Pilgrims traditionally stand at Arafat during the central rite of hajj.
The standing, or wuquf, at Arafat takes place on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, the second day of the main hajj rites. Pilgrims spend the day in prayer, supplication, and remembrance. The plain lies east of Mecca and is associated in Islamic tradition with the Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon.
Arafat is not the same place as Mina or Muzdalifah. Pilgrims travel from Mina to Arafat, then proceed to Muzdalifah after sunset before returning to Mina. Missing the standing at Arafat is traditionally treated as missing the hajj itself, which explains its exceptional importance in the pilgrimage sequence.