Arafat Day, also known as the Day of Arafah, holds immense significance for both Hajj pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike. Falling on the ninth day of the islamic month Dhul Hijjah, it is observed just before Eid al Adha. It is the day when Islam was perfected, offering believers an opportunity for immense forgiveness, spiritual growth, and unity.
In this article, we will explore the observances and the recommended practices associated with this day. We will also explain why it is thought to be the best day of the year for believers.
Table of Contents
- What is Arafat day?
- Arafat Day and Eid ul-Adha on Dhul Hijjah in 2023:
- Islam Was Perfected on Mount Arafat
- The Farewell Sermon of the Prophet
- The importance of the Day of Arafah in Hajj
- Observance in Hajj
- Observance for When Not in Hajj
- Fast on the Day of Arafat
- The Dua Prayer
- Gratitude to Allah for The Promised Day of The Resurrection
- The Hadith on Friday and Arafat Day
What is Arafat day?
The Day of Arafat, or Arafah, is one of the Steps of Hajj. It marks the culmination of the Hajj rites, as Muslims gather on the mountain plain of Arafah to seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. Prophet Muhammad underlined its importance as a time of repentance and reflection.
The Day of Arafah is also known as the day on which Allah perfected the religion of Islam and completed His favor upon the believers, as mentioned in Surah Al-Ma’idah. The Hadiths highlight the great rewards and blessings bestowed on those who observe this day with sincerity and devotion.
It is a day of immense forgiveness; Allah frees people from the fire of Hell more on this day than on any other day of the year. Thus, Muslims around the world strive to make the most of this blessed day through worship, fasting, and prayer.
Arafat Day and Eid ul-Adha on Dhul Hijjah in 2023:
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Arafat Day falls on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, and is followed by the celebration of Eid al-Adha, which begins on the 10th day. In 2023, Muslims around the world will observe these sacred days with great devotion and gratitude on Wednesday, June 28.
The month of Dhul Hijjah holds special significance in Islam, as it encompasses the ten days of Hajj and Eid ul-Adha. These ten days are considered the most beloved to Allah, and believers are encouraged to engage in worship, fasting, and acts of charity during this time.
The connection between the Day of Arafat and Eid al-Adha is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition. Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah’s command. In remembrance of this act of submission, Muslims perform the ritual of Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, during the days of Eid al-Adha.
Islam Was Perfected on Mount Arafat
On Mount Arafah, during the Prophet’s final pilgrimage, Allah revealed a critical verse of the Quran, Surah Al Ma’idah 5:3:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as a religion.”
This divine message signifies the completion and perfection of Islam.
Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab:
Once a Jew said to me, “O the chief of believers! There is a verse in your Holy Book Which is read by all of you (Muslims), and had it been revealed to us, we would have taken that day (on which it was revealed as a day of celebration.” ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab asked, “Which is that verse?” The Jew replied, “This day I have perfected your religion For you, completed My favor upon you, And have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5: 3) ‘Umar replied,”No doubt, we know when and where this verse was revealed to the Prophet. It was Friday and the Prophet (ﷺ) was standing at ‘Arafat (i.e. the Day of Hajj)”
Sahih al-Bukhari 45
The Farewell Sermon of the Prophet
On the mount Arafah Prophet Muhammad delivered his famous last sermon, known as the Farewell Sermon. In this profound speech, he addressed various aspects of social justice, equality, and moral conduct. He urged Muslims to treat one another fairly and to uphold the sacredness of life and property.
The events are documented through various sources, including the Quran, Hadiths, and historical accounts. One Hadith says that the Day of Arafah is the day on which Allah frees more people from the fire of Hell than any other day. This emphasizes the immense forgiveness and mercy granted by Allah on this day.
Muslim pilgrims will make their way to Mount Arafat on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, as a crucial part of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is highly recommended to spend as much of the day as possible in worship, seeking to come close to Allah for good. According to one Hadith, the Prophet said, “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (of Dhul Hijjah).”
The importance of the Day of Arafah in Hajj
The Day of Arafah holds a pivotal position in the Hajj pilgrimage, as it is observed on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, before Eid al-Adha. Hajj is considered incomplete without this observance. It is believed that standing on Arafah is the core rite of Hajj, and without it, the pilgrimage cannot be fulfilled. The Prophet encourages Muslims to make the most of this blessed day by engaging in worship, fasting, and prayer.
