Staying overnight at Muzdalifah is obligatory, and whoever leaves it owes a sacrificial animal

Question: What is the ruling on standing at Muzdalifah and staying overnight there? What is its extent? And when does the pilgrim depart from it?


Answer: Staying overnight at Muzdalifah is obligatory according to the correct view. Some said it is a pillar, and some said it is recommended. The correct opinion among the scholars is that it is obligatory, and whoever leaves it owes a sacrificial animal. The Sunnah is that one does not depart from it until after the Fajr prayer and after it becomes light. One prays Fajr there, and when it becomes light, he heads to Mina while reciting the talbiyah. The Sunnah is to remember Allah after the prayer and to make du'a. When it becomes light, he heads to Mina while reciting the talbiyah.
It is permissible for the weak among women, men, and the elderly to depart from Muzdalifah in the latter half of the night, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) granted them a dispensation. As for the strong, the Sunnah for them is to remain until they pray Fajr and remember Allah greatly after the prayer, then depart before the sun rises. It is recommended to raise the hands with the du'a at Muzdalifah while facing the qiblah, as he did at 'Arafah. All of Muzdalifah is a standing place.