Muzdalifah, a sacred site in Islam, is from the plains of Arafat and is nestled between Mina and Arafat. Pilgrims flock to it on the night of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah to pray Maghrib and Isha, combined and shortened, and it is known as Muzdalifah due to the gathering of people therein. The rich history of muzdalifah is closely intertwined with the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the rituals of Hajj, as it constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of the pilgrimage and that is what we will speak about in this article.
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What does Muzdalifah mean?
According to the history of muzdalifah in the Quran ،The name Muzdalifah comes from the verb “izdalafa,” which means to gather or come together, as it signifies the gathering of pilgrims in this place. It also relates to the word in the verse from Allah’s saying: (وَأَزْلَفْنَا ثَمَّ الْآخَرِينَ) (Quran 26:64) and from His saying: (وَأُزْلِفَتِ الْجَنَّةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ) (Quran 26:90). It is also called “Jam'” because the pilgrims combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers there after their stay in Arafat.
What is Muzdalifah in Hajj ?
Let’s Learn About What is Muzdalifah in Hajj: Its Names, Significance, Mountains, Valleys, Area, and Boundaries.
Its Names
Muzdalifah is known by three names: Muzdalifah, Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram, and “Gathering.” The name “Muzdalifah” comes from the verb “zalf,” meaning “to come closer,” as pilgrims draw closer to Mina. It is also named because pilgrims gather there at night, a practice referred to as “izdalaf.” Another interpretation of “izdalaf” is the act of pilgrims drawing closer to Allah by standing in Arafat and moving towards Mina.
What is Muzdalifah in Hajj, Muzdalifah is also called “Gathering” because pilgrims combine the Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers there. It is referred to as “Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram” because hunting is prohibited within its boundaries, as mentioned in the Quran:
“There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord [during Hajj]. But when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram. And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray.” (Quran 2:198
قال الله تعالى: “ لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَنْ تَبْتَغُوا فَضْلاً مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ فَإِذَا أَفَضْتُمْ مِنْ عَرَفَاتٍ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ عِنْدَ الْمَشْعَرِ الْحَرَامِ وَاذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَاكُمْ” [سورة البقرة: 198]
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Area and Boundaries of Muzdalifah
Muzdalifah covers an area of more than 13 square kilometers. To the west, it is bordered by Mina, particularly by the eastern bank of Wadi Muhassar, a small valley that separates Mina from Muzdalifah and is traversed by pilgrims. On the eastern side, it is bordered by the area leading to Arafat, known as Mifad Al-Ma’zamin, which comprises two mountains with a path leading to Arafat. To the north, it is bordered by Mount Thubayr Al-Nasa’ah, also known as Mount Muzdalifah.
Mountains and Valleys
Several prominent mountains surround Muzdalifah. Mount Quzah stands out, situated on the southwestern side of Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram. The Al-Marikhiyat mountain range is another significant feature, extending from Muzdalifah southwards to the Valley of ‘Uranah. Additionally, there is Mount Thubayr Al-Ahdab, which comprises the northern segment of Mount Thubayr Al-Nasa’ah. The northern section of this mountain is referred to as Al-Ahdab, while the southern part is known as Al-Marar and you can read more about What is Muzdalifah in Hajj above. .
The history of muzdalifah in islam
the history of muzdalifah in islam is associated with The Mosque of Al-Mashar Al-Haram holds a special significance due to its close association with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Situated in Muzdalifah, it lies midway between the Nimrah Mosque in Arafat and the Kheif Mosque in Mina. This mosque is recognized as the place where the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed towards the Kaaba during his Farewell Pilgrimage.
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what do you do at muzdalifah in hajj?
After the sunset of the Day of Arafat, all pilgrims head to Muzdalifah to perform the Maghrib and Isha prayers. They spend the night there in preparation for the following day, the Day of Eid al-Adha. Muzdalifah serves as the place of standing, so wherever a pilgrim stands after the Fajr prayer, supplicating and remembering God, it is permissible according to most scholars. The sacredness of Muzdalifah is often equated with Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram, and spending the entire night there is not deemed obligatory, especially for those with valid excuses such as age, health issues, or assisting other pilgrims and they must know What is Muzdalifah in Hajj.
