On the second day of Hajj, known as Yawm al-Arafat (the Day of Arafat) or Yawm al-Wuquf (the Day of Standing), pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafat where they combine Dhuhr and Asr prayers and engage in Wuquf, the most solemn rite of the Hajj. After sunset, they leave for Muzdalifah without performing Maghrib salah.
Fajr in Mina
After spending the night in Mina, you will perform the Fajr prayer in the morning. As previously mentioned, wake up at least an hour and a half before Fajr to use the washing facilities and avoid the crowds.
You will now have offered five obligatory prayers at Mina before departing for Arafat.
Fasting
Although fasting on the Day of Arafat is very virtuous for non-pilgrims, it isn’t recommended for pilgrims. Ikrimah I narrates:
I entered upon Abu Hurairah in his house and asked him about fasting the Day of Arafat at Arafat. Abu Hurairah said: ‘The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade fasting the Day of Arafat at Arafat.’1
Takbir al-Tashreeq
Starting immediately after Fajr salah on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, audibly recite Takbir al-Tashreeq at least once after every fardh salah, up to and including Asr salah on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah (a total of 23 fardh prayers).
Takbir al-Tashreeq is the recitation of the following:
اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدِ ❁
Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, lā ilaha illa Llāhu wa Llāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa li Llāhi l-ḥamd.
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest and all praises are for Allah only.
Notes:
- Talbiyah is recited after Takbir al-Tashreeq.
- Takbir al-Tashreeq is wajib (obligatory) for both men and women, according to the Hanafi Madhhab.
- Men will recite it audibly, whilst women will recite it softly.
Virtues of the Day of Arafat
The Prophet ﷺ said in a famous Hadith:
Hajj is Arafat.
[Narrated in Sunan al-Tirmidhi]
This saying of the Prophet ﷺ indicates that standing on the plains of Arafat during Yawm al-Arafat is of such immense importance that without it, the entire Hajj is invalid.
He is also reported to have said:
This is a day on which those who control their hearing, sight, and tongue will be forgiven.
[Narrated in Musnad Ahmad]
The Prophet ﷺ said the following about this day:
There is no day on which Allah ransoms more slaves from the Fire than the Day of Arafat. He draws closer and closer, then He boasts about them before the angels and says: ‘What do these people want?’
[Narrated in Sunan Ibn Majah]
Jabir narrated I that the Prophet ﷺ said:
No day is better to Allah than the Day of Arafat. Allah descends to the lowest heaven, and He boasts to the inhabitants of the heavens about the inhabitants of the earth, saying: ‘Look at My servants, appearing dishevelled and dusty. They came from every mountain pass, hoping for My mercy. They do not see My punishment, yet they do not see that on no day are more saved from Hellfire than the Day of Arafat.’
[Narrated in Sahih ibn Hibban]
Talhah ibn Ubaydullah ibn Kariz I reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
Shaytan is not considered more abased or more cast out or more contemptible or more furious on any day than on the Day of Arafah. That is only because he sees the descent of mercy and major sins being forgiven by Allah. That is except from what he was shown on the Day of Badr. Someone asked, ‘What was he shown on the Day of Badr, Messenger of Allah?’ He replied, ‘Didn’t he see Jibril arranging the ranks of the angels?’
[Narrated in Muwatta Malik]
Ghusl for the Day of Arafat
It is sunnah to perform ghusl on the Day of Arafat. This can be done in Arafat before the Wuquf (standing) or it can be done in Mina before departing for Arafat. The restrictions of Ihram obviously apply too, so extra care should be taken when doing ghusl, i.e., no scrubbing, ensuring shampoo/soap is unscented if used, etc.
Travelling to Arafat
Depart from Mina after sunrise, as this was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ. The distance from Mina to Arafat is about 13 kilometres (8 miles).
