‘Arafat and the Sacred Monuments (L-249)
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فَإِذا
أَفَضتُم مِن عَرَفاتٍ فَاذكُرُوا اللَّهَ عِندَ المَشعَرِ الحَرامِ ۖ 198b. |
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198b. Fa-‘izaaa ‘afaztum min ‘Arafaatin
fazku-rUllaaha ‘in-dal- Mash-‘aril-Haraam. |
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198b. When you disperse from Arafat, remember God at the
Sacred Landmark. |
‘Afaztum – (you return) this word has come out from the word ‘Afaazah which means ‘Walking in multitudes and coming back’. Technically it signifies “returning from ‘Arafat to Muzdalfah”.
‘Arafaatin – (‘Arafat) the road which leads to the east from Makkah towards Taif, there is a plain field in the area of several miles situated twelve miles away from Makkah Mo-‘azmah. That is called ‘Arafaat. There is a hill in this plain also, which is called ‘Arafat too. Its height is two hundred yards from the sea level. During the entire year this field remains vacant but on 9th Zul-Hajjah it comes in full bloom on arrival of the Pilgrims.
The Pilgrims reach Minaa till afternoon on 8th of the Zul-Hajjah and on the next day, on 9th Zul-Hajjah at the time of rising of the sun, they travel towards ‘Arafat, they reach ‘Arafat at the time of afternoon. Till the time of Asar (before sunset) the Pilgrims have to remain there. This stay is called Wuquuf. The presence in this plain is the most important duty of the Pilgrims. The entire period should be passed in begging mercy or grace, repentance, penitence and remembrance of God during the stay in the Field of ‘Arafat. While the sun is near to set, then the Pilgrims should depart unto Muzdalfah (the Sacred Monument). Zuhr and 'Asr prayers are offered in the afternoon jointly in Nimrah Masjid of ‘Arafat on that day, and Maghrib and ‘Ishaa’ are offered after returning to Muzdalfah at the time of ‘Ishaa’.
‘Al- Mash-‘aril-Haraam – (the Sacred Monument), Mash-‘ar means, “The sign or emblem” and the word Haraam discloses its dignity. It is such particular place which is situated between the two hills of Muzdalfah. However, the entire Muzdalfah is called “the Sacred Monument” (Mash-‘aril-Haraam).
Muzdalfah – It is at the distance of six miles from Makkah. There exists a direct pathway from Minaaa to ‘Arafat and the Pilgrims proceed to ‘Arafat from that way on 9th Zul-Hajjah. But on return from ‘Arafat it is prescribed to use the other pathway. The Muzdalfah is situated on that pathway. Caravans of the Pilgrims stay here at night and pass their entire time in the Masjid over the hill, offering prayers, establishing worship, begging for mercy, repentance, penitence and remembrance of God.
There are three Duties to be observed compulsorily of the entire acts of Pilgrimage:
- Wearing ‘Ihram (Garment
of Hajj)
· To be present in ‘Arafat on 9th Zul-Hajjah which is called Wuquuf also.
Going round the Holy Shrine (Tawaaf of The Square Building) – Wuquuf is the most important act from the three acts. It has been described in this verse that when you return from ‘Arafat, Remember God during stay at Muzdalfah begging for mercy, repentance and remain busy in adoring God..jpg)
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