These are the 15 essential moments in the history of Muzdalifa:
1. Arrival of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Muzdalifah:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived at Muzdalifah during his Farewell Pilgrimage, which was his last Hajj.
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2. Departure from Arafat:
After the sun had set on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) left Arafat and headed towards Muzdalifah for rest and an overnight stay.
3. Combining Maghrib and Isha Prayers:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) combined the Maghrib and Isha prayers, shortening them, and prohibited delaying or praying them on the way to Muzdalifah. He prayed each prayer with three units of prayer (Rakats) with one Iqama.
4. Relaxation and Overnight Stay:
The name and history of Muzdalifah trace back to its origin of gathering and resting. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) rested until dawn.
5. Addressing the Weak Individuals:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed the weak individuals, including women, the elderly, and children, to leave Muzdalifah before dawn to reach Mina early and avoid congestion.
6. Departure of Sawda bint Zama:
One of the wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Sawda bint Zama, requested to leave Muzdalifah due to her weakness and slow movement. The Prophet granted her permission to leave to avoid congestion and hardships.
7. Aisha’s Regret:
Aisha, the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), regretted not expressing her desire to leave Muzdalifah early, similar to Sawda, due to the difficulties she faced while heading to Mina.
8. Supplication:
Upon reaching Al-Mashar Al-Haram, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) engaged in abundant supplication and praise. The Quran mentions remembering Allah at Al-Mashar Al-Haram, emphasizing its significance for pilgrims.
وكما جاء في القران لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَبْتَغُوا فَضْلًا مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَا أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَاتٍ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ عِندَ الْمَشْعَرِ الْحَرَامِ ۖ وَاذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَاكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِ لَمِنَ الضَّالِّينَ (198
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9.Collection of Pebbles:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) began collecting pebbles, seven in total, in Muzdalifah, in preparation for the symbolic stoning of the pillars (Jamarat) in Mina.
10 . Departure from Muzdalifah to Mina:
The history of muzdalifah with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) departed from Muzdalifah before sunrise. As narrated in Sahih Muslim, he prayed Maghrib and Isha prayers together at Muzdalifah, rested until dawn, and then led the Fajr prayer before leaving for Mina.
لِما ثبت في صحيح مسلم عن جابر بن عبدالله -رضي الله عنه- أنّ النبيّ -عليه الصلاة والسلام-: (حتَّى أَتَى المُزْدَلِفَةَ، فَصَلَّى بهَا المَغْرِبَ وَالْعِشَاءَ بأَذَانٍ وَاحِدٍ وإقَامَتَيْنِ، وَلَمْ يُسَبِّحْ بيْنَهُما شيئًا، ثُمَّ اضْطَجَعَ رَسولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عليه وَسَلَّمَ حتَّى طَلَعَ الفَجْرُ، وَصَلَّى الفَجْرَ، حِينَ تَبَيَّنَ له الصُّبْحُ، بأَذَانٍ وإقَامَةٍ، ثُمَّ رَكِبَ القَصْوَاءَ، حتَّى أَتَى المَشْعَرَ الحَرَامَ، فَاسْتَقْبَلَ القِبْلَةَ، فَدَعَاهُ وَكَبَّرَهُ وَهَلَّلَهُ وَوَحَّدَهُ، فَلَمْ يَزَلْ وَاقِفًا حتَّى أَسْفَرَ جِدًّا، فَدَفَعَ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسُ)،[١٩
11. Continuation of the Talbiyah:
Pilgrims continue to recite the Talbiyah as they head to Mina and perform other rituals, cutting short the Talbiyah only after stoning the Jamrat Al-Aqaba.
لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ
12. Importance of Muzdalifah:
Muzdalifah is a place of rest, spiritual renewal, relaxation, and performance of symbolic rituals, including remembrance and contemplation.
13. Unity and Brotherhood:
Gathering pilgrims from diverse backgrounds in Muzdalifah emphasizes unity and brotherhood among Muslims during Hajj.
