جبل عرفات — موقف الحج الأعظم

History

Mount عرفة, also known as Jabal ar-Rahmah (the Mountain of Mercy), rises approximately 70 meters above the surrounding plain of عرفة, located about 20 kilometers southeast of مكة. The plain of عرفة covers an area of approximately 18 square kilometers and is bounded by clearly marked boundaries that distinguish it from the adjacent valley of Uranah, which is not part of عرفة. Islamic tradition holds that this is the place where Adam and Hawwa (Eve) were reunited on earth after their descent from Paradise, and the name 'عرفة' is said to derive from the Arabic root 'arafa' meaning 'to know' or 'to recognize,' referring to their recognition of one another. While some scholars consider this a narration from the Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian traditions) rather than a confirmed hadith, it is widely referenced in Islamic literature. The plain of عرفة holds its greatest أهمية as the site where النبي Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) delivered his Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada') on the 9th of ذو الحجة, 10 AH (632 CE), during his only الحج. Standing on the back of his camel, he addressed over 100,000 companions, declaring the sanctity of life, property, and honor; abolishing the usury and blood feuds of the pre-Islamic era; affirming the rights of women; establishing the brotherhood of all Muslims; and proclaiming the completion of the religion of Islam. It was during this sermon that the verse was revealed: 'This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion' (القرآن 5:3). Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عن him) wept upon hearing this verse, understanding that perfection could only be followed by decline. النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stood at عرفة near the rocks at the base of the mountain (not at the summit) and said: 'I have stood here, and all of عرفة is a place of standing' (صحيح مسلم 1218). This statement أُسس that الحجاج need not climb the mountain itself — standing anywhere within the boundaries of عرفة fulfills the obligation. Throughout Islamic تاريخ, عرفة has been the site of the most monumental gathering in the Muslim world, with الحجاج from every nation and background standing as equals before Allah. The Saudi government has developed extensive infrastructure on the plain, including Masjid Namirah, where the Imam delivers the عرفة khutbah and leads the combined Dhuhr and Asr الصلوات. Road networks, misting fans, water stations, and الطوارئ services support the millions of الحجاج who gather annually. A white pillar marks the summit of Jabal ar-Rahmah, though climbing to the summit is not from the السنة and scholars including Shaykh ابن عثيمين advised against it, as it causes unnecessary crowding and hardship.

Significance

عرفة is the single most important site in the entire الحج الحج. النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) declared unequivocally: 'الحج is عرفة' (سنن النسائي 3016, graded sahih). This means that if a الحاج misses the standing at عرفة, their الحج is invalid — no other missed element carries this consequence. The standing at عرفة is a preview of the Day of Judgment, when all of humanity will stand before Allah. The الحجاج, stripped of worldly distinctions in their plain white garments, stand as equals on the same ground, calling upon the same Lord. The Day of عرفة is the day of greatest divine mercy and forgiveness. النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: 'There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of عرفة' (صحيح مسلم 1348). Allah descends to the nearest heaven in a manner befitting His majesty and says to the angels: 'What do these servants of Mine want?' — though He knows best — and then proclaims: 'Bear witness that I have forgiven them.' This is why scholars call it the Day of Salvation and the Day of Release from the Fire. The farewell sermon delivered at عرفة أُسس principles of human rights, social justice, and religious obligation that remain the foundation of Islamic civilization. Shaykh ابن باز described the standing at عرفة as the greatest gathering of worship on earth, where the believer is closest to their Lord and most likely to have their الأدعية answered.

Visitor Information

The plain of عرفة is located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of مكة and is accessed via dedicated الحج routes. Pilgrims arrive on the morning of the 9th of ذو الحجة after spending the night of the 8th in منى. The boundaries of عرفة are clearly marked with large signs — it is essential to verify that one is within the boundaries, as standing outside them invalidates the الحج. The wuquf (standing) at عرفة begins after the sun passes its zenith (zawal) and continues until sunset. Pilgrims should combine and shorten Dhuhr and Asr الصلوات at the time of Dhuhr, following the السنة. The remainder of the day should be dedicated entirely to دعاء, dhikr, and istighfar. النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stood facing the القبلةh with his hands raised, making دعاء continuously. Practical considerations: temperatures on the plain can exceed 50 degrees Celsius in the summer months, and there is minimal natural shade. Pilgrims should bring umbrellas or portable shade, carry abundant water, use واقي الشمس, and wear light-colored الإحرام garments. Heat-related illness is one of the most common medical emergencies during الحج, and the Saudi Red Crescent maintains field المستشفىs and ambulance stations throughout the plain. Pilgrims with chronic conditions should carry their الأدويةs and medical identification. Climbing Jabal ar-Rahmah is not required and is not from the السنة. Shaykh ابن باز and Shaykh ابن عثيمين both clarified that the الحاج fulfills the obligation by standing anywhere within عرفة's boundaries. The area around Masjid Namirah and the surrounding plains provide ample space for the wuquf. After sunset, الحجاج depart for مزدلفة in an orderly fashion — leaving before sunset is not جائز عند جمهور العلماء, as النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) remained until the sun had fully set.

Related Duas

مقالات ذات صلة