Monday, October 17, 2011

Hajj :On day 2

Going to Arafah

After leaving Mina, the pilgrim heads toward Arafah.

Arafah is a desert location approximately nine miles from Makkah. Pilgrims don't have to get crowded on the Mount of Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy). They can stay in any place WITHIN the boundaries of Arafah.

Additional Info

Prayer Upon Entering Arafah

O Allah! Forgive my sins, help me repent to you, and grant me all that I beseech of You. Whenever I turn, let me see goodness. Allah be praised! All Praise is due to Allah! There is no deity except Allah! And Allah is The Most Great.


Praying in Arafah

After settling down in the tents at Arafah, the pilgrim offers the Zuhur and Asr prayers in qasr (shortened) and Jam' (combined) modes, that is, 2 rak'ats each prayer instead of 4 rak'ats, and the two prayers are offered at the same time, with one adhan and two separate Iqamahs, one each for Zuhur and Asr.

Additional Info

Once in Arafah, the pilgrim should spend as much time in prayer and remembrance of Allah as possible. This is a very special day and the pilgrim may never see it again. Everyone must make the most of out it.

No Nafl or any other prayers are performed, either before or after the obligatory prayers.

Staying in Arafah

The pilgrim stays in Arafah until sunset. It is recommended to spend the entire time reading the Quran, reciting the Talbiyah, offering supplications, and repenting to Allah.

Additional Info

Standing in Arafah

In the late afternoon just before sunset, the pilgrims may stand outside the tent facing the Qiblah, and raise their hands supplicating to Allah. There are no prescribed prayers for Wuquf (standing) Arafah. During these sacred moments, the pilgrim is alone with Allah, praying to have his/her sins and lifelong shortcomings get forgiven. Communication with Allah in any language is acceptable.

Leaving to Muzdalifah

After sunset, the pilgrim departs for Muzdalifah quietly, always reciting the Talbiyah and other prayers.

Additional Info

Muzdalifah is a desert location approximately midway between Mina and Arafah. The pilgrim spends the night of the 10th of Thul-Hijjah here.

Toilets and ablution facilities are available. Naturally, they are very crowded at all times. The pilgrims must be patient, courteous, and understanding to other fellow pilgrims.

Offering Prayers in Muzdalifah

The pilgrim offers Maghrib and Isha prayers combining them and shortening the Isha. Thus, after the adhan is called, three rak'ahs of Maghrib are offered following the usual iqamah.
Another iqamah (but not adhan) is called and then two rak'ahs of Isha are offered.

Additional Info

The pilgrim stays under the sky at Muzdalifah. No tents or other lodging facilities are available.
Collecting Pebbles

The pilgrim then walks to the foot of nearby hills, and collects about 70 pea-size pebbles for throwing.

Additional Info

It is a good idea to collect additional pebbles to make up for accidental losses. The pebbles lying around the bathrooms facilities should not be collected. No one should leave Muzdalifah before Fajr without a legitimate excuse: only women, elderly, and weak people can leave after midnight.

Completion of Second Day

The pilgrim spends the night at Muzdalifah and offers Fajr there. Before sunrise, the pilgrim leaves for Mina on the morning of the 10th of Thul-Hijjah.

Additional Info

After Fajr prayer, the pilgrim goes through the al-Mash'ar al-Haram and makes du'a until brightness of the sun is widespread. The pilgrim must speed up the walk when passing by the Muhasir valley.



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