Time for Leaving Arafat
The permitted time to leave Arafat is after the time for the evening prayer (akşam namazı) has begun.
Arafat Standing (Vakfesi) is one of the most important pillars of Hajj. It is obligatory to be within the boundaries of Arafat from noon on Arafah Day until the break of dawn at night. However, according to the Hanafi school of thought, leaving Arafat before the time for the evening prayer begins is considered abandoning an obligation (vacib) and incurs a penalty. This penalty is fulfilled by sacrificing an animal known as “dem.”
In contrast, according to the Shafi’i school, a person who leaves Arafat before sunset does not incur a penalty, but it is recommended (mustahabb) to offer the sacrifice (dem) to avoid any disagreement.
In summary:
- The most appropriate time to leave Arafat is after the time for the evening prayer begins.
- According to the Hanafi school, leaving Arafat before the time for the evening prayer incurs a penalty.
- According to the Shafi’i school, leaving Arafat before sunset does not incur a penalty, but it is recommended to offer a sacrifice just in case.