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.
- When you arrive, pray Maghrib (three rak'ahs) and Isha (two) together.
- Rest. Muzdalifah is open ground, so bring a mat and a light blanket.
- Collect small pebbles (the hadith describes them as small throwing pebbles; scholars often say about the size of a chickpea): 49 if you leave Mina on the 12th, 70 if you stay until the 13th, plus a few spares. You can also collect them in Mina.
- Pray Fajr, then remember Allah facing the qiblah until it is light, and leave for Mina before sunrise.
Leaving earlyThe weak, including elderly pilgrims and women, and those with them, may leave during the night. Ibn 'Umar sent the weak of his family ahead after the moon had set, and many scholars say after midnight. Many UK groups do this; follow your group's plan.
Common mistakes
- Washing the pebbles or using large stones: neither is needed.
- Losing your group in the dark: agree a meeting point first.
- Leaving before midnight without a valid reason.
Evidence and references
- Praying Maghrib and Isha together at Muzdalifah and staying until Fajr: Sahih Muslim 1218
- Ibn 'Umar sent the weak of his family ahead at night: Sahih al-Bukhari 1676
- Asma' left after the moon had set, with the Prophet's permission for women: Sahih al-Bukhari 1679
- Remembering Allah at al-Mash'ar al-Haram: Qur'an 2:198
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