Muslim pilgrims departed the plain of Arafat for Muzdalifah at sunset on May 26, 2026 [2].
This transition marks the completion of the standing at Arafat, which is considered the core pillar of the Hajj pilgrimage. The movement of millions of people between these holy sites is a critical logistical phase of the annual religious observance.
The departure occurred on the ninth day [1] of Dhu Al‑Hijjah. According to the Emirates News Agency, pilgrims began heading to Muzdalifah to spend the night there after performing the greatest pillar of the Hajj [2].
"As the sun set on the ninth day of Dhu Al‑Hijjah, pilgrims began departing Arafat for Muzdalifah after completing their standing at Arafat and performing the core pillar of Hajj," WAM said [2].
The process involves a coordinated movement from the plain of Arafat toward Muzdalifah, located near Mecca, Saudi Arabia [2]. This stage is an obligatory requirement for those performing the pilgrimage. Following the overnight stay in Muzdalifah, pilgrims will proceed to Mina to continue the remaining rites of the Hajj [2].
Authorities in Saudi Arabia manage the flow of traffic and pedestrian movement to ensure the safety of the pilgrims during this transition. The shift from Arafat to Muzdalifah is a timed event that triggers subsequent activities in the holy sites, including the collection of pebbles for the stoning ritual in Mina [2].
"Holy sites: Hajj pilgrims began heading to Muzdalifah at sunset on Tuesday, the ninth day of Dhu al‑Hijjah, to spend the night there after standing on the plain of Arafat and completing the greatest pillar of the Hajj," WAM said [2].
“Pilgrims began departing Arafat for Muzdalifah after completing their standing at Arafat and performing the core pillar of Hajj.”
The movement from Arafat to Muzdalifah represents the transition from the most spiritually significant day of Hajj to the active ritual phase. Because the standing at Arafat is the essential pillar of the pilgrimage, its completion allows the global community of pilgrims to proceed toward the final stages of the journey in Mina and Mecca.