Most pilgrims reach Arafat before or after Dhuhr, although delays may occur due to traffic congestion. Don’t panic if you’re still in Mina at this time and you feel you are late; your group leader will ensure you reach your destination. Use this time wisely; you may engage in dhikr, make du’a, take a shower or have breakfast.
As you leave, traffic may flow very slowly, and you may find that it gets hot on the bus. Ensure you take cold drinking water and some snacks for your journey.
If you’re a woman and get separated from your husband/Mahram, you must ensure you reach Arafat, even if you have to travel alone. Look for a group of women to travel with if you get separated.
Walking
If you elect to travel to Arafat by foot, keep in mind that it will probably be the most challenging walk you will encounter during the course of your Hajj. The walk is lengthy, particularly if you’re from Europe, as the Europa camps are situated on the other side of Arafat, meaning the distance of the journey will exceed 8 miles. Finding your camp upon arrival in Arafat may also prove challenging. It is also worth noting that the Prophet ﷺ rode from Mina to Arafat on a conveyance, so travelling from Mina to Arafat by foot is not a sunnah practice.
If you decide to walk, wake up about an hour and a half before Fajr salah. Have a light meal, pack your bags, perform wudhu, and prepare for Fajr salah. Leave items that you won’t need in Mina as you need to travel light on this day; your belongings will be safe since you’ll return to Mina on the evening of the 10th (3rd day) or the morning of the 11th (4th day) of Dhul Hijjah. Remember to bring your sleeping bag or mat for Muzdalifah if you have one. Sleeping bags may also be provided to you at Arafat. Ensure you have a container to collect pebbles in Muzdalifah. Immediately after Fajr Salah, begin your walk. It is important to leave immediately after Fajr to avoid walking in the sun.
The journey from Mina to Arafat takes about 3 to 3.5 hours on foot, covering a distance of approximately 12 km. For pilgrims travelling by bus, the trip can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 6-12 hours.
Arrival in Arafat
The word “Arafat” is derived from the Arabic verb “arafa”, which means “to know” or “to recognise”. Imam al-Qurtubi V, the famous Maliki scholar, said:
The area was named Arafat because it is there that people get to know one another.
For your Hajj to be deemed valid, you must perform Wuquf in Arafat i.e. you must spend a portion of time in Arafat between midday and the beginning of Fajr on the following day. If you don’t reach Arafat during this period, your Hajj will be regarded as incomplete.
If you arrive early, take some time to rest and get some sleep, as the time of Arafat doesn’t begin until after midday. Some people erroneously start their du’a for Arafat before midday and rest in the evening; this is an incorrect practice and should be avoided.
During the course of the day, you should spend as much time in dhikr and ibadah (worship) as possible. It is perhaps a day that you will never experience again, so make the most of it.
Dhuhr and Asr Salah in Arafat
After midday, if you haven’t already done so in Mina, perform ghusl.
You may then remain in your camp or head towards Masjid Nimra, combining the Dhuhr and Asr prayers in Qasr mode, i.e., shorten them. This is the location where the Prophet ﷺ delivered his sermon during his final Hajj. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims will congregate here, so if you cannot get a space in or around the mosque, you should pray in your tent.
According to the Hanafi Madhhab, there are two opinions regarding combining Dhuhr and Asr salah:
- Dhuhr and Asr can only be combined in Masjid Nimra behind the Imam. The two prayers cannot be combined in the tents, so they must be performed during their respective times in the tents if the masjid is inaccessible. This is the opinion of Imam Abu Hanifah V.
- The two prayers can be combined in the tents at the time of Dhuhr. This is the opinion of Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad, the two foremost students of Imam Abu Hanifah X.
Both viewpoints are valid, so choose one that you wish to follow.
The other three Sunni schools of thought state that combining the prayers in the tents is permissible.
Before the salah takes place in the mosque, there is a khutbah (sermon). Those who manage to get a space in the masjid or are within hearing distance should listen to the khutbah attentively.
The combined salah is then performed as follows:
- There is one adhan.