14. Reflection and Spiritual Renewal:
The tranquil environment in Muzdalifah provides pilgrims with an opportunity for reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal.
15. Adherence to Tradition:
Pilgrims continue to follow in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by performing rituals in Muzdalifah during the annual Hajj, maintaining a connection to Islamic history and traditions.
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Why is the history of muzdalifah is important?
- the history of muzdalifa is important as it is the third sacred site that pilgrims visit during their Hajj rituals, situated between the holy sites of Mina and Arafat. Here, they combine and shorten the Maghrib and Isha prayers.
- Pilgrims spend the night at Muzdalifah after departing from Arafat until the morning of the following day, which is the day of Eid al-Adha. They perform the Fajr prayer and collect pebbles before heading to Mina.
- Staying overnight at Muzdalifah is obligatory for pilgrims, and failure to do so incurs a penalty. It is recommended to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in spending the night until dawn and standing for prayer until it is fully light. There is no harm in giving priority to the weak and women. Afterward, pilgrims proceed to Mina before sunrise.
- Furthermore, gathering pilgrims from diverse backgrounds in Muzdalifah emphasizes unity and brotherhood among Muslims, reminding them of the common bond of faith that unites them.
- By adhering to the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in performing the rituals at Muzdalifah, pilgrims uphold Islamic traditions and maintain their connection to the rich history of their religion.
- Overall, the importance of Muzdalifah lies in its role as a sacred site where pilgrims participate in worship, reflection, and unity, enriching their spiritual journey during Hajj.
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Conclusion:
Muzdalifah, a sacred site in Islam, is located between Mina and Arafat. Pilgrims gather there on the night of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah to perform the Maghrib and Isha prayers combined and shortened.
The history of Muzdalifah is closely linked to the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the rituals of Hajj, as it constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of the pilgrimage.
After leaving Arafat, hajj pilgrims make their way to Muzdalifah, arriving at Muzdalifah and spending the night at Muzdalifah.
This practice of spending the night is known as staying at Muzdalifah. Here, they engage in remembering Allah at Al Haram and glorifying God, reflecting on the significance of the journey and the blessings they seek. Pilgrims are guided to remember Allah as they gather at this site, in accordance with the Quranic verse in Al Baqarah, reminding them to remember Allah who has guided you for indeed.
During their stay, pilgrims collect pebbles that will later be used in the ritual of stoning at Mina. The act of remembering Allah and collecting pebbles is a time of deep spiritual reflection. Muzdalifah pilgrims perform these acts with devotion, following the traditions set by the Prophet Muhammad.
Spending the night at this sacred place also involves performing the Maghrib and Isha prayers, combining and shortening them as prescribed.
The name Muzdalifah is derived from the Arabic root word which means “to come close together,” symbolizing the unity and togetherness of the pilgrims as they fulfill their religious duties. It is a time for Hajj pilgrims to come together, remember Allah, and prepare for the next stages of their pilgrimage. Some may leave early, while others spend the entire night, but all are united in their purpose.
Staying at Muzdalifah is a deeply meaningful part of the Hajj pilgrimage, reinforcing the importance of remembering Allah, glorifying God, and participating in the collective rituals that define this sacred journey.
The act of collecting pebbles and preparing for the ritual of stoning at Mina is a reminder of the pilgrims’ commitment to their faith and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, as they seek to complete their pilgrimage in accordance with Islamic traditions.
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What are the mistakes that some pilgrims make when heading to Muzdalifah?
“We must know What is Muzdalifah in Arafat,” as Sheikh Mohammed ibn Othaimin – may Allah have mercy on him – pointed out some of the mistakes that can occur while pilgrims move from Arafat to Muzdalifah and you can read more about What is Muzdalifah in Hajj above.:
The first one:
During the journey from Arafat to Muzdalifah, pilgrims may encounter challenges, such as speeding vehicles that could potentially cause accidents.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of remaining calm and tranquil during this part of the pilgrimage. He would adapt the pace of his camel to the terrain, occasionally loosening the reins to facilitate its ascent on steep slopes. Thus, when deciding whether to hasten or proceed with caution, it is advisable to prioritize caution and you can read more about What is Muzdalifah in Hajj above..
