JOURNEY OF FAITH : WUQUF AT ARAFAH (2017)

WHAT IS HAJJ

Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mekkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam, the others being the profession of faith, prayer, fasting and charity. It should be undertaken once in a Muslim's lifetime, providing health and means permit. 

The word "Hajj" is derive from the Arabic verb "Hajja" meaning "to exert effort" or "to set out to a great place". 

Hajj is the annual Islamic Pilgrimage to Mekkah, Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims perform Hajj to seek God's forgiveness for past sins, purify their souls and demonstrate their submission to Allah. One of the world's largest annual gatherings, bringing together millions of Musims from diverse backgrounds to express solidarity and equality. 

This pilgrimage occurs annually between the 8th and 12th of Dzulhijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. 

Briefing before leaving for Arafat

In 2017, the Day of Arafah or Yawn al-Arafat — 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. 

For your Hajj to be deemed valid, you must perform Wuquf at Arafat, you must spend a portion of time in Arafat between midday and the beginning of Fajr on the following day. If you don't reach Arafat during this period, your Hajj will be regarded as incomplete. 

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 2.4 million pilgrims gathered from around the world.For Muslims not performing the pilgrimage, fasting on this specific day was encourage as a highly meritorious act. 
• 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 will join 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. 
• Pilgrims began their journey from Mekkah to to plains of Arafah in stages, primarily using a fleet of 425 buses to ensure a smooth transition before the start of the ritual. 
• 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). During this season, 841 pilgrims were warded at TH Hospitals and Clinics, while 121 were sent to Saudi hospitals for medical treatment. 
• Pilgrims faces extreme weather conditions, with temperatres in Arafah reaching as high as 45-47 degrees during the day. 
• 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).

2 Million Muslim Pilgrims Mark Highlight of Annual Hajj in Mekkah. 

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. 

MASJID NAMIRAH AND WADI URANAH

Namirah Mosque is a major historical landmark locate in Wadi Uranah, a valley situated at the western boundary of the plain of Arafat. 

The mosque marks the site where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) camped and delivered his famous Farewell Sermon(Khutbah al-Wada) during his final pilgrimage in 10 AH. 

On the 9th of Dzulhijjah, the Imam delivers the Hajj sermon from this mosque. Pilgrims gather here to perform the combined Dzuhr and Asar prayers. 

Because "standing in Arafat" (Wuquf) is a core pillar of Hajj, pilgrims are warned by clear signboards inside the mosque to ensure they are in the rear section (Arafat) rather than the front section (Wadi Uranah), as staying in the Wadi Uranah portion does not count toward the mandatory ritual.

Masjid Namirah at Wadi Uranah

JABAL AL-RAHMAH

Jabal Al-Rahmah, "Mount of Mercy" also known as Jabal Arafat, is a small mountain in Arafat, at the base of which the Prophet s.a.w supplicated during his farewell pilgrimage. On the 9th of Dzulhijjah, thousand of pilgrims gather around this mountain during the most important rite of Hajj. 

Reference:

1. Hajj Journey 2017: Wukuf at Arafah

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Hajj Pilgrims 2017

29/12/2025: 11.05 p.m