- Iqama (the call to prayer immediately before the salah) is made for Dhuhr.
- Takbir is made for Dhuhr fardh salah and two rak’ahs are performed.
- After the prayer is completed, while standing, recite Takbir al-Tashreeq.
- Iqama is made for Asr.
- Takbir is made for Asr fardh salah and two rak’ahs are performed.
- After the prayer is completed, recite Takbir al-Tashreeq and Talbiyah.
- No additional nafl (optional) prayers are performed before or after these prayers.
If you’re not combining the two prayers, perform the sunnah and fardh of Dhuhr at the time of Dhuhr. When the time for Asr comes in, perform the fardh for Asr salah. Recite Takbir al-Tashreeq after the fardh for both of these prayers.
If you are too far from the masjid and have access to a radio, you can listen to the khutbah. The sermon will be in Arabic, so someone from your group will need to translate it.
Lunch is normally provided after salah. However, it is advised that you shouldn’t spend too much time eating, as the time after salah needs to be spent wisely.
Wuquf at Arafat
After salah, you will stay in Arafat until sunset and perform Wuquf (standing). This period of time is extremely important, so full advantage must be taken. During your Wuquf, spend your time:
- Reading the Quran.
- Doing dhikr.
- Sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Reciting Talbiyah.
- Offering your supplications.
Don’t spend your time eating, engaging in idle talk or sleeping during the most important day of your Hajj pilgrimage. Seize the moment, separate yourself from people and connect to Allah.
If you can, stand in the open and raise your hands in supplication to Allah, facing the Kaaba, as the Prophet ﷺ had done. It is recommended that you do Wuquf at the foot of Jabal al-Rahmah (the Mount of Mercy), although you can stand or sit outside your tent if you please.
During these sacred moments, you are alone with Allah, so use this time to repent earnestly and supplicate in abundance. It is a period where du’as are readily accepted, so make the most of the opportunity. You may supplicate in any language or recite masnoon du’as (du’as of the Prophet ﷺ recorded in the sunnah). Ensure you know the meaning of what you’re reciting if you don’t understand Arabic.
Remember to supplicate for:
- The Holy Prophet ﷺ.
- Our pious predecessors M.
- Yourself.
- Your family and relatives.
- The entire Muslim community, especially those suffering around the world.
- Those who have passed away.
It is a good idea to prepare a list of du’as beforehand and a list of all those who asked you to pray for them on your Hajj.
Please note:
- If the heat gets too intense whilst you’re making du’a and it’s affecting you physically, you may make du’a in your tent or in some shade, standing or sitting. If you get tired of keeping your arms raised, you may continue to make du’a without raising them.
- Menstruating women can recite verses from the Holy Quran, but can only do so without touching the mushaf (copy of the Quran) or without touching the verses if reading from a du’a book.
- Tour operators often arrange for scholars to travel with the group, and they often give lengthy and sometimes unnecessary lectures. While these lectures can be inspiring, it is important to focus on the primary purpose of your Hajj, especially in Arafat. Your time should be dedicated to making du’a and dhikr, particularly in these blessed moments.
Examples of Du’a
Here are some specific things you can pray for on the Day of Arafat:
Forgiveness and Repentance: Ask Allah for forgiveness for all your sins, both major and minor. It is a day when Allah’s mercy is abundant, and sincere repentance can lead to having past sins wiped away. For example:
O Allah, forgive me for my sins, both large and small, those I have committed knowingly and unknowingly. Guide me to be better in the future.
Personal Needs and Desires: Supplicate for your personal needs, whether they are related to health, wealth, family, career, or any other aspect of your life. For example:
O Allah, grant me health, prosperity, and happiness. Fulfil my needs and help me achieve my goals in a way that is beneficial for me in this life and the hereafter.
Guidance and Strength in Faith: Pray for steadfastness in faith, guidance, and the ability to stay on the right path. For example:
O Allah, strengthen my faith, keep me on the straight path, and help me to overcome any trials that come my way.
