What are the exact boundaries of عرفات for a valid wuquf during حج?

The boundaries of عرفات are clearly defined and marked by large signs placed by the Saudi authorities. The entire plain of عرفات is a valid standing place, as نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said: 'I stood here, but all of عرفات is a standing place.' However, the valley of Uranah (Batn Uranah) is explicitly excluded from the valid area, as نبی کریم said: 'Stand at your places of standing, and keep away from Uranah.' This means a حاجی who spends the day of عرفات 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 عرفات. Due to the enormous number of حجاج (often exceeding two million), some حجاج end up camped outside the boundaries without realizing it, which invalidates their entire حج since wuquf at عرفات is the essential pillar. He advised حجاج to look for the boundary signs and, if in doubt, to move further into the plain of عرفات rather than staying on its edges.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen noted that the Mount of Mercy (Jabal al-Rahmah) within عرفات is a well-known landmark, but standing on or near it is not required or more virtuous than standing elsewhere in عرفات. نبی کریم stood near it but said all of عرفات 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 عرفات is equally valid for wuquf.