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Women have a special concession to leave Muzdalifah after midnight rather than staying until Fajr, to avoid the dangerous crush of crowds at dawn. The Prophet permitted the weak and women to depart early. Pilgrims combine Maghrib and Isha prayers upon arrival at Muzdalifah and collect 49-70 pebbles for the stoning ritual at Mina.
After sunset on the Day of Arafat, pilgrims depart for Muzdalifah, an open plain between Arafat and Mina. The journey, normally 15 minutes by car, can take several hours during Hajj due to the massive volume of traffic. Upon arrival, pilgrims combine and delay Maghrib and Isha prayers (praying Maghrib as three rakaat and Isha as two rakaat together at the time of Isha). The night is spent under the open sky — Muzdalifah has minimal tent structures compared to Mina, and most pilgrims sleep on the ground or on mats. This experience of sleeping under the stars in the open desert, equal in simplicity regardless of worldly status, is one of Hajj's most humbling moments. Women should bring a prayer mat, warm covering (nights can be cool), and a small pillow for comfort.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) granted a specific concession for women and weak individuals to leave Muzdalifah after the middle of the night, before the Fajr prayer and the major departure rush. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that Sawdah asked the Prophet for permission to leave Muzdalifah before him because she was a heavy woman, and he permitted her (Bukhari and Muslim). This concession exists because the dawn departure from Muzdalifah creates an extremely dense crowd movement that can be dangerous, particularly for women, the elderly, and those with mobility limitations. Most Hajj groups exercise this concession, departing Muzdalifah around midnight or shortly after and proceeding to Mina to begin the stoning ritual at the Jamarat before the main crowds arrive. This is not merely permitted but recommended for women's safety.
At Muzdalifah, pilgrims collect pebbles for the stoning ritual at the Jamarat in Mina. You will need at least 49 pebbles (7 per day for the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah), or 70 if staying for the 13th. Collect slightly more than needed as some may be lost during throwing. Pebbles should be roughly the size of a chickpea or date seed. They can actually be collected anywhere in the Haram area, not exclusively at Muzdalifah, but most pilgrims collect them here by tradition. For women departing early, collect your pebbles before sleeping or immediately upon arrival while there is still light. Store them in a small bag. Practical essentials for Muzdalifah include a prayer mat, warm layer, water bottle, snacks, medication, phone charger, and a small flashlight for navigating the dark open ground.