The ruling for the time allotted fo...

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta

The ruling for the time allotted for stopping at Muzdalifa

Question

Is it permissible to stop at Muzdalia for a period equivalent to the time it takes a pilgrim to unload his luggage, and pray maghrib and 'isha at the time of 'isha? Does this suffice to meet the requirement of passing through Muzdalifa according to Imam Malik?

Answer

The established opinion for fatwa during our times when the volume of pilgrims has greatly increased, is that staying overnight at Muzdalifa is but a praiseworthy recommendation. This is the opinion of Imam Shafi'i as expressed in his books Al-Umm and Al-Imla` and an opinion of Imam Ahmed. Maliki scholars find it sufficient to stipulate being present at Muzdalifa for only a period equivalent to the time it takes a pilgrim to unload his luggage and pray the shortened maghrib and 'isha prayers together. The majority of scholars, who maintain the obligation of staying overnight at Muzdalifa, waive this obligation in the case of an excuse. Protecting lives from imminent or possible danger is an example of such an excuse. Therefore, the dense crowds and the build-up of human traffic which are characteristic of present day hajj, is a legal excuse for not staying overnight at Muzdalifa according to those scholars who obligate it.

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