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Proceeding to Aqabah

As the sun set the Day of Arafat drew to a close and after the offering of the evening
prayer it was time to leave. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) mounted his camel
and with Osama riding behind him led the pilgrims at a modest pace on to Aqabah. In
their eagerness to reach Aqabah, the pilgrims started to hasten their pace, whereupon
the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) told them to slow down saying, "Gently, gently,
in the quietness of the soul. Let those who are strong care for the weak."

Lady Sawdah found it difficult to keep up with the rest of the pilgrims, so she sought the
Prophet's permission to leave Muzdalifah in the coolness of the pre-dawn hours for
Aqabah so that she might fulfill her duty before the multitude of pilgrims arrived.
The
Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) gave his permission and Lady Umm Sulaym
accompanied her with Al-Abbas' son, Abdullah, leading the way.

Now that the thin thread of light had appeared on the horizon it was time for the dawn
prayer, so the call to prayer was made and the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) led
the pilgrims in prayer. After its completion it was time to leave for Aqabah, but this time