Raf al-Qudwah al-usayn, also called Ab Ammr, (born August 24?, 1929, Cairo?, Egypt [see Researchers Note]died November 11, 2004, Paris, France), president (19962004) of the Palestinian Authority (PA), chairman (19692004) of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), and leader of Fatah, the largest of the constituent PLO groups. This article is about the mountain. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Huda. In 1949 Arafat began his studies in civil engineering at Cairos King Fud University (later Cairo University). The scholars record four unauthenticated accounts of the origin of the name Arafah for this plain: It marks the place of reunion on earth for Adam and Eve after their divine banishment from the Garden for eating of the forbidden tree. It is the day God revealed these three virtues of Islam to His Prophet, Gods blessing and peace upon him, as part of the Quran (Srat Al-Midah, 5:3). * user name and email shouldn't be left empty. Why do Armenians cherish it so much? In fact, you now have the opportunity to climb Ararat mountain, which we will discuss below if you want more information. It is the day of the Prophets Farewell Pilgrimage (ajj Al-Wada) and his celebrated Farewell Address (Khutbah Al-Wad) to all the believers until the end of time, on him be peace, which took place on a Friday, the Muslim weekly communal day of Congregational Prayer (Jumuah), during which the previously cited revelation came down. The Day of 'Arafah is the Hajj in itself. Arafah rituals end at sunset and pilgrims then move to Muzdalifah for a shortened Maghrib Prayer and Isha prayer and for a short rest. "Meaning and Significance of the Day of Arafat." They met up arafah at a lone mountain in a vast plain. Sudan floods emergency has left countless people bereft of their homes, possessions and vulnerable to water-borne diseases. Mount Ararat has officially been within the borders of Turkey since the Treaty of Kars in 1921, following the Turkish-Armenia war. It is the place where Prophet Muhammad PBUH delivered the Last Sermon. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy, In addition to Mount Arafat and the Mountain of Mercy, the mountain has several names such as the Mount of Repentance and the Mount of Prayers. [11] A pilgrim's Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Arafat. In addition to Mount Arafat and the Mountain of Mercy, the mountain has several names such as the Mountain of Repentance and the Mountain of Prayers. Completion involves arriving at Mount Arafat before noon and spending the afternoon upon the mountain, remaining until sunset. Yasser Arafat, also spelled Ysir Araft, byname of Muammad Abd al-Raf al-Qudwah al-usayn, also called Ab Ammr, (born August 24?, 1929, Cairo?, Egypt [see . Thus, the visit to Mount Arafat is synonymous with the Hajj itself. [12][13] At Masjid al-Namirah, pilgrims offer Zuhr (Dhohr) and Asr prayers together at noon time. Walking towards Mount Arafat and standing on Arafat to pray is an essential part of Hajj; as Prophet Muhammad-Peace and Blessings Upon Him said: "Hajj is Arafat." This means that whoever skips the part of standing on Mount Arafat, did not perform Hajj. The larger one is Masis and the smaller is Sis. And so it remains as such. Imam An-Nawawi mentioned in his book al-Majmu', "With regard to the ruling on this matter, Imam As-Shafi'i and his companions said: It is mustahabb (recommended) to fast on the day of Arafah[17] for the one who is not in Arafah. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The Syrian and Iraqi Bathist regimes, for example, challenged the PLO with their own Palestinian organizations (al-iqah and the Arab Liberation Front, respectively); each maintained deputies within the PLO itself and were funded by and entirely dependent upon their sponsor governments. AFP On Saturday, Muslim pilgrims will take part in the "stoning", the last major ritual of this years hajj. Other examples include Ararel (to create) and Ararats (creature). Without observing it in its proper place and time, there is no Hajj. Muslims believe that it was from this site that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, gave his famous Farewell Sermon in his final year of life. The name Ararat is thought to have several different origins, the most common being that it is named after the ancient Armenian kingdom of Urartu, which existed between the 9th and 6th centuries BC. Follow our most exciting news and announcementshere. The Day of Arafat is, hence, one of the most significant holidays in the entire Islamic calendar. