PlacesKnown place

'Arafat

عرفات

The plain east of Makkah where pilgrims stand on the day of 'Arafah.

QuranSee it in the Atlas

Connections

Whose story is set here

Today
east of Makkah
How sure
The site is not in doubt.
Map position
21.4° N, 40.0° E

About this place

The Quran tells the pilgrims to remember Allah when they press on from 'Arafat (2:198).

Shurrab describes 'Arafat as the farthest of the Hajj sites, on the road between Makkah and at-Ta'if about 23 km east of Makkah: a wide plain ringed by mountains, with the valley of 'Urana on its west, where standing does not count.

Evidence

QuranAl-Baqara (The Cow)Quran 2:198

لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَبْتَغُوا۟ فَضْلًا مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَآ أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَـٰتٍ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عِندَ ٱلْمَشْعَرِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۖ وَٱذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِۦ لَمِنَ ٱلضَّآلِّينَ ١٩٨

There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty[76] from your Lord [during ḥajj]. But when you depart from ʿArafāt, remember Allāh at al-Mashʿar al-Ḥarām.[77] And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray.

Translator's notes

[76] i.e., profit from trade or business. [77] Which is in Muzdalifah.

Saheeh International · QuranEnc v1.1.2

Another translation: Al-Hilali & Muhsin Khan · QuranEnc v1.1.2

198. There is no sin on you if you seek the Bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage by trading). Then when you leave ‘Arafât[46], remember Allâh (by glorifying His Praises, i.e. prayers and invocations) at the Mash‘ar-il-Harâm [47]. And remember Him (by invoking Allâh for all good.) as He has guided you, and verily, you were, before, of those who were astray.

[46] (V.2:198) ‘Arafât: a well known place near Makkah where pilgrims have to spend the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah. [47] (V.2:198) Al-Mash‘ar Al-Harâm, i.e. Muzdalifah a well-known place near Makkah, where pilgrims have to stop and stay for the whole night of the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah , or a great part of it.

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