ʿArafā(t)

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ʿArafā(t). Muslim place of pilgrimage, a plain about 19 km. from Mecca. According to tradition, after Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise, they separated, but met again at this place, and recognized (Arab., ʿarifa, ‘know’) each other. Pilgrims on the ḥajj assemble here toward the end of the obligatory duties for at least a short time. The massive assembly is said to resemble, in anticipation, the Day of Judgement.