The Well-being of Family and Friends: Pray for the well-being, happiness, and success of your family and friends. For example:
O Allah, bless my family and friends with good health, happiness, and success in all their endeavours. Protect them from harm and guide them always.
The Ummah: Supplicate for the Ummrah around the world, especially those who are suffering or in need. For example:
O Allah, help and protect Muslims around the world who are suffering. Grant them relief, strength, and a peaceful resolution to their hardships.
The Deceased: Pray for those who have passed away, asking Allah to grant them forgiveness and a place in Jannah (Paradise). For example:
O Allah, forgive the sins of my loved ones who have passed away. Grant them Jannah and make their graves a place of light.
Acceptance of Good Deeds: Ask Allah to accept all your good deeds and efforts. For example:
O Allah, accept all my good deeds, prayers, and acts of worship. Multiply their rewards and purify my intentions.
Protection from Hellfire: Seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of the Hellfire. For example:
O Allah, protect me and my loved ones from the punishment of Hellfire. Grant us Jannah and make us among those who are saved on the Day of Judgment.
Recommended Prayers for Wuquf
Following are examples of prayers you can recite during Wuquf.
Quran
Below are some Surahs that are particularly recommended for recitation due to their significance and the virtues associated with them:
- Surah al-Fatiha (The Opening): This Surah is the opening chapter of the Quran and is recited in every unit of the Muslim prayer. It is a comprehensive prayer for guidance, lordship, and mercy.
- Surah al-Ikhlas (The Sincerity): Reciting this Surah is equivalent to reciting one-third of the Quran in terms of its value and significance. It emphasizes the oneness of Allah.
- Surah al-Kahf (The Cave): Reciting Surah Al-Kahf is believed to provide protection from the trials of the Dajjal (Antichrist).
- Surah al-Mulk (The Sovereignty): Reciting this Surah provides protection from the torment of the grave. It is full of reflections on the creation and the power of Allah.
- Surah Yaseen: Often referred to as the heart of the Quran, this Surah is known for its spiritual benefits and is frequently recited for various needs.
- Surah al-Rahman (The Beneficent): This Surah highlights the blessings and mercy of Allah, reminding us of His favours and encouraging gratitude.
- Surah al-Waqi’ah (The Event): Reciting this Surah is believed to protect one from poverty. It describes the events of the Day of Judgment and the final destination of people based on their deeds.
- Surah al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage): Given that the Day of Arafat is closely associated with Hajj, reciting this Surah can be very meaningful. It covers various aspects of the pilgrimage and the significance of faith and sacrifice.
- Surah al-Duha (The Morning Brightness): This Surah offers comfort and reassurance, reminding believers that Allah’s blessings and support are always present.
- Surah al-Ikhlas (The Sincerity), Surah al-Falaq (The Daybreak), and Surah al-Nas (The Mankind): These last three Surahs, also known as the “three Quls,” are often recited together for protection and seeking refuge in Allah.
Praise of Allah
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best of supplication is the supplication of the Day of Arafat. And the best of what I and the Prophets before me have said is”:
لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ❁ لَهُ المُلْكُ ولَهُ الْحَمْدُ ❁ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ❁
Lā ilāha illa Llāhu wahdahu lā sharīka lah, lahu l-mulk, wa lahu l-ḥamd, wa Huwa ʿalā kulli shay’in qadīr.
There is no god but Allah, the One Who has no partner. His is the kingdom and His is the praise, and He has power over all things.2
Below are more du’as in the praise of Allah:
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ وَ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَاللهُ اَكْبَرُ ❁
Subḥāna Llāhi wa l-ḥamdu li-Llāhi wa lā ilāha illa Llāhu wa Llāhu Akbar.
Transcendent is Allah, all Praise belongs to Allah, there is no God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest.
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❁ سُبْحَانَ اللهِ الْعَظِيم ❁
Subḥāna Llāhi wa bi ḥamdihi, subḥāna Llāhi l-ʿAẓīm.
