عرفات

History

Mount عرفات, also known as Jabal ar-Rahmah (the Mountain of Mercy), rises approximately 70 meters above the surrounding plain of عرفات, located about 20 kilometers southeast of مکہ مکرمہ. The plain of عرفات covers an area of approximately 18 square kilometers and is bounded by clearly marked boundaries that distinguish it from the adjacent valley of Uranah, which is not part of عرفات. Islamic tradition holds that this is the place where Adam and Hawwa (Eve) were reunited on earth after their descent from Paradise, and the name 'عرفات' is said to derive from the Arabic root 'arafa' meaning 'to know' or 'to recognize,' referring to their recognition of one another. While some scholars consider this a narration from the Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian traditions) rather than a confirmed hadith, it is widely referenced in Islamic literature. The plain of عرفات holds its greatest significance as the site where نبی کریم Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) delivered his Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada') on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, 10 AH (632 CE), during his only حج. Standing on the back of his camel, he addressed over 100,000 companions, declaring the sanctity of life, property, and honor; abolishing the usury and blood feuds of the pre-Islamic era; affirming the rights of women; establishing the brotherhood of all Muslims; and proclaiming the completion of the religion of Islam. It was during this sermon that the verse was revealed: 'This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion' (قرآن 5:3). Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) wept upon hearing this verse, understanding that perfection could only be followed by decline. نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) stood at عرفات near the rocks at the base of the mountain (not at the summit) and said: 'I have stood here, and all of عرفات is a place of standing' (Sahih Muslim 1218). This statement established that حجاج need not climb the mountain itself — standing anywhere within the boundaries of عرفات fulfills the obligation. Throughout Islamic history, عرفات has been the site of the most monumental gathering in the Muslim world, with حجاج from every nation and background standing as equals before Allah. The Saudi government has developed extensive infrastructure on the plain, including Masjid Namirah, where the Imam delivers the عرفات khutbah and leads the combined Dhuhr and Asr نمازs. Road networks, misting fans, water stations, and ایمرجنسی services support the millions of حجاج who gather annually. A white pillar marks the summit of Jabal ar-Rahmah, though climbing to the summit is not from the Sunnah and scholars including Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen advised against it, as it causes unnecessary crowding and hardship.

Significance

عرفات is the single most important site in the entire حج حج. نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) declared unequivocally: 'حج is عرفات' (Sunan al-Nasa'i 3016, graded sahih). This means that if a حاجی misses the standing at عرفات, their حج is invalid — no other missed element carries this consequence. The standing at عرفات is a preview of the Day of Judgment, when all of humanity will stand before Allah. The حجاج, stripped of worldly distinctions in their plain white garments, stand as equals on the same ground, calling upon the same Lord. The Day of عرفات is the day of greatest divine mercy and forgiveness. نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said: 'There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of عرفات' (Sahih Muslim 1348). Allah descends to the nearest heaven in a manner befitting His majesty and says to the angels: 'What do these servants of Mine want?' — though He knows best — and then proclaims: 'Bear witness that I have forgiven them.' This is why scholars call it the Day of Salvation and the Day of Release from the Fire. The farewell sermon delivered at عرفات established principles of human rights, social justice, and religious obligation that remain the foundation of Islamic civilization. Shaykh Ibn Baz described the standing at عرفات as the greatest gathering of worship on earth, where the believer is closest to their Lord and most likely to have their دعائیں answered.

Visitor Information

The plain of عرفات is located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of مکہ مکرمہ and is accessed via dedicated حج routes. Pilgrims arrive on the morning of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah after spending the night of the 8th in منیٰ. The boundaries of عرفات are clearly marked with large signs — it is essential to verify that one is within the boundaries, as standing outside them invalidates the حج. The wuquf (standing) at عرفات begins after the sun passes its zenith (zawal) and continues until sunset. Pilgrims should combine and shorten Dhuhr and Asr نمازs at the time of Dhuhr, following the Sunnah. The remainder of the day should be dedicated entirely to دعا, dhikr, and istighfar. نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) stood facing the Qiblah with his hands raised, making دعا continuously. Practical considerations: temperatures on the plain can exceed 50 degrees Celsius in the summer months, and there is minimal natural shade. Pilgrims should bring umbrellas or portable shade, carry abundant water, use sunscreen, and wear light-colored احرام garments. Heat-related illness is one of the most common medical emergencies during حج, and the Saudi Red Crescent maintains field hospitals and ambulance stations throughout the plain. Pilgrims with chronic conditions should carry their medications and medical identification. Climbing Jabal ar-Rahmah is not required and is not from the Sunnah. Shaykh Ibn Baz and Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen both clarified that the حاجی fulfills the obligation by standing anywhere within عرفات's boundaries. The area around Masjid Namirah and the surrounding plains provide ample space for the wuquf. After sunset, حجاج depart for مزدلفہ in an orderly fashion — leaving before sunset is not permissible جمہور علماء کے مطابق, as نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) remained until the sun had fully set.

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