Scholar review pendingThis page follows the mainstream position and notes where the schools of thought differ. Before launch it will be reviewed by a qualified scholar. Always follow your group's scholar on the day.
- Travel from Mina to Arafah after sunrise (groups often leave earlier).
- Check you are inside the boundary: look for the signs. Being outside it means missing Hajj.
- After midday, pray Dhuhr and Asr together and shortened, often with your group.
- Spend the afternoon facing the qiblah in dua, dhikr, Qur'an and seeking forgiveness, until sunset.
- At sunset, leave calmly for Muzdalifah. Don't pray Maghrib in Arafah.
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Lā ilāha illā Allāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahu l-mulku wa lahu l-ḥamd, wa huwa ʿalā kulli shayʾin qadīr.
There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He has power over all things.
HeatArafah is very hot. Drink regularly, use an umbrella, stay in the shade of your camp, and don't climb the Mount of Mercy (Jabal ar-Rahmah) in the midday sun: it isn't required, and the whole of Arafah is a place of standing.
Ideas for your dua
- Prepare a list before Hajj: family, friends, people who asked you to pray for them.
- Ask in your own words, in any language.
- Ask forgiveness for yourself, your parents and all Muslims.
Common mistakes
- Staying outside the Arafah boundary.
- Leaving before sunset (many scholars say a sacrifice is then due).
- Spending the afternoon on photos and phones.
Evidence and references
- "Hajj is Arafah": whoever reaches Arafah before dawn of the 10th has caught Hajj: Jami' at-Tirmidhi 889 (sahih)
- The same hadith: Sunan Abi Dawud 1949 (sahih)
- Combining Dhuhr and Asr at Arafah and standing until sunset: Sahih Muslim 1218
- The Prophet did not fast on the Day of Arafah: Sahih al-Bukhari 1658
- The best dua is the dua of the Day of Arafah: Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3585 (hasan)
Common questions
Can I fast on the Day of Arafah during Hajj?
No, it is recommended for pilgrims not to fast so they have strength for worship. Fasting on this day is for those not performing Hajj.
What if I arrive at Arafah late?
Being in Arafah for any moment between midday on the 9th and dawn on the 10th fulfils the pillar. Tell your group leader as soon as possible.
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