Search In Fatwa

Standing at ‘Arafah after noon

Question

What is the ruling concerning someone who comes to ‘Arafah after noon?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Standing at ‘Arafah is one of the pillars of Hajj without which Hajj is not valid. It extends between the time of the declination of the sun from the middle of the sky, which is noon time (on 9th of Thul-Hijjah), until the break of the dawn of the day of Nahr. Whoever stands at ‘Arafah for even part of this time has fulfilled the obligation of standing therein. However, according to many scholars, departure (from ‘Arafah) before sunset makes a sacrifice due on the one who does so.

Hence, if one comes to ‘Arafah after noon and stays there until the sun sets, then he will have fulfilled the pillar and the obligation. If he departs before sunset, then he will have fulfilled the pillar and the obligation remains due on him, which, in any case, can be mended by offering a sacrifice.

Allaah Knows best.

Related Fatwa