Arafat is the plain 20 km east of Makkah where pilgrims stand on 9 Dhul Hijjah during Hajj, the pillar without which Hajj is invalid. It is not part of the Umrah rites, but is included in almost every Makkah ziyarat tour.
Arafat at a glance
| From Makkah | 20 km |
|---|---|
| Role in Hajj | Wuquf on 9 Dhul Hijjah |
| Role in Umrah | None, ziyarat only |
| Worth | 1 hour |
What to see
Jabal ar-Rahmah
The Mount of Mercy, marked by a white pillar.
Masjid Namirah
The mosque where the Hajj khutbah is delivered.
The plain itself
Empty for most of the year, and worth seeing precisely for that contrast.
Getting there
Arafat is 20 km east of Makkah, about 35 minutes by road. It is included on the standard Makkah ziyarat tour alongside Mina and Muzdalifah.
Allow an hour. Jabal ar-Rahmah can be climbed in 15 minutes, but the rock is unbearable after 09:00 in summer, go straight after Fajr.
Questions
What is there to see in Arafat?
Jabal ar-Rahmah: The Mount of Mercy, marked by a white pillar. Masjid Namirah: The mosque where the Hajj khutbah is delivered. The plain itself: Empty for most of the year, and worth seeing precisely for that contrast.
How long should I spend in Arafat?
Ziyarat stop. Jabal ar-Rahmah and the plain of the standing.