What is the Sunnah regarding Fajr namaz and dua at Muzdelife?

The Sunnah is to pray Fajr at Muzdelife at its earliest time, then stand at Mash'ar al-Haram (or anywhere in Muzdelife) making dua until it becomes very light (before sunrise). This is a greatly emphasized Sunnah. After bu dua, the haci departs for Mina before sunrise. All of Muzdelife is a valid standing place, and the haci is not required to go to Mash'ar al-Haram specifically.

Last updated: 4 Mart 2026

What Is the Ruling?

The Sunnah of Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) at Muzdelife was to pray Fajr at its earliest time — as soon as the time enters — and then proceed to Mash'ar al-Haram where he stood facing the qiblah, supplicating and remembering Allah until it became very light (just before sunrise). He then departed for Mina before the sun rose. This morning dua at Muzdelife is one of the great acts of worship during Hac, referenced in Kur'an-i Kerim: 'When you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at Mash'ar al-Haram' (2:198).

Sheikh Ibn Baz explained that Hz. Peygamber prayed Fajr at its earliest time at Muzdelife specifically to maximize the time available for dua before departure. This is unlike the general recommendation to delay Fajr slightly — at Muzdelife, praying early is the Sunnah. After Fajr, the haci should face the qiblah and make extensive dua, raising their hands, until the sky becomes noticeably bright. Then they should depart for Mina calmly, before the sun actually rises.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen clarified that while Hz. Peygamber stood specifically at Mash'ar al-Haram, all of Muzdelife is a valid place for this standing and dua, as he said: 'I stood here, but all of Muzdelife is a standing place.' Going to the specific location of Mash'ar al-Haram is not required, especially given the enormous crowds. The haci should supplicate from wherever they are in Muzdelife after Fajr namaz.

What Is the Evidence for This Ruling?

Sahih Muslim #1218Sahih

Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) prayed Fajr at Muzdelife when the time of Fajr became clear to him, with the adhan and iqamah. Then he rode al-Qaswa until he came to Mash'ar al-Haram, where he faced the qiblah and supplicated to Allah, declared His greatness, and said 'La ilaha illallah,' and he kept standing until it became very light. Then he departed before the sun rose.

Sahih Muslim #1218Sahih

Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) said: 'I stood here, but all of Jam' (Muzdelife) is a standing place.'

How Do Different Madhabs View This?

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

Hanafi

Praying Fajr early at Muzdelife and making dua until dawn brightness are emphasized Sunnahs. The Hanafi school considers the stay at Muzdelife wajib, and this is part of fulfilling it properly.

Al-Hidayah: the Sunnah at Muzdelife includes early Fajr and dua until brightness.

Maliki

The Maliki school emphasizes praying Fajr early at Muzdelife and the subsequent dua. All of Muzdelife is valid for the standing, not just Mash'ar al-Haram.

Al-Mudawwanah: Imam Malik encouraged following Hz. Peygamber's practice of early Fajr and extended dua.

Shafi'i

The Shafi'i school considers the morning dua at Muzdelife a confirmed Sunnah. Praying Fajr at its earliest time is specific to Muzdelife. Standing at any location within Muzdelife is valid.

Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: 'The Sunnah is to pray Fajr at its earliest time at Muzdelife and then make lengthy dua.'

Hanbali

The Hanbali school strongly emphasizes early Fajr and the subsequent dua at Muzdelife. Some Hanbali scholars consider this standing at Muzdelife a pillar (rukn) of Hac.

Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah: the morning at Muzdelife is one of the most important times during Hac for dua.

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

Evidence & References

Hadith

Sahih Muslim #1218 (sahih)