Muslims spend the night at Muzdalifah primarily as a sign of mercy and pity from Allah for their strenuous journey during Hajj, offering them a crucial opportunity to rest.
Spending the night at Muzdalifah is an essential ritual during Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. This stop serves a specific and compassionate purpose within the demanding schedule of the pilgrimage.
The Journey to Muzdalifah
On the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims spend the day in prayer and reflection at the Plains of Arafat. As the sun sets, they leave Arafat and make their way to Muzdalifah, an open plain situated between Arafat and Mina. This journey typically involves significant walking or travel, adding to the physical exertion of the day.
The Purpose of Spending the Night
The primary reason Muslims spend the night at Muzdalifah, as highlighted in Islamic teachings, is rooted in divine mercy. After dedicating the entire day to worship and enduring the journey from Arafat, pilgrims are physically and mentally weary.
According to the reference provided:
The pilgrim spends the whole day walking towards Mina. In order for him to have some rest and to relieve himself, the Divine Legislator (Allah the Almighty) prescribed for him spend the night in Muzdalifah as a sign of mercy and pity for his labor all day long.
This makes it clear that the command to spend the night in Muzdalifah is a merciful provision from Allah, allowing pilgrims a necessary period of rest and relief before the next demanding day of Hajj begins in Mina.
Practical Aspects at Muzdalifah
During their time in Muzdalifah, pilgrims:
- Perform the combined Maghrib (sunset) and Isha (night) prayers shortly after arrival.
- Rest and sleep under the open sky.
- Collect pebbles (typically 49 or 70 small stones) that will be used the following days for the ritual of Rami al-Jamarat (stoning the pillars) in Mina.
Summary of Muzdalifah's Role
Muzdalifah serves as a vital waypoint and a period of respite in the intense sequence of Hajj rituals. It is a practical necessity for pilgrims to recover their strength and prepare for the subsequent rites, underlined by the spiritual significance of it being a divine act of mercy.
| Hajj Stage Sequence | Activity Before Muzdalifah | Activity at Muzdalifah | Activity After Muzdalifah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 9 | Standing (Waqfah) at Arafat (daytime) | Travel from Arafat, Spend the night | N/A |
| Night of Day 9/10 | Travel to Muzdalifah (after sunset) | Pray Maghrib & Isha, Rest, Collect stones | Prepare to depart after Fajr |
| Day 10 | N/A | Depart after Fajr prayer | Proceed to Mina for Rami, etc. |
The night at Muzdalifah is therefore not just a logistical stop but a divinely ordained pause intended to ease the burden on the pilgrims, demonstrating Allah's compassion for their efforts in undertaking this profound spiritual journey.
