What is the ruling on staying overnight at Muzdalifah? And if the pilgrim arrives there late, does he combine the Maghrib and 'Isha' prayers?

Question:
What is the ruling on staying overnight at Muzdalifah? And if the pilgrim does not arrive there until after the middle of the night, does he combine the Maghrib and 'Isha' prayers? What if he is delayed? And does he keep this night awake with a specific act?

Answer:
Staying overnight at Muzdalifah is an obligatory part of Hajj. If he arrives at the beginning of the night, he prays Maghrib and 'Isha' and stays there. It is not prescribed for him to keep this night awake with prayer, dhikr, recitation of the Qur'an, or supplications. Rather, what is recommended for him is to sleep, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did. He sleeps this night, then gets up at the end of the night to pray witr. He prays whatever he can of the end of the night and prays witr, and prays Fajr early in its first time. Then he devotes himself to supplication at Muzdalifah, after the Fajr prayer until just before the sun rises. Then he proceeds to Mina just before the sun rises, when it is very light. This is what is prescribed. This is if he arrives at the beginning of the night. As for if his arrival is delayed until after the middle of the night, he prays on the way. He prays on the way, and he does not delay the prayer until after the middle of the night. Rather, he prays on the way. When he arrives at Muzdalifah, he stays there for the rest of the night and whatever portion of the night he catches up with, and he prays Fajr there as mentioned before. Yes. May Allah reward you and bless you.