Rituals of Dhul-Hijjah 9
Dhul-Hijjah 9 holds a special place in the Hajj journey as the Day of Arafah, named after the area where pilgrims convene to seek Allah’s mercy. At sunrise, pilgrims depart from Mina and head toward Arafah, where remaining until the break of dawn on Dhul-Hijjah 10 is a key pillar of Hajj. Although many scholars note that remaining for any portion of the designated period is acceptable, it is traditionally recommended to stay until sunset, following the prophetic practice.
In Arafah, the ritual involves combining the midday (Zhuhr) and afternoon (Asr) prayers—ideally performing them at the time of the earlier prayer—and shortening each to two units. Beyond the formal prayers, this day is an opportunity for quiet reflection, remembrance of Allah, supplication, and asking for forgiveness. The Prophet emphasized the unique mercy of this day, noting that no other day brings as many souls relief from punishment. He also taught a powerful supplication that extols the oneness and might of Allah:
La ilaha illa allahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulku wa lahu al-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in qadeer.
This means: “There is no deity except Allah alone. He has no partners. To Him belongs the sovereignty and all praise. He has power over all things.”
Mistakes to Be Avoided at Arafah
- Neglecting the Talbiyah: Some pilgrims fail to chant the Talbiyah aloud during their journey from Mina to Arafah, despite its continuation by the Prophet until he performed the symbolic act with the pebbles of Al-‘Aqabah on Eid.
- Lingering Outside Arafah: A common error is to wait outside the boundaries of Arafah and only moving after sunset toward Muzdalifah. Staying outside the defined limits invalidates one’s Hajj, as clear markers designate the proper area for the standing.
- Overemphasizing a Specific Spot: There is a misconception that one must occupy the particular spot where the Prophet once stood beside the mountain. In truth, the entire area of Arafah is granted the status of standing, and no singular location is required.
- Climbing for Blessings: Some pilgrims mistakenly climb the mountain near where the Prophet was present, believing that the stones or soil hold special sanctity. Such practices are considered unfounded innovations.
- Forcing Congregational Prayers: It is also mistaken to think that one must attend a mosque far away to perform the Zhuhr and Asr prayers with an imam. Divine instructions allow these prayers to be conducted wherever one is, without unnecessary hardship.
The Night of Dhul-Hijjah 9
After spending the crucial part of the day in Arafah—ideally from the midday prayer until the setting of the sun—pilgrims then depart for Muzdalifah. During this journey, it is important to continuously remember Allah and seek His forgiveness. Upon arrival at Muzdalifah, congregational prayers are performed: Maghrib is offered with three units and Isha with two. If the crowd hinders the timely performance of these prayers, one may pray en route before settling in Muzdalifah.
Adhering to the prophetic tradition, pilgrims typically rest at Muzdalifah until dawn. Some scholarly opinions allow for leaving after midnight, and in certain legal schools, performing the prayers followed by a meal before returning to Mina is acceptable. It is essential to note that Muzdalifah is an open area lacking tents; therefore, arranging for blankets or sleeping bags from your travel organizers is advisable, especially if the night turns chilly.
Embracing Faith, One Insight at a Time!
The teachings of the Quran have always guided my path. With a deep passion for Islamic knowledge, I strive to blend the wisdom of tradition with the relevance of today, making the timeless messages of Islam accessible and meaningful for everyone.
Muslim Culture Hub is my platform to share historical insights and thought-provoking articles, exploring both well-known and lesser-discussed aspects of Islamic culture and beliefs. My mission is to create an inclusive online space where everyone can learn, strengthen their faith, and connect with the profound message of Islam.
Join the journey!
May peace be upon you.
