Arafat Day is a momentous occasion in Islam when millions of Muslims worldwide seek forgiveness from Allah. Fasting is observed, and supplications are made in anticipation of blessings. As Eid al-Adha approaches, gratitude is expressed for Allah’s gifts and this life. Mount Arafat, also known as Arafah, holds significant religious importance, located approximately 20 km southeast of Makkah. Rising about 70m, it’s revered as the Mountain of Mercy. Accessible by road, it’s a 25 to 30-minute journey from Al-Haram mosque in Makkah.
What is the significance of Arafat day?
Arafat Day falls on the 9th day of the Islamic month Dhu al-Hijjah, preceding Eid al-Adha on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah. It holds immense significance as the holiest day in the Islamic calendar, with the night being revered as the Night of Power. Pilgrims journey from Mina, the tent city in Saudi Arabia, to Mount Arafat at dawn on this auspicious day
The Day of Arafat is set to commence on the evening of June 15th and conclude on Wednesday, June 16th. It’s a day dedicated to prayer to Allah, with pilgrims on Hajj journeying to Mount Arafat.
Arafat, situated in the sacred city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, is a significant mountain referred to as the Mountain of Recognition, pivotal during Hajj. Additionally, the meaning of the Day of Arafat translates to the day when Muslims journey from Mina to Arafat preceding the festival of sacrifice. The significance of Arafat Day
Mount Arafat bears immense significance among Muslims as it was the site where Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon to the pilgrims during his final Hajj. Some believe that a portion of the Quranic verse declaring the perfection of Islam was revealed on this occasion. According to a hadith, “Hajj is Arafat,” indicating the central importance of Arafat in the pilgrimage. It is considered the essence of Hajj. On this day, Allah generously forgives every repentant sinner. Additionally, the Arafah day is notable as it marks the revelation of a significant verse from the Quran.
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Surah al Maa’idah 5:3).
Observing fasting on the Day of Arafat
For those not undertaking pilgrimage, fasting on the Day of Arafat is strongly recommended as a Sunnah. This act brings significant rewards, as it is said that Allah forgives the sins of two years. According to a narration from Abu Qatadah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafat, to which he replied, “It expiates for the past and coming years.” However, it’s advisable not to fast while performing Hajj, allowing pilgrims to pray with full strength.
Prayer on Arafat
On this day, it’s essential to beseech Allah for forgiveness, as His forgiveness is abundant on this occasion. Here’s a special supplication for Arafah “Lailaha illalahu wahadahu lasharikalahu lahulmulku walahu hamdu wahuva alakulli shayin kadir”
Reciting Tahleel (“Laillaha illalah”), Takbeer (“Allahuakbar”), Tahmeed (“Allhamdulillah”), and Tasabeeh (“Subhanallah”) as frequently as possible on this day follows the Sunnah of our Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
Please note: The optimal time for supplication on Arafat Day is during the final hour of Maghrib Prayer.
What activities to engage in on Arafat Day?
On the Day of Arafat, regarded as a day of blessings, individuals have the opportunity to have their wishes fulfilled by seeking forgiveness from Allah Almighty. On this day, Satan is rendered powerless and humiliated as Allah opens His arms to those seeking repentance. Here are some recommended actions to undertake on the Day of Arafat:
- It is advisable to perform Ghusl (full ablution) before noon.
- The most virtuous deed is to engage in prayer, supplicating to Allah for the well-being of one’s fellow believers, both living and deceased.
- This day marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Muslim Ibn Aqeel (PBUH), who was sent as an envoy by Imam Husayn (PBUH) and was tragically murdered by the Umayyads.
- Reciting Ziyarah (visitation) is encouraged on this day.
- It is recommended to perform the Zuhr and Asr prayers outdoors at noon.
- Following the obligatory prayers, it is advised to offer two units of voluntary prayers, reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and Surah Al-Tawhid in the first rakat and Surah Al-Fatiha and Surah Al-Kafirun in the second rakat.
- After the Asr prayer, it is recommended to perform two units of voluntary prayers and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
- Engaging in these rituals grants the reward equivalent to being present on Mount Arafat and having all sins forgiven. To conclude the day, reciting Dua Al-Asharat is recommended.
Advantages of fasting on the Day of Arafat
Fasting holds numerous benefits on its own, but fasting on the auspicious Day of Arafat magnifies the rewards. Some of the benefits include:
- Fasting with sincere intention on Arafat purges past sins and instills hope for a brighter future.
- As Islam was perfected on this significant day, fasting serves as an expression of gratitude to Allah for the completeness of Islam.
- Allah forgives the sins of those who fast on Arafat and shields them from the torment of hellfire.
- On this blessed day, Allah pardons the transgressions of believers, irrespective of their past wrongdoings.
Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The Day of Resurrection is the promised day, the witnessed day is the Day of Arafat, and the witnessing day is Friday. No day sees the sun rise or set over it better than Arafat. In this day, there is a moment when a believing servant supplicates to Allah for good, and Allah answers. Likewise, when seeking refuge from evil, Allah grants refuge.”
In Sahih Muslim, Aisha reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah. He draws near and expresses His satisfaction to the angels, asking, ‘What do these people seek?’”
Another Hadith mentions that on the Day of Arafah, Allah descends and proclaims, “Here are My servants, disheveled and from every distant pass, yearning for My mercy. Even if their sins were as numerous as the grains of sand, drops of rain, or foam on the sea, I forgive them all. Depart, My servants, forgiven for all you’ve requested and pleaded for.”
When asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah, Aisha reported that Prophet Muhammad said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah. He draws near and expresses His satisfaction to the angels, asking, ‘What do these people seek?’” (Sahih Muslim).
Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al-Raḥmah, holds immense significance in Islam, making the day highly revered among Muslims worldwide. Observing prayers and fasting on this day ensures the greatest rewards for believers.
