This does not conflict with the principles of the Sacred Law, for one of its principles is that preserving the intrinsic perfection of an act of worship takes precedence over preserving perfection related to place and time.

His statement, “by the rocks”: these are well-known rocks that still remain there to this day.

His statement, “and Mount of Mercy,” which is also called the Mount of Supplication: the reason for these names is clear, for this place—meaning all of Arafah—is a place of mercy and a place of supplication. However, this mountain was not known by this name in the time of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. Rather, the scholars gave it the name Mount of Mercy or Mount of Supplication for this reason. It is also called Ilāl, which was its original name in the pre-Islamic period. It is likewise called Mount Arafah or the Mount of Standing.

His statement, “He stands while mounted by the rocks and Mount of Mercy”: the author did not specify which direction he should face. But we say that he should face the qiblah, as stated in Jabir’s hadith describing the Prophet’s pilgrimage (1), and because in every act of worship it is preferable to face the qiblah, except where evidence establishes otherwise. As Ibn Muflih, may Allah have mercy on him, said in al-Furūʿ, after mentioning the view of some scholars that facing the qiblah is prescribed while performing ablution: “He faces it in every act of obedience unless there is evidence to the contrary.” There is no doubt that one should face the qiblah when making supplication. As for ablution and similar acts, however, there is some reservation about this, and specific evidence is needed, because the apparent practice of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, was that he did not deliberately do so.