Arafat and Jabal al-Rahmah: History, Hajj and Visiting

Arafat is a vast plain about 20 km south-east of Makkah, bounded by hills and centred on a small granite hill called Jabal al-Rahmah, the Mount of Mercy. On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah every year, the whole of Hajj gathers here. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Hajj is ‘Arafah” (at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa’i, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah).

Visiting the plain outside Hajj is one of the most popular stops on a Makkah ziyarat tour, and it can stir a deep longing for Hajj in the heart.

Why Arafat is the heart of Hajj

Standing at Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, from after midday until sunset, is the one rite without which there is no Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said, “There is no day on which Allah frees more servants from the Fire than the Day of ‘Arafah” (Muslim), and he taught that the best dua is the dua of that day.

During the Farewell Hajj, the Prophet ﷺ gave his famous sermon in the valley of ‘Uranah, then prayed Dhuhr and ‘Asr together and went to stand by the large rocks at the foot of the mountain, facing the qiblah, until sunset. He said, “I stood here, and all of ‘Arafah is a place of standing” (Muslim, from the hadith of Jabir). On that day the verse “Today I have perfected your religion for you” was revealed (Qur’an 5:3), as ‘Umar confirmed in al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Notably, the plain lies just outside the haram boundary, while Muzdalifah and Mina are inside it.

What you will see at Arafat

Jabal al-Rahmah rises about 70 metres above the plain, with stone steps leading to a white pillar on its summit. Around it stretch roads, tent zones, misting fans and neem trees planted to give shade during Hajj. On the western edge stands the huge Masjid Namirah, and blue signboards mark the boundaries of the standing area.

Outside Hajj you will usually find a steady flow of visitors, camel handlers, photographers and small stalls at the foot of the mountain.

How to visit Arafat

Allow 30 to 45 minutes by car or coach from the Haram, depending on traffic. Most tours combine the plain with Muzdalifah and Mina in a single morning. Plan around 45 minutes on the plain itself.

The steps up Jabal al-Rahmah are short but uneven. Early morning is far more comfortable, as there is little shade and temperatures climb fast for most of the year.

Etiquette at Arafat: what the Sunnah says

Practical tips

Arafat quick facts

For the full Hajj sequence, read the Hajj step-by-step guide and our page on Masjid Namirah. You can add the plain to a loop with the ziyarat route planner or see every site on the ziyarat hub.

Arafat: frequently asked questions

Planning your days in Makkah? Our Makkah city guide has live prayer times, the weather, the local time and every ziyarah in and around the city, including Taif.