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The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the most sacred day of the entire Hajj. After praying Fajr at Mina, pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafat and stand in earnest supplication from after Dhuhr until sunset. The Prophet said: 'Hajj is Arafat.' After sunset, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah, pray Maghrib and Isha combined, collect pebbles for the stoning ritual, and spend the night under the open sky.
Wake early and pray Fajr at its earliest time in Mina. After sunrise, begin your journey to the plain of Arafat, approximately 14 km east of Mina. The Prophet (peace be upon him) left Mina after sunrise on this day. Continue reciting the Talbiyah throughout the journey. Some pilgrims stop briefly at the valley of Namirah on the way, where the Prophet delivered his Farewell Sermon.
Upon the zawal (when the sun passes its zenith), pray Dhuhr (two rak'at) and Asr (two rak'at) combined at the time of Dhuhr, with one adhan and two iqamahs. This combining and shortening is established from the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him) at Arafat. If you are in the Masjid Namirah area, follow the imam. Otherwise, pray in your camp or wherever you are within the boundaries of Arafat.
These are the most frequent errors pilgrims make during this stage of Hajj.
Scholarly references supporting this guidance from established Islamic sources.
The standing at Arafat (wuquf) is the absolute pillar (rukn) of Hajj — without it, there is no Hajj. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'al-Hajju Arafah' (Hajj IS Arafat). The time for wuquf begins after the sun passes its zenith on the 9th and extends until Fajr of the 10th. Face the qiblah (not the mountain of Rahmah), raise your hands, and make dua with complete humility, weeping, and hope. This is the greatest gathering of supplication on earth. The Prophet stood at the rocks near the base of Jabal al-Rahmah, but the entire plain of Arafat is a place of standing.
From after Dhuhr until sunset, devote yourself entirely to supplication, dhikr, recitation of Quran, and istighfar (seeking forgiveness). Vary between the Talbiyah, tahleel (La ilaha illallah), and personal dua in any language. Cry, beg, and humble yourself before Allah. Ask for forgiveness, guidance, and mercy for yourself, your family, the Ummah, and all of humanity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) spent the entire afternoon at Arafat in dua with his hands raised. Allah descends to the lowest heaven (in a manner befitting His majesty) and boasts to the angels about the pilgrims.
Once the sun has fully set (and not a moment before), depart from Arafat toward Muzdalifah with tranquility and dignity. The journey is approximately 9 km. The Prophet (peace be upon him) left Arafat after sunset, saying to the people: 'O people, be tranquil (as-sakinah, as-sakinah).' Continue reciting the Talbiyah during the journey. Do NOT pray Maghrib on the way — delay it to combine with Isha at Muzdalifah.
Upon arriving at Muzdalifah (also known as al-Mash'ar al-Haram), pray Maghrib (three rak'at) and Isha (two rak'at, shortened) combined at the time of Isha, with one adhan and two iqamahs. This delay and combination is established by the Prophet's practice. If the journey is severely delayed and you fear missing the time of Isha entirely, pray on the road rather than missing the prayer time.
After praying, collect 7 pebbles (slightly larger than a chickpea) for tomorrow's stoning of Jamarat al-Aqabah. Some scholars recommend collecting all 49 pebbles (or 70 if staying for all three days of Tashreeq) at Muzdalifah, though pebbles may be collected from anywhere in the Haram area. Then sleep under the open sky at Muzdalifah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) slept until shortly before Fajr. Staying at Muzdalifah (mabit) is wajib according to the majority. The weak, elderly, women, and those with valid excuses may depart after midnight.