The second one:
Some may fall into is departing to Mina without performing the prayers and without spending the night in Muzdalifah. This is a serious matter, especially for pedestrians, as spending the night in Muzdalifah is a pillar of Hajj according to some scholars. It is obligatory among the majority of scholars and considered a recommended act by others. The correct practice is to spend the night in Muzdalifah and not leave until the prescribed time for departure, as will be explained, God willing.
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The third one :
some people pray the Maghrib and Isha prayers on the way, which is incorrect. The prayers should be performed in Muzdalifah, and the two prayers should be combined, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did and you can read more about What is Muzdalifah in Hajj above. .
The fourth one :
some people do not pray the Maghrib and Isha prayers even after reaching Muzdalifah, which is a serious matter and a major sin. Delaying prayers beyond their prescribed times is prohibited according to the Quran and Sunnah.
The fifth one :
Some people pray Fajr before its time in order to hasten their departure to Mina. This is a grave mistake because praying outside its prescribed time is not acceptable. Pilgrims should be aware of this issue and only pray Fajr after being certain or strongly inclined that its time has begun. While it is recommended to hasten the Fajr prayer in Muzdalifah because the Prophet (peace be upon him) did so, it does not mean that it should be prayed before its time. Pilgrims should beware of this action and you can read more about What is Muzdalifah in Hajj above.
The sixth one :
some people engage in worship and prayers during the night of staying in Muzdalifah, such as performing Tahajjud or reciting the Quran. However, this is not from the Sunnah. It is narrated in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed Isha and then lay down until dawn, then he prayed Fajr. This indicates that there is no special worship, such as Tahajjud or Quranic recitation, during that night.
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The seventh one :
Remaining in Muzdalifah until sunrise and praying the Shurooq prayer before leaving. This contradicts the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and resembles the practice of the polytheists. The Prophet (peace be upon him) left Muzdalifah before sunrise when it became fully light. Therefore, anyone who remains in Muzdalifah until sunrise for the sake of worship has resembled the polytheists and contradicted the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
what is Muzdalifah in the Hajj Journey( its importance)?
Muzdalifah is a crucial stop during the Hajj journey, where pilgrims spend the night after the day of Arafat. Its importance lies in its role as a site for prayer and reflection, as well as the location where pebbles are collected for the symbolic stoning ritual at the Jamarat in Mina. Additionally, it marks a significant phase in the completion of the Hajj rites, emphasizing unity and devotion among pilgrims and you can read more about What is Muzdalifah in Hajj above.
What Rituals Take Place at Muzdalifah during Hajj?
At Muzdalifah during Hajj, pilgrims engage in several rituals, including combined prayers of Maghrib and Isha, supplications, remembrance of God, and the symbolic collection of pebbles for the ritual of stoning the pillars in Mina and you can read more about What is Muzdalifah in Hajj above
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FAQs
1. Why is Muzdalifah important to Muslims?
The history of muzdalifah holds immense significance for Muslims due to its association with the rituals of Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is the site where pilgrims gather pray, and spend the night during their journey.
2. What is the sacred monument Muzdalifah?
The history of muzdalifah dates back to Prophet Muhammad as Muzdalifah itself is not a monument but rather a sacred valley located between Arafat and Mina in Saudi Arabia. However, within Muzdalifah, there is a notable hill known as the Mount of Mercy (Jabal al-Rahmah), which holds significance as the place where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his Farewell Sermon during his final Hajj pilgrimage.
3. Why is Understanding the history of muzdalifah Important?
Understanding the history of muzdalifah provides insight into the religious and cultural significance attached to this sacred site. It allows Muslims to appreciate the traditions and rituals associated with Hajj, enhancing their spiritual connection to the pilgrimage.
4. How Has the history of muzdalifa Influenced Its Present-Day Culture?
the history of muzdalifa has significantly influenced its present-day culture by shaping the rituals and practices observed by pilgrims during Hajj. The traditions established by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions at Muzdalifah continue to be followed by millions of Muslims worldwide, fostering a sense of unity and shared spiritual experience among pilgrims.
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