And whoever maintains, “Prayers may not be shortened except by someone who has traveled the full legal distance for shortening,” is contradicting the Sunnah.
35 – It is recommended to remain in Namirah until after the sun has passed its zenith and then perform Dhuhr and ʿAsr there, combined. The legitimacy of this combination is unanimously accepted. The jurists have differed over the reason for it: the Ḥanafīs and some Shāfiʿīs say it is mandated by the rite itself (al-nusuk), while most Shāfiʿīs attribute it to the state of travel, and this is the sounder view, for the Prophet ﷺ shortened the two four-rakʿah prayers, and they are only shortened when one is traveling.
36 – It is recommended that the imam deliver a sermon, teaching the people how to stand, reminding them of the gravity of this day, and urging them to strive in supplication and remembrance.
37 – Once the sun has passed its zenith he proceeds to the Mosque of Namirah and joins the imam in praying Dhuhr and ʿAsr, combined and shortened. Combining them at this earlier time is preferred so that the time available for the standing may be longer. No voluntary prayer is performed between them or afterward.
38 – Muslim scholars and students of knowledge must emulate his ﷺ guidance: they should teach the people, admonish them, remind them of their religious duties, and explain how to perform their rites correctly.
39 – He then heads to the standing place at ʿArafah and occupies himself there with supplication, remembrance, and the talbiyah.
40 – The hadith is taken as proof that the time for standing begins only after the sun has passed its zenith.
41 – The best place to stand at ʿArafah is the very spot where the Prophet ﷺ stood, if that is feasible; otherwise, one may stand wherever one’s lodging happens to be. Al-Nawawī said: “What has become widespread among laypeople—insisting on climbing the mountain—is a mistake; the standing is valid in every part of the plain of ʿArafāt.”
42 – Facing the qiblah during supplication and remembrance is better than facing the mountain for anyone who cannot manage both at once.
43 – Whoever has stood at ʿArafah during the daytime must remain there until the sun sets.