Transcendent is Allah by His Own Praise, Transcendent is Allah the Greatest.
You can also recite:
- The Tasbeeh: “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah).
- The Takbeer: “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
- The Tahmeed: “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah).
Istighfar
Seek Allah’s pardon with istighfar. Below are two virtuous du’as from the sunnah:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَتُبْ عَلَيَّ إنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ ❁
Rabbi-ghfir lī wa tub ʿalayya innaka anta t-tawwābu r-raḥīm.
O Lord, forgive me and accept my repentance, for You are the Accepter of repentance, the Most Merciful.
أسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ الَّذِي لا إلَهَ إلا هُوَ الحَيُّ القَيُومُ وَأتُوبُ إلَيهِ ❁
Astaghfiru Llāha lladhī lā ilaha ilā huwa l-ḥayyu l-qayūmu wa atūbu ilayh.
I seek forgiveness from Allah, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer, and I turn to Him in repentance.
Salawat
Try to send an abundance of Salawat on this day. The following is an example of a prayer upon the Prophet ﷺ that you can recite:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ وَعَلَيْنَا مَعَهُمْ ❁
Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīma, innaka ḥamīdun majīdun wa ʿalaynā maʿahum.
O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad just as You have sent prayers upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibraham, verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious, and (send prayers) upon us with them.
Examples of short Salawat you can recite.
Leaving Arafat
It is wajib to stay in Arafat until sunset. If you leave before sunset, a penalty will be due upon you. Immediately after sunset, you will leave Arafat and proceed to Muzdalifah.
Maghrib salah shouldn’t be performed at Arafat. It must be observed at Muzdalifah later in the evening, combined with Isha salah. If it is performed at Arafat, it must be repeated at Muzdalifah.
Scholars have different opinions on why Maghrib is delayed and combined with Isha at Muzdalifah:
- Imam Malik: All prayers during Hajj are part of its rituals. Everyone, whether travelling or residing in Makkah, should shorten and combine prayers.
- Imam al-Shafi’i: The delay is due to pilgrims’ travel requirements. Travellers (non-Makkah residents) can combine and shorten prayers, while Makkah residents cannot.
- Imam Ahmad: Travellers can combine and shorten prayers, but Makkah residents can only combine them, not shorten them.
The primary reason for delaying and combining these prayers is to ease the burden on pilgrims. This allows pilgrims to fulfil the rites of Hajj on the Day of Arafat and the following day, providing an opportunity for rest before the demanding activities of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. This view is considered the strongest among scholars.
Before you leave, ensure you use the toilets and perform wudhu in Arafat, as you will perform salah in Muzdalifah. Plan to avoid using the toilet and washing facilities in Muzdalifah because they tend to get very crowded. It will also be dark by the time you get there.
If you board the coach and start your journey towards Muzdalifah before sunset, don’t worry, as the coach will remain within the boundary of Arafat and will only cross after sunset.
This journey can be a quick one or it can take some time, depending on traffic and your location in Arafat. Many pilgrims choose to journey to Muzdalifah by foot.
Walking
The journey to Muzdalifah will take approximately 2 hours if you intend to walk. The distance between the two sites is about 8 kilometres (5 miles). You may walk towards the boundary of Arafat before sunset, but ensure you don’t cross this boundary until the sun has actually set. The boundaries for Arafat are indicated by large yellow signposts.
As you proceed to Muzdalifah, exercise patience and continue to recite Talbiyah and other prayers.
The Prophet ﷺ at Arafat
The Prophet ﷺ left for Arafat on the morning of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (a Friday) 10 AH (632 CE).
