مزدلفه, Sacred pilgrimage site in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Muzdalifah is a pilgrimage site located between two other sacred destinations on an open plain near Makkah. The landscape is broad and largely unstructured, with a mosque marking a designated prayer area where millions of pilgrims gather.
Before Islam, certain Arab tribes camped at this location and declined to visit other sacred areas. After Islam's arrival, it became a central part of the Hajj pilgrimage for all believers.
Pilgrims gather small pebbles here as part of the Hajj ritual, picking up stones from the plain to use later in their journey. This collection is a visible moment in the pilgrimage where the land itself becomes essential to the spiritual practice.
Visitors should prepare for large crowds and open, sunny conditions, as the location offers little shade. Comfortable clothing and plenty of water are important for managing the climate in the area.
Many pilgrims spend their night under open sky and without permanent structures, making the experience deeply personal and memorable. This often becomes the most reflective moment during the entire Hajj journey for many people.
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