Jabal ar-Rahman, also known as Jabal ar-Rahmah or Mount Arafat, is a mountain located in the Mecca Region of Saudi Arabia, rising about 448 meters above sea level. Its name, meaning “Mountain of Rahman,” or “Mountain of Mercy,” derives from Ar-Rahman, one of the noble names of Allah that signifies The Most Merciful. While it does not carry the same historical fame as Jabal al-Nour or Jabal al-Thawr, Jabal Arafat still holds value as part of the sacred landscape of Mecca. Positioned near the Kaaba and Masjid al-Haram, it contributes to the natural scenery that surrounds millions of pilgrims visiting the city for Hajj and Umrah. With its rugged slopes and symbolic name, the mountain reflects both the geographic beauty and the spiritual identity of the Hijaz.
Historical Background of Jabal ar-Rahman
Throughout Islamic history, mountains have shaped moments of revelation, migration, and worship. Mount Arafah, also called Jabal al-Rahmah, stands among these sacred landscapes, carrying symbolic weight tied to mercy and closeness to Allah. Its importance is often discussed alongside events like the Prophet Muhammad stood and delivered the Farewell during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, where pilgrims gathered in Minah near Makkah to hear his final guidance. While Jabal ar-Rahmah itself is not the direct site, its name and presence in the holy land point towards the deep mercy of Allah that was central to the Prophet’s message.
Islamic Importance of ar-Rahman
The mountain is closely tied to the values of worship, patience and mercy. For Muslims, it serves as a symbol of reflection during the scared seasons of Hajj and Umrah. In particular, the mercy resonates deeply during the day of Dhul Hijjah, especially the day of Arafat, when Muslims gather in Makkah, Mina, Ar’afah to perform rituals of devotion. On this ninth day, which is also known as the day of Ar’afah, the best invocation on the day is made while standing at Arafat, asking Allah how to forgive their bad deeds. While Jabal ar-Rahman may not hold the same historic events as Jabal al-Nour or Jabal al-Thawr, its symbolic importance remains strong. Believers see it as a reminder of forgiveness, prayer and connection with Almighty.
Visiting Jabal ar-Rahman During Pilgrimage
For millions of Muslims travelling for Hajj, the journey is not limited to rituals inside Makkah. Pilgrims often seek to experience other spiritual landmarks like Mina, Arafat, and Jabal ar-Rahmah. Many guided tours include the mountain, offering believers a chance to reflect on God’s mercy during their stay. Pilgrims spend the afternoon, recalling how the Prophet stood and delivered the Sermon, to the Muslims that emphasized justice, equality, and mercy. Standing near it, Muslims remember that the Prophet delivered the sermon toward the end of his life, where he prayed together with the ummah, making this an important place in Islam and a symbolic part of the Hajj.
Spiritual Reflections at Jabal ar-Rahman
Muslims often connect Jabal ar-Rahman to the virtue of this place, drawing parallels to the plain of Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad delivered the Farewell Sermon. Just as millions of Muslims gather on the ninth day, standing at Ar’afah, believers reflect here on Almighty mercy and forgiveness, hoping for their sins of past to be forgiven. On this day, he draws near to the earth, promising the forgiveness of the great sins, and sets free more souls from the hell than on any other day.
Jabal ar-Rahmah and the day of Arafah
Though distinct from Mount Arafah, Jabal ar-Rahman reminds Muslims of the day of Arafah, an essential part of the journey. On that scared day, pilgrims spend the whole day on the mountain, making dua and asking Allah to forgive their bad deeds. According to narrations, it is the day in which Almighty frees more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafat. That day Allah is considered one of the most blessed day, where believers seek Allah to forgive their sins. Many also observe the Sunnah to fast on the day, as it is said to erase their the sins of the past year and the coming year. The fast on this day is among the greatest acts of worship for those not performing hajj.
Lessons from Prophet Adam and Hawa
The symbolism of Mount Arafat also resonates with the story of Prophet Adam and Hawa, who after being taken out of Jannah and placed on earth,
were reunited at Arafat. This reminder of reunion, mercy, and forgiveness deepens the meaning of the Mount of Mercy, also known as Jabal al-Rahmah.
Rituals After Sunset
As rituals end at sunset and Muslims then move to Muzdalifah, many recall how the Islamic Prophet delivered the goodbye during the hajj towards the end of his life, when he prayed together with the Muslims. This ties Jabal ar-Rahman, the Mount of Mercy, to an important place in Islam, and a reminder of God’s mercy.
Standing here, pilgrims reflect on the sins of the past, asking Allah to forgive their sins, just as the day of Arafat is the day in which Almighty sets free more souls from the fire of hell than any other. With its deep religious significance, Jabal ar-Rahman remains an essential part of pilgrimage, symbolizing mercy, forgiveness, and faith.
