Muzdalifah Guide
A step-by-step guide for the night under the stars, combining prayers, and collecting the Jamarat pebbles.
Night of the 9thThe Sequence of Muzdalifah
1. Leaving Arafat (Do Not Pray Maghrib Yet)
When the sun sets completely on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, you will leave Arafat. It is crucial that you do not pray Maghrib in Arafat. You must delay it and pray it when you arrive at Muzdalifah.
2. Combining Maghrib and Isha
Upon arriving in Muzdalifah (whether by bus, train, or walking), your immediate priority is prayer. You will combine Maghrib and Isha, shortening Isha to 2 rakahs. You pray 3 rakahs for Maghrib, then immediately 2 rakahs for Isha, with one Adhan and two Iqamahs.
3. Sleep and Rest (The Sunnah)
There is no specific night prayer (Tahajjud) to be performed in Muzdalifah. The Prophet ï·º slept until Fajr. This rest is necessary because the next day (Yawm An-Nahr) is physically demanding.
4. The Concession for the Weak
The Prophet ï·º allowed the weak, elderly, women, and those caring for them to leave Muzdalifah for Mina after midnight (or when the moon sets) to avoid the massive crowds.
5. Fajr and Wuquf (Standing)
For those who stay, you pray Fajr at its earliest time. Then, face the Qibla and make intense Dua until just before sunrise (the sky brightens completely). Before the sun actually rises, you must leave for Mina.
Collecting Pebbles
How Many to Collect?
It is Sunnah to pick up at least 7 pebbles from Muzdalifah for the first stoning (Jamarat Al-Aqabah) on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. However, many pilgrims collect all 49 (or 70) pebbles here to save time in Mina.
- The pebbles should be roughly the size of a chickpea.
- Do not wash the pebbles.
- Do not break large rocks into smaller pieces.