Importance
Arrival at Muzdalifa is an important part of the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. Muzdalifa is a plain located between Mina and Arafat, and it is here that pilgrims spend the night between the 9th and 10th days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
Upon arrival at Muzdalifa, the pilgrims will perform Maghrib (sunset) and Isha (night) prayers together, before spending the night in the open air. This is a time for reflection and spiritual contemplation, as well as a chance to rest after the long day of standing at Arafat.
The following morning, the pilgrims will perform Fajr (dawn) prayers and then head to the nearby valley of Mash’ar al-Haram, where they will perform the Waqoof al-Mash’ar, a special prayer that signifies the end of the Hajj.
The Rami al-Jamarat: Rejecting Satan in the Hajj
After completing the Waqoof al-Mash’ar, the pilgrims will return to Mina to begin the next phase of the Hajj, known as the Rami al-Jamarat, or the “stoning of the devil.” This involves throwing pebbles at three pillars that represent the devil, and is said to symbolize the rejection of Satan and his temptations.
Once the Rami al-Jamarat is complete, the pilgrims will sacrifice an animal (sheep, goat, cow or camel) in honor of Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” which commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God.
After the sacrifice, the pilgrims will have their hair cut or shaved, a ritual known as Halq or Taqsir, which marks the end of the Hajj. They will then return to Mecca to perform the Tawaf al-Ifada, the final Tawaf of the Hajj, before departing from Mecca and returning home.
Overall, Arrival at Muzdalifa is an important and spiritual part of the Hajj, and it is a time for reflection and contemplation, as well as for rest and preparation for the next phase of the pilgrimage.
If you’re planning to embark on a spiritual journey to Mecca for Umrah, you’ll need to secure an Umrah visa before your trip. Our easy-to-use Umrah visa form simplifies the process and helps you obtain your visa quickly and efficiently. Simply fill out the form with your personal and travel information, and we’ll take care of the rest.