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Such interference stemmed largely from the fact that no Arab country was able to consider the Palestinian issue a truly foreign affair. They are days of eating and drinking". We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and to Welcome to Hajj World! Fact 2: It Is Where the Religion of Islam Was Perfected, Fact 3: It Is the Place of Immense Forgiveness. Allah's Apostle SAWW said; " Three days, the day of Arafah, the day of Tashriq and the day of Nahr are Eid for us. An ever-flowing charity, Sadaqah Jariyah provides clean water so communities can thrive. Then join us on the next. It is an important place in Islam because, during the Hajj, pilgrims spend the afternoon there on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. Our most helpful publications all in one place, so you can get to know us better. In short, one earns a clean slate. Humble yourself to Allaah, manifest your 'uboodiyyah to Him Alone through du'aa, sincere intention and strong determination to free yourself from the sins of the past and to build up a commitment to rush for doing what is good. Providing access to education & creating powerful antidotes to unrest, distrust, & war. A pillar is erected on top of the mountain to show where this event is believed to have taken place. It is the day God perfected the religion of Islam. Ramadan & Hajj are additional opportunities for giving. Caring for those who cant care for themselves. The Caucasian Challenge is a road trip from the edge of Europe to the heart of Armenia. Mount Arafat (Arabic: , romanized:Jabal Araft), and by its other Arabic name, Jabal ar-Ramah (Arabic: , lit. Leading critical projects to heal bodies, minds, & souls. On the 9th of Dhul Hajj, Muslim pilgrims leave Mina for Mount Arafat, where they stand and perform a contemplative vigil and recite the Holy Quran. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. All rights reserved. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. In addition, the study reported that rifting, magmatism, volcanism and seafloor spreading that resulted in the formation of Red Sea seems to have altered the original age of the Arafat granodiorite under study to 9.13 1.05 Ma. It is also known as Jabal Arafat or Jabalar-Rahmah in the Arabic language which means the 'mountain of mercy'. According to Islamic tradition, the hill is the place where the prophet Muhammad stood and delivered the Farewell Sermon to the Muslims who had accompanied him for the Hajj towards the end of his life. However, many Armenian historians give it a more specific meaning. The Hajj: The Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca and the holy places. Also known as Jabal ar-Rahmah, Mount Arafat is located in the southeast of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. increasing righteous deeds: God loves all good deeds and will generously reward them in these days. He comes close and expresses His fulfillment to the angels, saying, "What do these people want?". Where is Mount Ararat located? Fatah carried out its first armed operation in Israel in December 1964January 1965, but it was not until after 1967, with the defeat of the Arab forces by Israel in the Six-Day War (June War), that Fatah and the fedayeen (guerillas operating against Israel) became the focus of Palestinian mobilization. On a normal Hajj, it would be around 21km (13mi) to walk. Its hard to avoid Mount Ararat in Armenia. This day is the culminating event of the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. He was also associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, and in 1954, in the crackdown that followed an assassination attempt on Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser by one of their members, Arafat was jailed for being a Brotherhood sympathizer. [7], Mount Arafat[8] is a granodiorite hill[9] about 20km (12mi) southeast of Mecca in the plain of Arafat. So go forth, My slaves, with all forgiveness, and for whatever and whomever you have pleaded (graded asan by Al-Albn). The Day of Arafat is considered a day of "Eid" and celebration for Muslims. The day closes upon the recitation of the evening prayer ofAl-Maghrib. afiz al-Assad. While Caucasian Challengeteams will have ample opportunity to view Ararat from the comfort of Yerevan, we recommended stopping en route for a particularly dramatic perspective (and especially good photos!). Our maniacal travel research specialists have concocted a handful of the most daring, inspiring & memorable excursions that can be found in the modern world. We've all used books, images and videos to help us learn more about Hajj. The Day of 'Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah - t his year, it is on 8th July 2022. After 1967 most of the Fatah forces were based in Jordan, whence they launched attacks against Israel. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yasser-Arafat, United States History - Biography of Yasser Arafat, Spartacus Educational - Biography of Yasser Arafat, Jewish Virtual Library - Biography of Yasser Arafat, Yasir Arafat - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Yasir Arafat - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Fasting on the day of Arafah is considered mustahab (desirable) for those who are not participating in Hajj. [6], The level area surrounding the hill is called the Plain of Arafat. Even though you will find Armenians in all corners of the world who have many differences, one thing remains the same: all Armenians love and dream about this mountain that has become a sacred site for them. It has been shown that the hottest months on Mount Ararat are July and August, which therefore are the best times to climb Mount Ararat. As a result, Syria alternated between undermining or confronting