Supplication on the Day of 'Arafah and Occupying Oneselves with the Pilgrims' Needs

The questioner:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah reward you. Is it better to supplicate at all times after the prayer? Or is there a specific time to address a reminder, or to distribute water and provide drinking water at dawn? In other words, is it better to supplicate on the Day of 'Arafah at all times after the prayer, or is there a time to address a reminder, or to distribute water and provide drinking water for the pilgrims?

The Shaykh:
There is no harm in all of this. He supplicates to Allah on the Day of 'Arafah, while standing at 'Arafah, and there is no harm in him doing the tasks he or his companions need, such as providing drinking water, cooking food, or anything else. He does the tasks he or his companions need while supplicating to Allah. He is doing something good, but whenever he is free to devote himself to supplication and face the qiblah, that is better. As for if he supplicates while he is busy, that is good. He combines the two benefits: supplication and the work he and those with him need, such as providing drinking water, cooking food, setting up the tent, or other needs. Do you understand?

The questioner:
Honorable Shaykh.

The Shaykh:
If he needs to sleep and is tired and sleeps, there is no harm, and his standing is counted for him, because his presence at 'Arafah is the standing, whether he is sleeping, awake, silent, or supplicating. His presence at 'Arafah is counted, and since he is in the state of ihram, his standing is counted for him even if he is sleeping. Yes.