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جبل عرفات
Mount Arafat (Jabal ar-Rahmah) is a granite hill located about 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah on the plain of Arafat. It is the most critical site of Hajj — the Prophet (peace be upon him) said 'Hajj is Arafat.' On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, approximately two million pilgrims gather on this plain to stand in supplication from after Dhuhr until sunset, seeking Allah's forgiveness.
Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal ar-Rahmah (the Mountain of Mercy), rises approximately 70 meters above the surrounding plain of Arafat, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah. The plain of Arafat 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 Arafat. 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 'Arafat' 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 Arafat holds its greatest significance as the site where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada') on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, 10 AH (632 CE), during his only Hajj. 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' (Quran 5:3). Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) wept upon hearing this verse, understanding that perfection could only be followed by decline. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stood at Arafat near the rocks at the base of the mountain (not at the summit) and said: 'I have stood here, and all of Arafat is a place of standing' (Sahih Muslim 1218). This statement established that pilgrims need not climb the mountain itself — standing anywhere within the boundaries of Arafat fulfills the obligation. Throughout Islamic history, Arafat has been the site of the most monumental gathering in the Muslim world, with pilgrims 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 Arafat khutbah and leads the combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers. Road networks, misting fans, water stations, and emergency services support the millions of pilgrims who gather annually. A white pillar marks the summit of Jabal ar-Rahmah, though climbing to the summit is not from the Sunnah and scholars including Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen advised against it, as it causes unnecessary crowding and hardship.
Arafat is the single most important site in the entire Hajj pilgrimage. The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared unequivocally: 'Hajj is Arafat' (Sunan al-Nasa'i 3016, graded sahih). This means that if a pilgrim misses the standing at Arafat, their Hajj is invalid — no other missed element carries this consequence. The standing at Arafat is a preview of the Day of Judgment, when all of humanity will stand before Allah. The pilgrims, stripped of worldly distinctions in their plain white garments, stand as equals on the same ground, calling upon the same Lord. The Day of Arafat is the day of greatest divine mercy and forgiveness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafat' (Sahih Muslim 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 Arafat established principles of human rights, social justice, and religious obligation that remain the foundation of Islamic civilization. Shaykh Ibn Baz described the standing at Arafat as the greatest gathering of worship on earth, where the believer is closest to their Lord and most likely to have their supplications answered.
The plain of Arafat is located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah and is accessed via dedicated Hajj routes. Pilgrims arrive on the morning of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah after spending the night of the 8th in Mina. The boundaries of Arafat are clearly marked with large signs — it is essential to verify that one is within the boundaries, as standing outside them invalidates the Hajj. The wuquf (standing) at Arafat begins after the sun passes its zenith (zawal) and continues until sunset. Pilgrims should combine and shorten Dhuhr and Asr prayers at the time of Dhuhr, following the Sunnah. The remainder of the day should be dedicated entirely to dua, dhikr, and istighfar. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stood facing the Qiblah with his hands raised, making dua 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 sunscreen, and wear light-colored ihram garments. Heat-related illness is one of the most common medical emergencies during Hajj, and the Saudi Red Crescent maintains field hospitals and ambulance stations throughout the plain. Pilgrims with chronic conditions should carry their medications and medical identification. Climbing Jabal ar-Rahmah is not required and is not from the Sunnah. Shaykh Ibn Baz and Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen both clarified that the pilgrim fulfills the obligation by standing anywhere within Arafat's boundaries. The area around Masjid Namirah and the surrounding plains provide ample space for the wuquf. After sunset, pilgrims depart for Muzdalifah in an orderly fashion — leaving before sunset is not permissible according to the majority of scholars, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) remained until the sun had fully set.