Arafat: The Central Day of Hajj
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Hajj is Arafat." Standing (wuquf) there on 9 Dhul Hijjah is a pillar: without it Hajj is not valid.
Boundaries and timing
Be inside the boundary markers; the Uranah valley and part of Masjid Namirah lie outside. The standing begins after midday and lasts until sunset (majority view). Someone who reaches Arafat at any time up to dawn of the 10th has caught Hajj.
What to do
- Pray Dhuhr and Asr combined and shortened.
- Make dua at length, facing the qiblah if possible.
- Recite: La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamd, wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir.
- You need not climb Jabal al-Rahmah.
Errors and safety
Leaving before sunset, standing outside the boundary, and heat exhaustion are the main problems. Drink water, use shade and an umbrella, and rest. The sick may stand at Arafat in transport.