After having performed Fajr at Mina, he addressed his companions. Jabir ibn Abdullah I narrates:
After the prayer the Prophet ﷺ ordered everyone to remain in their places and proclaimed the majesty of the Allah with the following words: ‘Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil Hamd’. He uttered these words after each prayer until Asr of the last day of Tashreeq.3
When he arrived at Nimrah, an area just before Arafat, he stayed in a tent which had been erected for him. His wives remained in tents around him. When the sun came down from its meridian, he sent for his she-camel, al-Qaswa, and he rode into the interior of Uranah valley, a spacious expanse where his companions were able to gather around him. He arrived at the bottom of the valley and, seated on his camel, addressed thousands of companions with a powerful speech, now known as Khutbatul Wida (Farewell Sermon).
Dhuhr and Asr
After the sermon, the Prophet ﷺ instructed Bilal I to recite the adhan and to utter the iqama for Dhuhr salah thereafter. The Prophet ﷺ and his companions then observed the Dhuhr prayer, which was offered in Qasr mode i.e. the prayer was shortened to two rak’ahs. Bilal then uttered the iqama for Asr salah, which was led by the Prophet ﷺ immediately after Dhuhr salah, again in Qasr mode. The Prophet ﷺ did not perform any supererogatory prayers (sunan) between the two prayers but prayed both of them together at the time of Dhuhr with one adhan and two iqamas.4
Wuquf at Jabal al-Rahmah
After completing his prayers, the Prophet ﷺ mounted his she-camel and travelled further into the valley of Arafat, towards Jabal al-Rahmah. He stopped at the foot of the mountain and turned towards the Qibla, remaining in a position where the mountain was just ahead of him. Jabir ibn Abdullah I narrates:
He then mounted (his she-camel) al-Qaswa and came to the place of standing, making his she-camel al-Qaswa turn its back to the rocks and having the path taken by those who went on foot in front of him and he faced the qibla. He remained standing till sunset when the yellow light had somewhat gone and the disc of the sun had disappeared.5
The great scholar Imam Nawawi V writes:
All of Arafat is a place of Wuquf although its best place is the Prophet’s ﷺ place of Wuquf, which is near the large stones laid out at the bottom of Jabal al-Rahmah in the heart of Arafat.6
The Prophet ﷺ sent word to the people to take their positions at the places appointed for the ritual. He instructed one of his Ansari companions, Ibn Mirba I, to tell the people within Arafat: “Stay where you are, for you are following the legacy of your father Ibrahim S.”7 The Prophet ﷺ informed them that Wuquf on the 9th Dhul Hijjah can be carried out anywhere within the confines of Arafat. He said: “I have stood here and all of Arafat is a place of standing.”8
Dua of the Prophet ﷺ
He then raised his hands in supplication and began to implore and beseech Allah from midday until the sun had set, all the while seated on his camel. When the Prophet ﷺ supplicated, he would raise his hands to the level of his chest in a similar manner to a needy person pleading for provision. At one point, his camel became unsettled and the rein fell off. He picked it up with one hand while his other hand was raised in supplication.9
The Prophet ﷺ supplicated for himself and his Ummah and declared that du’a made on the Day of Arafat is the best of supplications. Amr ibn Shu’aib narrates from his grandfather that the Prophet ﷺ said:
The best of supplication is the supplication of the Day of Arafat. And the best of what I and the Prophets before me have said is:
لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ❁ لَهُ المُلْكُ ولَهُ الْحَمْدُ ❁ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ❁
Lā ilāha illa Llāhu wahdahu lā sharīka lah, lahu l-mulk, wa lahu l-ḥamd, wa Huwa ʿalā kulli shay’in qadīr.
There is no god but Allah, the One Who has no partner. His is the kingdom and His is the praise, and He has power over all things.10
Describing the supplication the Prophet ﷺ made for his Ummah, al-Abbas ibn Mirdas al-Sulami I narrates:
The Prophet ﷺ, during the latter part of the Day of Arafat, supplicated abundantly for the forgiveness of the Ummah. Allah informed the Prophet ﷺ: ‘I have accepted your supplication but I will not forgive the oppressors.’ The Prophet ﷺ pleaded ‘O my Lord, You have the ability to give the oppressed greater reward for their suffering at the hands of the oppressor, so forgive the oppressor.’ However, that part of the supplication wasn’t accepted that evening but was accepted after the Prophet ﷺ repeated the supplication at Muzdalifah.’11
As well as du’a, the Prophet ﷺ continued to recite Talbiyah during his Wuquf on the Day of Arafat.
