Arafat (عرفات)

This undoubtedly great ground is a place where every Muslim keen to visit at least once in their lifetime. It is the land where father and mother of human race Abu Bashar Adam (آدم عليه السلام) and Ummul Bashar Hawwa (رضي الله عليها حواء) met for the first time after descending from the Paradise. It is the site where Allah declared conclusion of the mission endorsed to His beloved Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) to propagate the religion Islam.

It is the arena where Allah bestows his utmost Mercy to His devoted believers by forgiving their sins altogether on the day of Hajj pilgrimage on 9th of hijri month Dhul Hijjah. Upon seeing this Iblees (لعنة الله عليه) the proclaimed enemy of mankind will shrink and weep. By any means this is a great place.

It is mandatory for every Haji (pilgrim) to stay in Arafat on 9th of Dhul Hijja between Dhuhur (ظهر) and Maghrib (مغرب) prayers. In this day called day of Arafat at least 5 million people assemble there attired in same clad offering sincere worship to Allah. They have summoned from every part of the world having a common chant

لبيك اللهم لبيك، لبيك لا شريك لك لبيك، إن الحمد و النعمة لك و الملك لا شريك لك

Arafat is located 19 KM south east of Masjidul Haram towards Taif. It is a large plain away from hills surrounding Masjidul Haram approximately 5.2 KM in length and 4.2 KM in breadth. There are many roads to reach Arafat in which usual route is through Aziziyyah, Mina and Muzdalifah. Arafat can be reached through Makkah – Taif highway also. It is on left side of the road and so one traveling from Makkah need to cross the boundary of Haram (حرم) and take a u-turn, pass through the check point to enter Arafat.

The rulers of the blessed land have arranged plenty of facilities in Arafat to ease pilgrims. There are many water sprinklers which will be activated in day of Arafat. Tents are erected to shelter pilgrims. Sufficient wash basin and lavatory facilities are provided. One would wonder by seeing the services offered in Arafat to guest of Al Rahman. All those settings are for the use of one day in a year!

Mount of Mercy (جبل الرحمة) is a small hill within Arafat where Muhammad Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) stood and did his famous speech during his Hajj. Masjid Namirah (مسجد نمرة) is a vast Masjid at border of Arafat towards Muzdalifah. Front part of this Masjid is not in Arafat as clearly marked by the sign boards. On day of Arafat Dhuhur (ظهر) and Asr (عصر) prayers are prayed shortened and together (جمع و قصر).

People all over the world who couldn’t go for Hajj in the year take fast (صوم) on day of Arafat. It is a highly rewarded devotion and Allah is glorious to pardon those who fast in day of Arafat sins of past year and coming year. Verily Allah is the best who reward and the topmost of merciful.