JOURNEY OF FAITH : WUQUF AT ARAFAH (2017)

Briefing before leaving for Arafat

In 2017, the Day of Arafah—the most significant day of the Hajj pilgrimage—took place on Thursday, August 31, 2017 (coincides with the date of Malaysia's National Day). This day corresponds to the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, 1438 AH.

The 8th of Zulhijjah marks the beginning the days of Hajj and the next stage of your spiritual journey. You'll purify yourself and enter the state of Ihram once again. 

The Significance of Wuquf at Arafah

Wuquf (the "Standing") is the core ritual of Hajj. It is often described by the Prophetic saying, "Hajj is Arafah." If a pilgrim misses the time spent at Arafah between noon and sunset, their Hajj is considered incomplete.

Arafah is located about 25 km from Masjidilharam. In the Hajj 2017 season, 280 buses were prepared to carry Hajj pilgrims from 14 Maktab accommodation, including a total of 840 trips.

Key Details of Arafah at Hajj 2017

• Attendance: Approximately 2 million pilgrims gathered from around the world.
• In 2017, the number of Malaysian pilgrims increased by 12,000 people compared to the initial number of 30,200 people that was announced at the beginning of the Hajj season. It can be attributed to the good relationship between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of Saudi Arabia. 
• All 42,200 Malaysian Hajj Pilgrims in 2017 willjoin more than 2 million Muslims around the world moving towards Arafah to under the wuquf worship, which is the climax of the Hajj on 31 August 2017. 
• As of 31 August 2017, it was reported by TH that 20 Malaysian pilgrims had died in the Holy Land, with 3 of them passing away on Thursday, August 31,2017. The TH will provide Badal Hajj for these individuals next year.
• As of Wukuf Day (August 31), it was reported that 12 pilgrims are still receiving treatment in Mecca. Among them, 4 pilgrims are in a coma while 8 others are being monitored for their health. For those who are ill and unable to perform the wukuf at Arafah, which is a pillar of Hajj, Tabung Haji will refund RM9,980.00 and they will be given priority to perform the Hajj next year (2018).
• The Arafat Sermon: The 2017 sermon at Masjid al-Namirah was delivered by Sheikh Sa’ad al-Shathri, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia.
• The Arafah Sermon at Malaysian tents was delivered by Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, followed by the combined and shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayer. 
• Weather: Pilgrims faced intense summer heat, with temperatures reaching around 40°C (104°F).

After Sunset, Pilgrims began the Nafrah (departure) to Muzdalifah to spend the night. They will spend the night at Muzdalifah before staying in Mina until the 13th Zulhijjah. 

Please note that the 60th Anniversary of Malaysia National Day on 31st August 2017 was celebrated in conjunction with the Arafah Day at Mekkah. 

Reference:

1. Hajj Journey 2017: Wukuf at Arafah

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Hajj Pilgrims 2017

29/12/2025: 11.05 p.m