wuquf

Wuquf (وقوف) is an Arabic term meaning standing or a pause. In Islamic usage, it denotes the act of standing before God, either in a ritual context or during prayer. The most prominent instance is Wuquf at Arafat, a core rite of the Hajj pilgrimage.

On the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims stand at the Plain of Arafat from noon to sunset, reciting prayers, supplicating, and seeking forgiveness. The Wuquf at Arafat is considered essential by most schools of Islamic law; performing it is required for the validity of Hajj, and missing it can invalidate the pilgrimage unless an exception applies due to travel, illness, or other impediments according to specific juristic opinions.

Beyond Hajj, wuquf also refers to standing in daily acts of worship—standing during prayer and in the act of supplication. The term thus carries broader connotations of humility and attentiveness before God.

Etymologically, wuquf derives from the Arabic root Q-F, and is related to words for standing and stopping. It is distinct from waqf (وقف), commonly transliterated as endowment or charitable trust in Islamic law, though transliteration variants can create confusion in non-Arabic contexts.

In summary, wuquf denotes both the literal act of standing and a central Hajj ritual at Arafat, symbolizing devotion, reflection, and a pause from ordinary concerns before the divine presence.