«زلفا» means repeatedly, that is, «مزدلفة» happens frequently. Because people come there from time to time, and «زلف» is also called stages. The word «زلفى» which is in Surah Sad, like «قربى» , meaning nearness. The meaning of «ازدلفوا» is "they gathered." «أزلفنا» is transitive, meaning "We gathered." A person had committed the act of touching a non-mahram woman with his hand or merely kissing her, regarding which this verse was revealed.

Narrated Ibn Masud: A man kissed a woman and then came to Allah's Messenger and told him of that, so this Divine Inspiration was revealed to the Prophet 'And offer Prayers perfectly at the two ends of the day, and in some hours of the night; (i.e. (five) compulsory prayers). Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (small sins) That is a reminder for the mindful.' (11.114) The man said, Is this instruction for me only?' The Prophet said, "It is for all those of my followers who encounter a similar situation."