🌙 Muzdalifah (مزدلفة)

Muzdalifah is an open plain located southeast of Mina, between Arafat and Mina. On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (the second day of Hajj), pilgrims arrive here after sunset from Arafat and spend the night in worship and remembrance.

📍 Location & Size

• Muzdalifah lies between the Valley of Muhassar and the mountains of Ma’zamayn.

• It stretches about 4 km in length and covers approximately 12.25 square kilometers.

📖 Reference in the Qur’an

Allah ﷻ mentions Muzdalifah in the Qur’an:

“When you leave Arafat, then remember Allah at the Mash’ar al-Haram.”
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:198)

According to Abdullah ibn Umar (رضي الله عنه), “Mash’ar al-Haram” refers to Muzdalifah.

🕌 Salah at Muzdalifah

• During his Farewell Hajj, the Prophet ﷺ performed Maghrib and Isha together at Muzdalifah.

• He stayed at the location where the Masjid Mash’ar al-Haram now stands, near the Qiblah side.

• The Prophet ﷺ said:

  “Although I am staying here, you may stay anywhere throughout Muzdalifah.” [Muslim]

Key rulings:

• During Hajj, it is waajib (obligatory) to perform Maghrib and Isha together at the time of Isha in Muzdalifah.

• The wuqoof (stay) at Muzdalifah is also waajib. Its time begins at Subh Saadiq (true dawn) and lasts until sunrise.

• Even a short stay fulfills the obligation, though it is best to remain until just before sunrise.

🪨 Collecting Pebbles

• Pilgrims collect pebbles here for pelting the Jamarat (symbolic stoning of Shaytan in Mina).

• While pebbles can be collected from anywhere, it is considered best practice to collect them at Muzdalifah.

🤲 Reflections of Muzdalifah

• The night at Muzdalifah comes right before the stoning of Shaytan at Mina.

• Pilgrims use this time to make heartfelt Du’as after Arafat.

• Each pebble picked should symbolize a sin or bad habit — when thrown at the Jamarat, the believer intends to cast away those faults.

• Muzdalifah is also called “Jam’”, meaning “gathering”, because it is a place where pilgrims gather in unity.

📌 FAQs About Muzdalifah

📍 Where is Muzdalifah located?

Muzdalifah is located southeast of Mina, between Mina and Arafat, stretching from the Valley of Muhassar to the mountains of Ma’zamayn.

📖 Is Muzdalifah mentioned in the Qur’an?

Yes. In Surah al-Baqarah (2:198), Allah commands pilgrims to remember Him at Mash’ar al-Haram, which refers to Muzdalifah.

🕌 What prayers are performed at Muzdalifah?

Maghrib and Isha are combined and performed together at the time of Isha. This was the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ during Hajj.

⏳ What is the wuqoof (stay) of Muzdalifah?

It is waajib to spend part of the night in Muzdalifah. The time for wuqoof begins at dawn (Subh Saadiq) and ends at sunrise. Remaining until just before sunrise is best.

🪨 Why do pilgrims collect pebbles at Muzdalifah?

Pebbles are collected here for the ritual stoning of the Jamarat in Mina. While they can be collected elsewhere, it is Sunnah to gather them from Muzdalifah.

🤲 Why is Muzdalifah also called “Jam’”?

Because it is a place where pilgrims gather together after Arafat, uniting in worship, remembrance, and preparation for the next stage of Hajj.