Muzaldifah
Muzdalifah (Arabic: مزدلفة) is an open area located southeast of Mina, on the way between Mina and Arafat. On the 9th Dhul Hijjah (second day of Hajj), pilgrims arrive here after sunset from Arafat and spend the night here.
- Muzdalifah stretches from the Valley of Muhassar to the mountains of Ma’zamayn. It is four kilometres long and covers an area of 12.25 square kilometers.
Reference in the Quran
- Allah (ﷻ) mentions in Surah Baqarah in the Quran:“When you leave Arafat, then remember Allah at the Mash’arul Haram.” (‘The Sacred Monument’, referring to Muzdalifah according to Abdullah bin Umar (رضي الله عنه))
Combining of salahs at Muzdalifah
- During the farewell Hajj, the Prophet (ﷺ) performed the Maghrib and Isha salats together here. He stayed at the spot where the present Masjid Mash’arul Haram currently is (towards the Qibla side). From there, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:“Although I am staying here, you may stay anywhere throughout Muzdalifah.” [Muslim]
- During Hajj It is waajib to perform Maghrib and Isha together here at Isha time. Wuqoof (stay) of Muzdalifah is also waajib and its time begins from sub’h saadiq and ends at sunrise. If one spent even a little portion of their time here, he/she will be absolved of this obligation. However, it is best to remain until just before sunrise.
Collecting pebbles
- Although pebbles for pelting the Jamarat may be collected from anywhere, they are best collected from Muzdalifah.
- Muzdalifah is also called ‘Jam’ as it is a place where people gather.
Points of reflection
- This is the night spent before ‘pelting the Shaytan’. The hearts are filled with new resolutions through the Du’as made at Arafat and the picking of stones.
- With each stone that is picked the pilgrim should remembers each sin and blameworthy characteristic they have and know that when they throw the stone they throw their bad habits with it.
