Arafat

What Does Arafat Mean in Detail?

The plain of Arafat is a vast, largely flat desert expanse approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Masjid al-Haram. It is bounded by defined borders, and the pilgrim's presence anywhere within these boundaries — even for a brief moment between noon of the 9th and Fajr of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah — fulfills the essential Rukn of Wuquf. The most prominent landmark is Jabal al-Rahmah (the Mount of Mercy), a small granite hill where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his Farewell Sermon during his final Hajj. Near its edge stands Masjid Namirah, where the imam delivers the Hajj sermon and leads the combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers — though part of Namirah actually falls outside Arafat's boundaries, so pilgrims must be aware of their position. Islamic tradition holds that Arafat is where Adam and Hawa (Eve) were reunited after their descent from Paradise. The Day of Arafat is considered the day of greatest divine mercy, when Allah descends to the lowest heaven, boasting to the angels about the pilgrims and forgiving their sins abundantly. The Prophet said: 'There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafat.' For non-pilgrims worldwide, fasting on this day expiates the sins of two years.