Arafa is a precisely defined area near Mecca within whose boundaries one must stay on the 9th day of the month of Dhu l-Hijjah for a certain period of time. This is essential for the validity of Hajj. The time during which staying in Arafa makes the Hajj valid is: After the time of the Duhur prayer of the 9th day of the month of Dhu l-Hijjah until the beginning of the time for the Fajr prayer (morning prayer) of the 10th day of the month of Dhu l-Hijjah. Whoever arrives in Arafa after the time for the Duhur prayer on the 9th day of Dhu l-Hijjah must remain there until the sun has set. Whoever arrives in Arafa only in the night, a short stay within the boundary is sufficient.

The stay in Arafa also includes sunan which, however, is not a compulsory duty.