Wuqoof at Muzdalifah during the Hajj

Muzdalifah is the place where pilgrims reach after the sunset from Arafat on the 9th Dhul Hijjah or the second day of the Hajj. Stretching from the Valley of Muhassar to the mountain of Ma’zmein, Muzdalifah encompasses an area of 12.25 square kilometers.

Muzdalifah which is also known as Mash ‘aril-Haram is the third obligation of Hajj. Since it is starting in mountain Ma’zmein to Hiyadh and Wadi e Muhassar, so Pilgrims who avail the cheapest Hajj package 2020 have a great desire to climb up. However, because of overcrowding and time constraints, it is not possible to climb up Ma’zmein Mountain.

About Muzdalifah Allah (?) mentions in Surah Baqarah in the Holy Quran: "When you leave Arafat, then remember Allah at the Mash ‘aril Haram."

Abdullah bin Umar (RA) reported, "Prophet (?) performed the Maghreb and Isha Salah together at Muzdalifah during the farewell Hajj. He further reported that he stayed at the spot where the present Masjid Mash ‘aril Haram is (towards the Qiblah side). At that place, the Prophet (?) said: "Although I am staying here, you may stay anywhere throughout Muzdalifah." [Muslim].

So that’s why it is wajib to perform Maghreb and Isha together in Muzdalifah at Isha time during the Hajj performing. Moreover, Wuqoof (staying) of Muzdalifah is also wajib and it’s time begins from Subah Sadiq and ends at sunrise. If pilgrim spends even a short time in Muzdalifah, it is permissible for him/her. Yet, the best way is to remain until just before sunrise. Although pebbles, in order to throw Jamarat, may be collected from anywhere but collected them from Muzdalifah is the best. Muzdalifah is also called ‘Jam’ because people are gathered there. When pilgrims leave Arafat, they must spend part of the night in Muzdalifah. However, pilgrims are not allowed to cross the Wadi Muhassar and enter Mina before sunrise.

For pilgrims, it is required to stay at Muzdalifah from dawn till sunrise on the day of Eid. Yet throughout the period Wuqoof is not one of the mandatory for pilgrims. And if pilgrims stop there for the period of Eid eve, then they should leave before dawn as their Hajj is validated. But if pilgrims do as deliberately then they must pay the Kaffarah of one sheep. So, if they do in ignorance then there is no penalty upon them.

And if pilgrims do not perform Wuqoof between dawn and sunrise at all, so in such case, their Hajj is not validated. It is permissible for women, children, the fearful, the weak, the aged, the sick, and those caring for them are exempt to spend the night (Eid eve) at Muzdalifah and proceed to Mina before dawn. The purpose or intention of Wuqoof must be realized to get the salvation of Allah? from pilgrims. If pilgrim forgets to continue Wuqoof at Muzdalifah or unable to remain there between dawn and sunrise, so he must perform so for a period between sunrise and zawal on Eid day. But if he does not perform, his Hajj is invalidated.

Completing one or both Wuqoof As we have above-mentioned that there are certain alternative periods of Wuqoof Arafat and Muzdalifah, so if a pilgrim achieves to do Wuqoof during a certain period in both spots, there is well and good. And for that purpose, Authorized Hajj Agents clearly provide guidance to manage Wuqoof on both of places. But, despite guidance, if pilgrim could not do, so there are chances to arise in the following situations:

1. If a pilgrim does not accomplish Wuqoof at both of the places, his Hajj is invalid. So, for him, it is necessary to change to Umrah-ul-Mufradah in the ihram of Hajj itself.

2. Then it is required for him to perform Hajj in the following year. If the obligation was Hajjat ul Islam, and that he can also still afford it, so he should do it in order to remain the obligation to discharge it.

3. He manages to Wuqoof at Arafat while the selected period and the other period in Muzdalifah

4. He manages to Wuqoof at Arafat during the alternative period and at Muzdalifah during the appointed period. So, his Hajj is certainly valid.

5. If he Wuqoof at both the places during the substitute period, so his Hajj is valid. But, he must, repeat it in the following year, to make it safe and sound.

6. If pilgrim accomplishes only the Wuqoof at Muzdalifah during the selected period, his Hajj is still valid.

7. If pilgrim accomplishes only the Wuqoof at Muzdalifah during the substitute period, his Hajj is apparently invalid, and he should convert to Umrah-ul-Mufradah.

8. If pilgrim completes only the Wuqoof at Arafat during the fixed period, apparently his Hajj is invalid, and he must change to Umrah-ul-Mufradah. Only in the case of, if, on his way to Mina, he passes through Muzdalifah during the fixed period and does not stay there because of ignorance of the rule.

10. If a pilgrim does only the Wuqoof at Arafat in the substitute period, his Hajj is invalid and he must change to Umrah-ul-Mufradah.

Ady Grewal who writes on the numerous topics such as Islamic travel, current affairs, and history. He loves to write about Hajj and Umrah Guide, just for the Muslims of the UK.