In recent decades, Saudi Arabia has made several changes to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims traveling to perform Hajj. The Saudi government has expanded the infrastructure around the holy sites to ensure the safety and comfort of the people there.
Observance in Hajj
- Travel to Arafah from Mina: At the dawn of this day, devotees set out for ‘Arafah, reaching their destination before noon. This trip spans approximately 13 km (9 miles) and is typically undertaken by train or vehicle.
- Wukuf (standing at Arafah): This involves standing at Arafah from midday until sunset. This act symbolizes the Day of Resurrection and is the most crucial ritual of Hajj.
- Praying and repentance: During Wukuf, Muslims focus on prayer, repentance, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. They recite Quranic verses and engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
- Fasting (optional): While it is not obligatory, some may choose to fast on the Day of Arafah. The Prophet Muhammad was asked about fasting on this day, and he said it would expiate sins from the previous and the next year.
Observance for When Not in Hajj
- Fasting is encouraged on the day of ‘arafah. This act of worship is highly recommended by the Prophet Muhammad, who mentioned its great reward.
- Engaging in prayer and supplication: Muslims dedicate the day to worship, reciting Quran, and making Dua to Allah.
- Seeking forgiveness and repentance: The Day of Arafah is an ideal time for Muslims worldwide to repent for their sins and ask Allah for forgiveness.
- Gratitude and reflection: Non-pilgrims should use this day to express gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings and reflect on their spiritual journey.
- Community and charity: Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of kindness, support their community, and give charity on this day.
Fast on the Day of Arafat
Fasting on the Day of Arafat is a recommended sunnah, especially for those not performing Hajj. Abu Qatadah reported that the Prophet said, “Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year”. This act of worship is a powerful means to seek Allah’s forgiveness and earn His favor. Devotees dedicate their day to fasting and worship, striving to draw closer to Allah.
The Dua Prayer
The Du’a, or invocation, on the Day of Arafat is an essential part of the observance. Umar ibn al-Khattab reported that the Prophet said, “The best Dua is the Dua on the Day of ‘Arafah”. Believers spend as much time as possible on this day in prayer and perform the regular Salat prayers on this day; they also engage in additional prayers and supplications, asking Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings. The Dua on the Day of Arafat is a powerful means to seek Allah’s mercy, strengthen one’s faith, and deepen one’s connection to the divine.
Gratitude to Allah for The Promised Day of The Resurrection
The Qur’an mentions, “By the sky containing constellations. And (by) the promised day. And (by) a witness and one witnessed” [Qur’an, 85:1-3]. The Messenger of Allah explained these verses, saying the promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of ‘Arafah, and the witness is Friday. The sun doesn’t rise or set on a day more virtuous than the Day of ‘Arafah.
The Day of ‘Arafah is considered the best day of the year, as it’s a time for Muslims to repent and show gratitude to Allah. Believers seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy on this day, hoping their sins will be erased. The Prophet said, “there are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days.” This makes the Day of ‘Arafah a time for deep reflection and spiritual growth.
This is a day of gratitude to Allah for the countless blessings they receive. It’s also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the path of righteousness and to follow the sunnah of our Prophet. This is a day of celebration of Allah’s mercy and a reminder of the importance of gratitude in the life of a believer.
The Hadith on Friday and Arafat Day
Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet said Friday is the top among all days.
“The top day the sun has risen is Friday; on it, Adam was created, on it he entered Paradise, on it he was expelled from it, and the [last] hour will take place on no day other than Friday” (Sahih Muslim).
On Friday, Adam was created, entered paradise, left paradise, and the Day of Judgment will happen on a Friday too (Sahih Muslim).
When the Day of ‘Arafah and Friday come together, it’s seen as an even more blessed time, mixing the importance of both the Day of ‘Arafah and Friday’s significance. Muslims think that on such a day, the rewards and blessings are multiplied.
In conclusion, the Day of Arafah is a pivotal event in the Islamic faith. Fasting, prayer and worship are in the centre of the observances, as they are more rewarded and blessed from Allah. With a focus on repentance and devotion, believers come together on this sacred day to remember the importance the islamic religion and celebrate its completion.
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