Mina: On Saturday, the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, 1445 AH, crowds of pilgrims will head to the Plain of Arafat to perform the greatest pillar of Hajj.
This is the momentous day described by the Prophet -(peace be upon him)- as the best day, when Muslims stand on Arafat from sunrise until sunset.
Arafat and ‘Arafah’ are two terms that most scholars use interchangeably, referring to the only Hajj site located outside the sacred precincts of Makkah.
It is a vast plain with the prominent Mount Arafat, also known as the ‘Mount of Mercy’ (Jabal Al-Rahmah). It reaches a height of 300 meters and has a distinct pillar measuring 7 meters high.
Arafat is surrounded by a range of mountains, and Wadi ‘Arnah runs through them. It is located on the road between Makkah and Taif, about 22 km east of Makkah, 10 km from Mina, and 6 km from Muzdalifah.
Arafat covers an area of 10.4 square km and is inhabited only during the days of Hajj.
On this blessed day, the pilgrims engage in the ‘Talbiyah’ supplication, remembrance of Allah
, seeking forgiveness, and praising Allah, the One. They turn humbly and devotedly to Allah, spending the day praying for themselves, their families, their children, and all their fellow Muslims.
When it is time for the Dhuhr prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon to remind and give guidance. Then, he leads the prayers of Dhuhr and Asr prayers, performed shortened and combined, just as the Messenger of Allah -(peace be upon him)- did. No prayer is performed before or between these two prayers or after them.
After the sunset of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the caravans of pilgrims proceed to the Muzdalifah area to perform the combined Maghrib and Isha prayers, joined together with one Adhan and two Iqamas as soon as they arrive.
They spend the night there, engaging in supplication and remembrance and expressing gratitude to Allah for His grace and benevolence, as they have been blessed with standing at Arafat.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
