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The 9th of Dzulhijjah is the most sacred day of the entire Haji. After praying Fajr at Mina, jamaah haji travel to the plain of Arafah and stand in earnest doa from after Dhuhr until sunset. Nabi said: 'Haji is Arafah.' After sunset, jamaah haji 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 Arafah, approximately 14 km east of Mina. Nabi (shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) left Mina after sunrise on this day. Continue reciting the Talbiyah throughout the journey. Some jamaah haji stop briefly at the valley of Namirah on the way, where Nabi delivered his Farewell Sermon.
Upon the zawal (when the sun passes its zenith), pray Dhuhr (two rakaat) and Asr (two rakaat) combined at the time of Dhuhr, with one adhan and two iqamahs. This combining and shortening is established from the practice of Nabi (shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) at Arafah. If you are in the Masjid Namirah area, follow the imam. Otherwise, pray in your camp or wherever you are within the boundaries of Arafah.
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 Arafah (wuquf) is the absolute pillar (rukun) of Haji — without it, there is no Haji. Nabi (shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: 'al-Hajju Arafah' (Haji IS Arafah). 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 doa with complete humility, weeping, and hope. This is the greatest gathering of doa on earth. Nabi stood at the rocks near the base of Jabal al-Rahmah, but the entire plain of Arafah is a place of standing.
From after Dhuhr until sunset, devote yourself entirely to doa, dhikr, recitation of Al-Quran, and istighfar (seeking forgiveness). Vary between the Talbiyah, tahleel (La ilaha illallah), and personal doa 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. Nabi (shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) spent the entire afternoon at Arafah in doa with his hands raised. Allah descends to the lowest heaven (in a manner befitting His majesty) and boasts to the angels about the jamaah haji.
Once the sun has fully set (and not a moment before), depart from Arafah toward Muzdalifah with tranquility and dignity. The journey is approximately 9 km. Nabi (shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) left Arafah 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 rakaat) and Isha (two rakaat, shortened) combined at the time of Isha, with one adhan and two iqamahs. This delay and combination is established by Nabi'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 shalat 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. Nabi (shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) 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.