Day 2 of Hajj: Day of Arafat: What to Do on 9th Dhul Hijjah – The Heart of Hajj Explained
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🕋 Day of Arafat – Heart of Hajj (9th Dhul Hijjah)
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafat, is the most sacred day of Hajj — and even of the Islamic calendar. Standing at Mount Arafat (Jabal al-Rahmah) is the central pillar of Hajj; the Prophet ﷺ said, “Hajj is Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)
Even if you've made the journey from afar, this single day defines your Hajj — spiritually, emotionally, and eternally.
🕋 1. Departing from Mina to Arafat (Early Morning)
After Fajr prayer in Mina, pilgrims leave for Arafat between sunrise and mid-morning.
Transport is usually arranged by the Hajj group. Expect traffic delays. The buses usually drop off at the gate of assigned tent. Please make sure to note down the location if you plan to visit Masjid-Nimrah or Jabal al-Rahmah
Groups set up tents in the plain of Arafat to spend the day until Maghrib. As per the Maktab, you will find large tents with ACs as well. There will be many more people other than your Mina tent group.
Tip: Carry water, snacks, umbrella, Quran or Du'a books, and a small prayer mat.
🏞️ 2. Day at Arafat: The Core Ritual of Hajj
You’ll stay at Arafat from Zawal (midday) until Maghrib.
What to Do:
- After Zawal, pray Dhuhr and Asr combined (qasar) with one adhan and two iqamahs.
- Spend the day in du'a, Quran, tawbah, and dhikr.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best of supplication is that on the Day of Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)
You may also go near Jabal al-Rahmah — where the Prophet ﷺ gave his final sermon.
🧎 3. Standing (Wuquf) at Arafat – The Main Ritual
Wuquf means simply being present in Arafat from Zawal to Maghrib.
There’s no specific ritual; the key is presence and supplication.
It is norm to stand in sunlight to make Dua from Allah. Make sure to carry water and stand under shade of tree as sunlight is very strong.
✅ Without Wuquf at Arafat, Hajj is invalid.
🕋 4. Departure to Muzdalifah After Maghrib
At sunset, leave Arafat without praying Maghrib.
Pray Maghrib and Isha combined upon arrival at Muzdalifah.
This marks the end of Arafat and the beginning of the night under the stars.
🌟 5. Practical & Spiritual Tips for Arafat
- Focus your mind and heart — avoid distractions.
- Prepare a du'a list beforehand.
- Hydrate well and rest when needed.
- Use apps for Quran and Du'a if helpful.
✨ The Weight of This Day
The Prophet ﷺ said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafat.” (Muslim)
Whether this is your first Hajj or not, don’t let this day pass lightly. It’s your personal meeting with Allah — give it your all.
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