Arafat, to enjoy from its summit a more distinct view of the whole.
This granite hill, which is also called _Djebel er' Rahme_, or the
Mountain of Mercy, rises on the north-east side of the plain, close to
the mountains which encompass it, but separated from them by a rocky
valley; it is about a mile, or a mile and a half in circuit; its sides
are sloping, and its summit is nearly two hundred feet above the level
of the plain. On the eastern side broad stone steps lead up to the top,
and a broad unpaved path, on the western, over rude masses of granite,
with which its declivity is covered. After mounting about forty steps,
we find a spot a little on the left, called Modaa Seydna Adam, or the
place of prayer of our Lord Adam, where, it is related, that the father
of mankind used to stand while praying; for here it was, according to
Mohammedan tradition, that the angel Gabriel first instructed Adam how
to adore his Creator. A marble slab, bearing an inscription in modern
characters, is fixed in the side of the mountain. On reaching about the
sixtieth step, we come to a small paved platform to our right, on a
level spot of the hill, where the preacher stands who admonishes the
pilgrims on the afternoon of this day, as I shall hereafter mention.
Thus high, the steps are so broad and easy that a horse or camel may
ascend; but higher up they become more steep and uneven. On the summit,
the place is shown where Mohammed used to take his station during the
Hadj; a small chapel formerly stood over it; but this was destroyed by
the Wahabys: here the pilgrims usually pray two rikats, in salutation
of Arafat. The steps and the summit are covered with handkerchiefs to
receive their pious gifts, and each family of the Mekkawys or Bedouins
of the tribe of Koreysh, in whose territory Arafat lies, has its
particular spot assigned to it for this purpose. The summit commands a
very extensive and singular prospect. I brought my compass to take a
circle of bearings; but the crowd was so great that I could not use it.
Towards the western extremity of the plain are seen Bir Bazan and the