the PLO (by attacking it directly or indirectly through Palestinian factions) and seeking to draw it into its orbit (by attempting to establish a sort of protectorate over it). Since late 2010, this place is served by Mecca Metro. Arafat, however, suspicious of Syria, strove to maintain PLO autonomy. Algerias independence from France, achieved in 1962, confirmed Arafats belief in the soundness of the principle of relying on ones own strength. Arafat is a propitious day of reward, gratitude and piety. Mount Arafat holds great value in Islamic history and culture and is an essential part of Hajj. The pilgrimage shows self . Mount Arafat or Mount Arafah (Arabic: transliterated Jabal Araft) is a granite hill east of Mecca in the plain of Arafat. Arafat is the day of gratitude: This day is considered as a day of "Eid" and Muslim celebrates it. The Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice in Mecca employs a number of its members during Hajj to raise awareness for pilgrims, with the help of a number of translators. Sometimes there is a project that is so special it needs its own signature. Reap rewards this Ramadan by joining the Ramadan Challenge, 3 Clear signs that your Hajj has been accepted. As a result, the organization was able to open offices in many countries, including in some cities in Europe. The rituals on the Day of Arafah Staying at Arafah is one of the essential components of Hajj. Central to Fatah doctrine, however, was the firmly held notion that the liberation of Palestine was primarily the business of Palestinians and should not be entrusted to Arab regimes or postponed until the achievement of an elusive Arab unity. History and Customs The level area surrounding the hill is called the Plain of Arafat. This page was last changed on 9 July 2022, at 16:19. Also known as 'standing before God', the vigil lasts from noon through sunset and is considered as one of the most significant rites of Hajj. Although Arafat and Fatah were the main players in the PLO, they were not the only ones. The odd is the Day of Arafah, and the even is the Day of Eid [the 10th day of Hajj, Eid al-Aa, the Festival Day of Sacrifice (uiyah qurbani) that follows the Day of Arafah] (Amad). If you continue using ourwebsite, then you have agreed to our policy. Although Arafat tried to return to Lebanon in 1983, he was besieged by Fatah rebels supported by Syria and was again forced into exile. Both government offices and private businesses in Islamic nations are generally closed on the Day of Arafat to allow employees to observe it. [7], As Husayn ibn Ali recited the prayer during the Hajj at Mount Arafat on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, Shia Muslims during the Hajj recite the Arafah prayer from Zuhr prayer to sunset. Mount Ararat has become a potent symbol for Armenians. Arafah, or Araft (literally: the Place of Meeting, or Knowing, or Fragrance) is a vast, open desert plain about 12 miles southeast of the Kabah, which is in the city of Makkah. Both are said to have descended to Earth in different localities according to some accounts, Adam in India and Eve in East Africa. Your continued support allows us to do more. Mount Arafat holds special significance during Hajj. Although the intifah empowered Arafat, it also marked the birth of the militant Islamist organization ams, which would later become Fatahs main challenger in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Last edited on 16 February 2023, at 11:32, "When is the Day of Arafah 2019 before the Eid al-Adha celebrations? Offer it here. It is Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to fast on this day. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. According to Armenian mythology, Ararat was the home of the ancient gods, and even in Christian Armenia, there is a saying, Ararichn ararel e araratsin Araratum (God created man in the land of Ararat). Mount Arafat reaches about 70 m in height and is also known among people as the mount of mercy. Therefore it is advised that when praying at Mount Arafat, a pilgrims heart should be pure and filled with nothing but neediness. The Mountain of Mercy is a chain of little mounds of wide surface areas, made up of big black stones, and it is located on the East side of Mount Arafat with a height of 300 meters and a circumference of 640 meters. After his release he completed his studies, graduating with an engineering degree in July 1956. Marvel as you watch the Kiswa elegantly sway in the wind, experience spending a night under the stars in Muzdalifah, and wonder at the serenity of mount Arafat as we explore what is considered the most important day of Hajj. Lets read on to find out. According to the Islamic traditions, Mount Arafat is a special mountain for Dua (supplication) as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad PBUH made Dua at this very spot. Updates? And who knows- when you reach the top, you might find Noahs Ark! The mountain is especially important during the Hajj, with the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, also known as the Day of 'Arafah after the mountain itself, being the day when Hajj pilgrims leave Mina for Arafat; this day is considered to be the most important day of the Hajj. show you personalized advertising. took from Makkah to Jerusalem and then to the 7th Heaven. Mount Arafat was the place where the following verses were revealed: Today I have perfected for you your religion and completed upon you My blessing, and I have chosen for you Islam as (your) religion. [Holy Quran 5:3], Prophet Umar (RA) later clarified this by stating, We surely know that day and the place where it was revealed upon the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. There are two camps on the mountain- Camp 1 and Camp 2- which you will stay at for a bit so you can get used to the change in climate and pressure. Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres of Israel were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1994. [18], Abu Qatada al-Ansari narrated that the prophet Muhammad was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah, whereupon he said: It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year. One should thank Allah SWT for all the blessings and ask for his forgiveness. Instant guidance for Hajj and Umrah for Pilgrims worldwide. Conflict between Syria and Arafat broadened in the wake of the Israeli invasion, and Syria took advantage of a rift in the PLO to support anti-Arafat factions, hoping to remove Arafat and restyle the PLO as a pro-Syrian organization. On the 9th of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah pilgrims go to Arafat from Mina, for the most important part of the Hajj. (SPA). God names the place of Araft in the Quran and in the same verse cites the pilgrim celebrants completion of that day: Yet when you pour forth from Araft, then remember God much at the Sacred Waymark [of Muzdalifah] (Srat Al-Baqarah, 2:198). https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mount_Arafat&oldid=8329900. The minister also explained that, on this day, God opens his . Ibn ajar, the great scholar and commentator on the statements of the Prophet, on him be peace, known as adth, said in his commentary on this prophetic statement that only in these 10 days of Dhul-ijjah may the believer engage in the performance of all the pillars of worship in Islam at the same time Ritual Prayer (alt), Fasting (awm), Zakt (Obligatory Alms), and Hajj (Pilgrimage) [implicitly testifying that There is no God but Allah]. There is no clear place where the Bible says that Noah and his family journeyed to after the Flood. On the Day of Arafah, from somewhat before noon until sunset, Pilgrims, observing the rules and symbolic dress of ritual pilgrim sanctity (irm), gather to the Plain of Araft and take their stand (wuqf) of faith before God, entreating His mercy and forgiveness. The people would fast on this day to get their bad deeds in the upcoming year, and the past year, taken away. According to the Biblical book of Genesis, On the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat (Genesis 8:4). It is the day God said He chose and was pleased with Al-Islam The Peace as the religion of the believers unto the end of the world. It is the day God bestowed the completion of His divine favor upon the Muslims, and for humanity. As for the pilgrim who is present in Arafah, Imam As-Shafi'i in his book Al-Mukhtasar and his followers declared 'It is mustahabb (recommended) for him not to fast'. It is this that distinguishes them.. Mount Arafat is a granite hill located at the southeastern side of Makkah. please click OK, I Accept. The last sermon (khutbah) is then delivered from Masjid-e-Nimra, and Zuhrain- combinational prayer of Zuhr and Asr is prayed together by all the pilgrims in the valley of Mount Arafat. It is an odyssey of adventure in the Caucasus mountains that will push your limits as you travel to the ends of the Earth. Now, however, the meaning of Ararat is connected with loss of territory and the pain of the Armenian genocide. Patients: All patients with IBD . Thousands will also scale a hill called Jabal al-Rahma, or Mountain of Mercy. Above all, Muhammad did not fast while he stood before Allah offering supplications in Arafah. From us to you! He also announced the establishment of an independent Palestinian state (without defined borders), of which he was nominated president. Although this ancient mountain carries such a major significance for the Armenian people, it is not actually located within the borders of the Republic of Armenia. Mount Arafat reaches about 70 m (230 ft) in height and is known as the "Mountain of Mercy" ( Jabal ar-Rahmah ). He claimed to have fought as a volunteer during the first of the Arab-Israeli wars (194849) and then again against the British at the Suez Canal in the early 1950s, although these claimsalong with other facts and episodes from his early lifehave been disputed. This notion was anathema to the Pan-Arab ideals of Nasser and the Egyptian and Syrian Bath parties, which were then the most influential parties in the region. Instead, it is a part of the Republic of Turkey and forms the border between the two countries. In the Islamic holiday calendar, the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah (the Month of Hajj) is called the Day of Arafat (or Day of Arafah).