The Prophet ﷺ spent the rest of the day in fervent prayer and supplication. Such was his devotion that there was a dispute among the companions about whether he was fasting or not. Lubaba bint al-Harith (Umm al-Fadl) J, the wife of al-Abbas ibn Abdul Mutallib I, sent him a cup of milk to determine if he was fasting or not. The Prophet ﷺ drank the milk while he was riding his camel, confirming that he was not, in fact, fasting.12
Ready for Departure
As the Prophet ﷺ was ready to depart from Arafat, he summoned Usama ibn Zayd I to ride with him on his camel.13 This may have come to a surprise to many, particularly those new to Islam, since Usama was a young man of Abyssinian heritage. The Prophet ﷺ, however, wanted to emphasise the egalitarian nature of the pilgrimage and the Muslim community as a whole. He thus declared that “no Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, nor a white man over a black one, except by being more God-fearing.”
Journey to Muzdalifah
After the sun had set and the afterglow had dissipated somewhat, the Prophet ﷺ left Arafat for Muzdalifah, by way of al-Ma’zimayn with Usama ibn Zayd seated behind him. Al-Ma’ziman are two mountains between Arafat and Muzdalifah and are today known as al-Akhshabain.
As he set off, he lifted his right hand, with his palm facing upwards and said: “People, remain calm and proceed easily.” When he heard the hurried jostling of the people behind him, he pointed at them with his whip and said, “Be calm, oh people! May God’s tranquillity be upon you. Piety is not measured by the speed of a horse or a camel.” He pulled the reins of his she-camel so tightly that its head was touching the middle of his saddle so as to control it. When he went uphill, he loosened his grip on the rein so that it could ascend without difficulty. Whenever he was crowded by the people around him, he continued at a trotting pace. Whenever he came across an open space, relatively free of people, he made the camel walk briskly. During his journey, the Prophet ﷺ proclaimed Talbiyah abundantly.14
As he reached Shi’b al-Idhkhir pathway, on the left side of the road between the two mountains as Muzdalifah approaches, he dismounted his camel and descended to a low place where he relieved himself. When he returned, Usama provided him with water, allowing him to perform a light ablution. Usama asked whether they should stop for prayer, to which the Prophet ﷺ replied: “The place of prayer is ahead of you (at Muzdalifah)”. They then mounted the camel and proceeded to Muzdalifah.15
The companions, out of their immense love for the Prophet ﷺ, would want to emulate everything that he did. Anas ibn Sirin I narrates:
I was with Abdullah Ibn Umar at Arafat and when he rested, I rested with him until the Imam came and he prayed Dhuhr and Asr with him. Then he did Wuquf with him, as did I and some companions of mine, until the Imam went forth (from Arafat to Muzdalifah). We proceeded with him until we reached a narrow path near al-Ma’zimayn, where he halted his camel and so did we, as we thought that he wanted to pray. His servant, who was holding his animal, said: ‘He does not intend to pray, but he remembered that the Prophet ﷺ relieved himself when he reached this place, so he (Ibn Umar) loves to relieve himself here.’16
Facilities
Accommodation
The plain of Arafat is not huge, but pilgrims are accommodated with little problem.
Like in Mina, pilgrims in Arafat are divided into groups and their accommodation is pre-allocated according to their country of origin. Again, streets and camps are numbered, so learn your camp number or note it down somewhere.
The tents in Arafat are usually large and wide. Some tents have air conditioning and fans, while others don’t. It would, therefore, be a good idea to bring a portable cooling device as the Day of Arafat can get extremely hot.
