How should a pilgrim pray at Arafat during Hajj?

At Arafat, the Sunnah is to combine Dhuhr and Asr prayers at the time of Dhuhr (jam' taqdim), shortening each to two rak'ahs, with one adhan and two iqamahs. This is the established prophetic practice during Hajj. All four schools agree on the permissibility of combining prayers at Arafat. The combining is due to the Hajj journey (travel) or the need for time to devote to supplication.

Last updated: February 19, 2026

What Is the Ruling?

The established Sunnah at Arafat is to combine Dhuhr and Asr prayers at the time of Dhuhr (forward combination, jam' taqdim), shortening each prayer to two rak'ahs. This is done with one adhan and two iqamahs — one iqamah before Dhuhr and another before Asr. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did this during his Farewell Hajj, as narrated by Jabir in his detailed description of the Prophet's pilgrimage.

Sheikh Ibn Baz explained that the combining and shortening at Arafat is a confirmed Sunnah that all pilgrims should follow, whether they are residents of Makkah or travelers. He noted that while the Hanafi school typically restricts qasr (shortening) to travelers, they permit combining at Arafat and Muzdalifah due to the specific Hajj situation (nusuk). The reason for the forward combination is to free up the maximum amount of time for supplication (dua) during the afternoon of Arafat, which is the greatest time of Hajj.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen added that no voluntary prayers (sunan rawatib) should be prayed between Dhuhr and Asr when combining. After Asr, the pilgrim should devote their time entirely to supplication and dhikr (remembrance of Allah) until sunset. He emphasized that the afternoon of Arafat is the single most valuable time in the Islamic calendar for dua, and the combining of prayers is legislated specifically to maximize this precious time for worship.

What Is the Evidence for This Ruling?

Sahih Muslim #1218Sahih

The Prophet (peace be upon him) came to Arafat and found a tent pitched for him at Namirah. He rested there, then when the sun passed its zenith, he rode al-Qaswa (his she-camel) and came to the valley of Uranah. He addressed the people, then Bilal called the adhan, then the iqamah, and the Prophet prayed Dhuhr (two rak'ahs). Then the iqamah was called again and he prayed Asr (two rak'ahs), and he did not pray anything between them.

How Do Different Madhabs View This?

Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.

Hanafi

The Hanafi school permits combining Dhuhr and Asr at Arafat at the time of Dhuhr. This is an exception specific to Hajj. Shortening is for travelers; Makkah residents pray full rak'ahs but still combine.

Al-Hidayah: combining at Arafat is permitted due to the Hajj rites, even for the Hanafi school which normally restricts combining.

Maliki

The Maliki school combines Dhuhr and Asr at Arafat at the time of Dhuhr, with shortening for travelers. Residents of Makkah pray full but may combine.

Al-Mudawwanah: combining and shortening at Arafat follows the prophetic practice.

Shafi'i

The Shafi'i school combines and shortens Dhuhr and Asr at Arafat. The combining is due to travel, and shortening is for those who are travelers (beyond the distance of qasr).

Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: combining and shortening at Arafat is the confirmed Sunnah.

Hanbali

The Hanbali school combines and shortens Dhuhr and Asr at Arafat. Both travelers and residents may combine due to the Hajj, though only travelers shorten.

Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah: combining at Arafat is established by the Sunnah for all pilgrims.

This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.

Evidence & References

Hadith

Sahih Muslim #1218 (sahih)

How should a pilgrim pray at Arafat during Hajj?

What Is the Ruling?

What Is the Evidence for This Ruling?

How Do Different Madhabs View This?

Source

Evidence & References