What are the exact boundaries of Arafat for a valid wuquf during Hajj?

The boundaries of Arafat are clearly defined and marked by large signs placed by the Saudi authorities. The entire plain of Arafat is a valid standing place, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I stood here, but all of Arafat is a standing place.' However, the valley of Uranah (Batn Uranah) is explicitly excluded from the valid area, as the Prophet said: 'Stand at your places of standing, and keep away from Uranah.' This means a pilgrim who spends the day of Arafat in the valley of Uranah has not fulfilled the wuquf.

Sheikh Ibn Baz emphasized the critical importance of verifying one's location within the boundaries of Arafat. Due to the enormous number of pilgrims (often exceeding two million), some pilgrims end up camped outside the boundaries without realizing it, which invalidates their entire Hajj since wuquf at Arafat is the essential pillar. He advised pilgrims to look for the boundary signs and, if in doubt, to move further into the plain of Arafat rather than staying on its edges.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen noted that the Mount of Mercy (Jabal al-Rahmah) within Arafat is a well-known landmark, but standing on or near it is not required or more virtuous than standing elsewhere in Arafat. The Prophet stood near it but said all of Arafat is valid. Climbing the mountain in extreme crowds can be dangerous and is not from the Sunnah. The Permanent Committee confirmed that any spot within the recognized boundaries of Arafat is equally valid for wuquf.