Once again, your tent is determined by your tour operator, so don’t hesitate to contact your agent if you have questions or concerns regarding your stay in Arafat or any other location.
Food
You will need to check with your agent on the type of food that will be provided – meals can be pre-packed and come in a box, or they may be cooked and served directly to you. The time at which these meals are served can also vary, so be prepared to eat at irregular times.
In Arafat, there are no food shops, as you might have found in Mina. For this reason, it is a good idea to take some eatables such as biscuits, dates, fruits and water with you when you depart from Mina. Again, ensure you drink plenty of water to keep hydrated as it can get very hot in Arafat. Also, keep some sweets with you to provide energy when you need it.
Sleeping
You won’t be sleeping in Arafat, but there should be sufficient room to rest if need be.
Boundaries
You must ensure you remain within the specified boundaries of Arafat during the 9th. The boundaries for Arafat are indicated by large yellow signposts.
Mosques
The main mosque in Arafat is known as Masjid Nimra. It is at this location that the Prophet ﷺ camped and delivered his sermon during his farewell Hajj.
If you are inside this mosque, be aware that a sizeable portion of the front of the mosque is outside the boundary of Arafat. There are clear signs within the mosque indicating the boundary.
Medical Facilities
There is a large hospital in Arafat, situated close to Jabal al-Rahmah.
There are also various mobile clinics.
Toilet & Washing Facilities
All the camps in Arafat have shower and toilet facilities. The toilets have been combined with shower facilities, which provide water 24 hours a day.
There is a combination of sitting toilets and squat toilets, i.e. a “hole in the ground”. The toilets are generally well-maintained and clean.
The toilet areas can get very busy, so be prepared to wait a while for your turn.
There are also wudhu facilities available next to the toilet areas. Again, these facilities can get very crowded.
Tips:
- Be early and avoid the crowds to take a shower or to perform wudhu – the facilities may even more congested than those in Mina so keep this in mind.
- Avoid the washing facilities about 20 minutes before salah and immediately after having a meal.
- Use the washing facilities when people are eating or listening to lectures.
- Bring a hook to hang your Ihram when using the toilet/shower as there may not be any hooks in the cubicle.
Summary
- Pray Fajr in Mina.
- Perform ghusl in Mina.
- Depart for Arafat after sunrise.
- Combine Dhuhr and Asr salah in Arafat.
- After salah, perform Wuquf of Arafat by performing dhikr and making du’a.
- Depart Arafat for Muzdalifah after sunset without performing Maghrib salah.
References
| ↑1 | Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1732. |
|---|---|
| ↑2, ↑10 | Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3585; Malik, Hadith No. 504 & 951. |
| ↑3 | Al-Bayhaqi, al-Dda’awat al-Kubra, V.2, P.165, Hadith No.540. |
| ↑4 | Muslim, Hadith No. 1218; Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 1905; Ibn Hibban, Hadith No. 3944. |
| ↑5 | Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 1905. |
| ↑6 | Imam Nawawi, al-Idhah fi Manasik al-Hajj wal-Umrah. |
| ↑7 | Al-Nasa’i, Hadith No. 3014; Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 1919; Ahmad, Hadith No. 17233. |
| ↑8 | Muslim, Hadith No. 1218. |
| ↑9 | Al-Nasa’i, Hadith No. 3011; Ahmad, Hadith No. 21821. |
| ↑11 | Ibn Kathir, al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah; Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 3013. |
| ↑12 | Muslim, Hadith No. 1123. |
| ↑13 | Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1686. |
| ↑14 | Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1671; Muslim, Hadith No. 1218 & 1282; al-Nasa’i, Hadith No. 3018 & 3019; Ahmad, Hadith No. 2507, 21756 & 21760. |
| ↑15 | Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 139, 1667 & 1670; Muslim, Hadith No. 1280 & 1282; Ahmad, Hadith No. 21814. |
| ↑16 | Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1668; Ahmed, Hadith No. 6151. |