MAKKAH: Muzdalifah is one of the sacred sites of Hajj, where pilgrims spend the night of 10th Dhu Al-Hijjah after moving from Arafat, performing the combined and shortened Maghrib and Isha prayers in an atmosphere of devotion and tranquility, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The site is named Muzdalifah either because pilgrims arrive there in the early hours of the night (zulaf al-layl) or because it signifies their “drawing closer” to the Grand Mosque, reflecting the meaning of the Arabic verb izdalaf. Situated between Arafat and Mina, approximately eight kilometers from the Grand Mosque, Muzdalifah spans more than 11.68 million square meters and can accommodate over two million pilgrims. It is an open area with no permanent structures, preserving its religious character and distinct organizational status.
Muzdalifah holds deep spiritual significance, as reflected in the Qur’anic verse: “Then when you leave Arafat, remember Allah (by glorifying His praises through prayers and invocations) at Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram.” Standing in prayer and supplication there is encouraged, particularly at Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram, located at its center, which annually witnesses gatherings of worshippers engaged in prayer and reflection. It also serves as a key station in the sequence of Hajj rituals, where Prophet Muhammad spent the night and collected pebbles for the stoning ritual.
