Hajj pilgrims began moving from the plains of Arafat to the site of Muzdalifah after sunset on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah [1].
This transition marks a critical progression in the Hajj pilgrimage, moving worshippers from the most essential pillar of the journey toward the final stages of the ritual. The movement ensures the sequential completion of religious obligations required for a valid pilgrimage.
According to reports, more than 1.7 million pilgrims [2] completed the standing ritual, known as the "Greatest Umrah," at the plain of Arafat before departing. The movement occurred following the sunset of the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which corresponds to Aug. 20, 2026 [1], [3].
Pilgrims travel from the Arafat plain to the open area of Muzdalifah in Mecca to spend the night and collect pebbles for the subsequent stoning of the Jamarat. This phase of the pilgrimage is a mandatory sequence that follows the day of prayer and reflection at Arafat.
Authorities coordinated the flow of the millions of worshippers to maintain order and safety during the transit. The process involves a massive logistical operation to move a population of this size across the holy sites within a specific timeframe.
This movement is the penultimate step before pilgrims head to Mina for the days of Tashreeq. The transition from Arafat to Muzdalifah is designed to be a period of transition and preparation for the final rites of the Hajj.
“More than 1.7 million pilgrims completed the standing ritual at the plain of Arafat.”
The movement of over 1.7 million people from Arafat to Muzdalifah represents one of the most significant logistical challenges in global religious gatherings. Because the standing at Arafat is the central pillar of Hajj, the successful transition to Muzdalifah signifies that the primary spiritual requirement of the pilgrimage has been met, allowing the global community of worshippers to proceed toward the conclusion of their rites.
