1. Geographical Location of Muzdalifah :
Muzdalifah is situated approximately 9 kilometers west of Mount Arafat and 7 kilometers east of Mina,
covering an area of about 12 square kilometers.
It lies within the Haram (sacred boundary of Mecca) and serves as a key stop during the Hajj journey as
pilgrims transition from Arafat to Mina.
The site is open and expansive, allowing for the accommodation of millions of pilgrims who spend the
night there.
2. Historical and Religious Significance of Muzdalifah :
Prophet Muhammad’s Practice: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) spent the night at
Muzdalifah
during his Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajj al-Wida). He prayed and rested there, emphasizing the importance of
gathering at this place.
Quranic Reference :
The gathering at Muzdalifah is referenced in the Quran -
"When you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram (the Sacred Monument—Muzdalifah).
And remember Him as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray." (Surah
Al-Baqarah, 2:198)
Mash’ar al-Haram :
Within Muzdalifah, there is a specific landmark known as Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram, which
refers to a sacred area where the Prophet made supplications (dua) and remembered Allah. Today, a mosque
named Masjid Mash'ar Al-Haram stands at this site.
3. Rituals of Muzdalifah During Hajj :
After completing the standing at Arafat (Wuquf), which is the most important part of Hajj, pilgrims
proceed to Muzdalifah to perform the following rituals:
1. Praying Maghrib and Isha Combined :
Pilgrims reach Muzdalifah after sunset on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah and perform the Maghrib (sunset) and
Isha (night) prayers together, shortening (Qasr) and combining (Jam) them.
This practice of combining prayers is done to emulate the Prophet’s actions during his Hajj and is
considered Sunnah (the practice of the Prophet).
2. Resting and Spending the Night :
Pilgrims spend the entire night under the open sky in Muzdalifah, resting on the ground without tents or
any special accommodations. This simple act symbolizes humility, equality, and submission to Allah.
It is a time for dua (supplication), dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and reflection, allowing pilgrims to
strengthen their spiritual connection with Allah.
The Prophet encouraged his followers to rest at Muzdalifah until just before dawn, making it a time of
renewal and preparation for the next stage of Hajj.
3. Collecting Pebbles for the Rami Ritual :
One of the key activities at Muzdalifah is collecting pebbles to be used in the ritual of Rami
al-Jamarat—the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina.
Pilgrims gather 49 or 70 small pebbles (depending on whether they plan to stay in Mina for two or three
days). These pebbles should be about the size of a chickpea, smooth and not too large.
The stoning ritual symbolizes the rejection of evil and the temptations of Satan, following the example
of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
4. Praying Fajr and Leaving Muzdalifah :
Pilgrims perform the Fajr (dawn) prayer at Muzdalifah before the break of dawn.
After praying, they make dua while facing the Qibla, asking for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy, following
the practice of the Prophet.
After the morning prayers and supplications, pilgrims leave Muzdalifah before sunrise and proceed to
Mina, where they will perform the stoning of the Jamrat al-Aqaba and the other rites associated with the
Day of Eid al-Adha.
4. Symbolism and Lessons from Muzdalifah :
Unity and Equality :
Muzdalifah emphasizes the concept of equality in Islam, as all pilgrims, regardless
of their background, social status, or wealth, sleep under the same sky without distinction. This shared
experience fosters a sense of unity among the global Muslim community.
Simplicity and Humility :
By spending the night in the open and collecting small pebbles, pilgrims are
reminded of the simplicity of life, the temporality of worldly comforts, and the importance of focusing
on the spiritual aspects of existence.
Patience and Endurance :
The journey from Arafat to Muzdalifah and the subsequent stay is a test of
patience and endurance, reflecting the hardships faced by earlier generations of Muslims and reinforcing
the pilgrim’s devotion to fulfilling the rites of Hajj.
5. Practical Considerations for Pilgrims at Muzdalifah :
Transportation:
Pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah from Arafat by buses, cars, or on foot, following
well-defined routes provided by the Hajj authorities. The journey is usually slow due to the large
number of pilgrims moving at the same time.
Overcrowding and Safety :
Muzdalifah can become very crowded, as millions of pilgrims gather in this
relatively small area. Pilgrims are advised to stay with their groups and be mindful of their
surroundings.
Basic Facilities :
Although Muzdalifah is an open area, the Saudi government provides basic facilities
like restrooms and drinking water stations for the comfort of the pilgrims. Pilgrims are encouraged to
bring their own essentials such as mats or blankets for resting on the ground.
6. The Importance of Dua at Muzdalifah :
Muzdalifah is a place where duas (supplications) are highly encouraged, as it is a time for seeking
forgiveness and drawing closer to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made dua at
Muzdalifah, especially after the Fajr prayer, and it is recommended for pilgrims to do the same.
Pilgrims often pray for the acceptance of their Hajj, the well-being of their families, and for the
forgiveness of all Muslims around the world.
7. Connection to the Journey of Prophet Ibrahim :
The rituals at Muzdalifah, including the collection of pebbles for the stoning at Mina, are deeply
connected to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar (Hagar), and their son Ismail
(Ishmael).
The stoning of the Jamarat symbolizes Ibrahim’s rejection of the temptations of Satan, who tried to
dissuade him from obeying Allah’s command. Pilgrims follow in his footsteps, affirming their rejection
of evil and commitment to submitting to Allah’s will.
8. The Spiritual Transition to Mina :
Muzdalifah serves as a bridge between the Arafat experience, where pilgrims seek forgiveness and mercy,
and Mina, where they carry out the physical rituals of stoning, sacrificing animals, and shaving or
trimming their hair.
It marks a transition from the intense spiritual experience of Arafat to the active rituals of Mina,
helping pilgrims prepare mentally and physically for the next stages of Hajj.
Muzdalifah holds a special place in the Hajj journey as a time for reflection, unity, and worship. It is
where pilgrims rest, pray, and prepare themselves for the final days of Hajj, embodying the spirit of
simplicity, humility, and devotion that the pilgrimage represents.
