STANDING AT AL-MASH'AR AL-HARAM When dawn breaks, perform the Fajr (Al-Ghadah) prayer, and then stand at Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram at the foot of the mountain. For those performing Hajj for the first time (Al-Sarurah), it is recommended to step onto Al-Mash'ar with their feet or, if riding, with their mount. Allah سبحانه وتعالى the Exalted says: "Then when you pour down from Arafat, remember Allah سبحانه وتعالى at Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram. And remember Him as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:198]. Ensure your state of ritual purity with a prior ablution (ghusl). As you stand, recite the following: "O Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Lord عز وجل of Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram, Lord عز وجل of the Corner and the Station, Lord عز وجل of the Black Stone and Zamzam, and Lord عز وجل of the known days! Free my neck from the Fire, expand Your lawful provisions for me, and protect me from the evil of the corrupt among jinn and humans and the wickedness of the rebellious among Arabs and non-Arabs. O Allah سبحانه وتعالى, You are the best to be sought, the best to be called upon, and the best to be asked. Every visitor receives a gift, so let my gift at this station be to forgive my misstep, accept my excuse, pardon my sin, make piety my provision in this world, and return me successful, victorious, and with answered prayers, bearing the best of what anyone of Your guests and pilgrims to Your Sacred House may receive." Pray abundantly for yourself, your parents, your children, your family, your possessions, and your fellow believing brothers and sisters, as this is a sacred and significant place. The standing here is an obligatory rite of Hajj. When the sun rises, confess your sins to Allah سبحانه وتعالى seven times, and ask for His forgiveness seven times. If the crowds at Al-Mash'ar become overwhelming, pilgrims may move toward the narrow mountain paths (Al-Ma'zimayn).