What is the ruling on visiting the mountain that some pilgrims are accustomed to visiting before or after Hajj, and what is the ruling on praying there?

Worshipping Allah with something He has not legislated is an innovation (bid'ah). Intending to go to Jabal ar-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy) for prayer or to rub oneself against it are innovations that are denounced for the one who does them, as it has no special status. An exception is standing near the rocks on the Day of Arafah, following the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him), along with his saying: "I stood here, and all of Arafah is a standing place." Therefore, a Muslim should not make it difficult for themselves by going to the mountain on the Day of Arafah, as they might get lost or tired, and they would be sinful for causing themselves hardship in something Allah has not made obligatory.