What is Muzdalifah in Hajj ? Muzdalifah, also known as Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram or “Gathering,” is a significant site in the Hajj pilgrimage. After sunset on the Day of Arafah, the pilgrims head to Muzdalifah where they perform the Maghrib (sunset) and ‘Isha (night) prayers and spend the night in preparation for Eid al-Adha.
Muzdalifah is one of the sacred sites in Mecca that pilgrims pass through during their spiritual journey to perform the rituals of Hajj. Let’s explore further in the following paragraph to delve deeper and learn more about this significant site.
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]
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. .
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.
Read more about:
The Best Dua During Tawaf: A Guide for Pilgrims
The Ritual of Stoning: Why do we throw stones at the Jamarat?
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.
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.
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).
Read about: Why do we throw stones at the Jamarat?
Conclusion of question What is Muzdalifah in Hajj
Muzdalifah is an essential pillar of the Hajj pilgrimage, embodying spiritual significance and adherence to Islamic teachings. Located southeast of Mina, it is a place where pilgrims gather on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah after leaving Arafat. This site, known as Al Mashar Al Haram, is where pilgrims pray and remember Allah.
Upon arriving at Muzdalifah, pilgrims perform the combined Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night under the open sky. This time is used for reflection, prayer, and collecting pebbles for the ritual of stoning at Mina. Praying Fajr in Muzdalifah is also an important part of the rituals.
Sheikh Saleh Academy educates non-Arabic speakers about Islam, including the rituals of Hajj, ensuring that pilgrims perform their duties correctly. By staying at Muzdalifah, performing the required prayers, and remembering Allah, pilgrims fulfill a vital part of their Hajj, deepening their spiritual connection and adherence to Islamic traditions.
Sheikh Saleh Academy stands as the optimal choice for those seeking enlightenment and guidance on the path towards Islam and you can read more about What is Muzdalifah in Hajj above..
FAQs about What is Muzdalifah in Hajj
What is the Purpose of Muzdalifah in the Hajj pilgrimage?
The purpose of Muzdalifah in the Hajj pilgrimage is to serve as a designated area for pilgrims to spend the night, offering a moment of reflection and prayer before continuing their journey and you can read more about What is Muzdalifah in Hajj above.
How Do Pilgrims Prepare for Muzdalifah during Hajj?
Pilgrims prepare for Muzdalifah by making sure they are in a state of ritual purity, mentally and physically ready for the night ahead. They also gather their belongings and necessities for the stay and you can read more about What is Muzdalifah in Hajj above. .
What Should Pilgrims Know Before Arriving at Muzdalifah?
Before arriving at Muzdalifah, pilgrims should know What is Muzdalifah in the Hajj, and be aware of the significance of the location in their pilgrimage journey. They should familiarize themselves with the rituals to be performed and the etiquettes to be observed while there.
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..
