The Importance of the Day of Arafah

May 21, 2024

The Day of Arafah Meaning

The day the Prophet Muhammad (saw) gave his farewell sermon. It is the greatest day of the entire year in the Islamic calendar.

Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul hijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar. It occurs on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah.

This day is the perfect opportunity to ask for forgiveness for our past sins and earn amazing rewards for our good deeds.

The Day of ‘Arafah is the Hajj in itself. So said the Prophet, God’s blessings and peace upon him:

“Al-Hajj ‘Arafah,” meaning “‘Arafah is the Hajj” (Ahmad).

With the rising sun on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, the pilgrim leaves Mina heading to Arafah to stand there. Standing in Arafah is achieved by the pilgrim’s presence in any part of Arafat, whether by standing, riding, or lying down. But if the pilgrim does not stand within the boundaries of Arafah specified on this day, the pilgrim loses his Hajj.

The time for standing in Arafah is from the sunset of the day of Arafah until the dawn of the next day, which is the first day of Eid al-Adha.

The pilgrim performs the Zuhr and Asr prayers in Arafah, combined with one adhan and two Iqaamahs, and it is desirable for the pilgrim on the day of Arafah to pray a lot.

This is because the Prophet Muhammad said: “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafa, and the best is what I and the prophets before me said:

There is no God but Allah, alone, without a partner, to Him belongs the kingdom and to Him is praise, He gives life and causes death, and He has power over all things.

The pilgrims remain in Arafah until sunset. When the sun sets, the pilgrims go from Arafah to Muzdalifah to spend the night there, and the pilgrim performs the Maghrib and Isha prayers there. Meaning that he delays the Maghrib prayer until the time for Isha begins.

The pilgrim collects pebbles, then spends the night in Muzdalifah until the dawn prayer, after which the pilgrim goes to Mina to stone the Great Jamarat of Aqaba.

Virtues of the Day of Arafah

The virtues of the Day of Arafah are very great. As it is the day of liberation from the fire of Hell, and forgiveness of sins, as it was reported on the authority of Aisha, the Mother of the Believers – May Allah Be Pleased with Her – that the Prophet – Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him – said:

There is no day when Allah sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of ‘Arafa. He draws near, then praises them to the angels, saying: What do these want?

Therefore, it is worthwhile for a Muslim to avoid everything that God has forbidden; To obtain emancipation from the Fire and forgiveness of sins.

Among the virtues of the Day of Arafah, God Almighty boasting of angels to the people of Arafat, the Prophet – may God’s prayers and peace be upon him – said:

Allah, The Mighty and Sublime, boasts to His angels on the eve of Arafat with the people of Arafat, and He Says: Look at my servants.

Fasting on the Day of Arafah

The jurists say that it is better on the day of Arafah for the pilgrim not to fast, so the Messenger of Allah (SAW), forbade the fast of Arafah in Arafah. “The day of Arafah, rather they no to be fasting; Because it is stronger for them to worship, and more active for them to do good, and because it is a feast day for pilgrims, and festivals do not fast.”

As for fasting this day for non-pilgrims, it is one of the best deeds, and the Prophet (SAW), told that fasting expiates for the year before it and the year after.

I’m on the advisory board of this great organization, Basmah. And I’m saying to you, from a man on the inside, they do a lot of incredible work. I’m amazed every day by more and more work; they don’t stop, they never stop.

Imam Siraj Wahhaj

Honorary advisor of BASMAH

Fasting on the Day of Arafah Hadith

The prohibition on fasting on the day of Arafah was reported in the Hadith: On the authority of Abu Hurairah who said: “The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) forbade fasting on the day of Arafah at Arafah.”.

The Arafat Day Dua

Arafat Day Dua is one of the most popular dua in Islam. It was written by Prophet Muhammad and it has been used by Muslims since then.

It was written on the day when Prophet Muhammad died and it was recited before his burial.

Muslims should recite “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil Adheem” on the day of Arafah. It means “Glory to be to Allah, and all praise is due to Him”.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “The best of supplication is aware of the day of Arafah, and the best of what I said and the Prophets from tribal: There is no God but Allah alone, no partner, and praise be to Him. All things are capable of power)[1], so the Muslim should be keen to make a lot of this supplication on the Day of Arafah, following the example of the Prophet (SAW).

Sadaqah of the Day of Arafah

The Sadaqah of the Day of Arafah is a tradition in which Muslims donate to charities and help their fellow Muslims. It is imperative that Muslims give generously because it will be rewarded by Allah. This practice is one way for all people to show solidarity with those less fortunate than themselves.

This Sadaqah should be given to an Islamic charity organization or a local community center. It can also be given in cash as an act of charity or as an offering for Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, or other religious events such as weddings and funerals.

What is the Day of Arafah in Islam?

Arafah is the ninth day of Dhu’l-Ḥijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar. It occurs on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah.

How to Celebrate the Day of Arafah ?

Muslims on pilgrimage usually make their way to the mountain of Arafah. After Fajr prayer until sunset, they stand in devotion, praying and supplicating for mercy and forgiveness.

What Happened on the Day of Arafah ?

On this day, the Prophet Muhammad gave his farewell sermon upon Mount Arafah to the many Muslims with whom he completed Hajj, near the end of his life.

What Date is The Day of Arafah ?

Arafah is the ninth day of Dhu’l-Ḥijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar.

How to fast on the day of Arafah ?

As for this day for non-pilgrims, it is one of the best deeds, and the Prophet (SAW), said that fasting expiates for the year before it and the year after.