Arafah Day is one of the most significant and spiritually powerful days in the Islamic calendar. It falls on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the month of Hajj, and comes right before Eid al-Adha. In 2023, Arafah Day was observed on June 27. Muslims around the world recognize this day as a time of immense blessings, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah. Just as Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most sacred night during Ramadan, Arafah Day is the holiest day of the year, making it the pinnacle of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. These ten days are already regarded as the best days of the year, and Arafah Day stands at their peak.
Why is Arafah Day So Important?
The significance of Arafah Day is highlighted both in the Qur’an and in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah swears by this day in Surah al-Buruj when He says, “By the sky containing constellations, by the promised day, and by the witness and the witnessed.” According to the Prophet, the promised day refers to the Day of Judgment, the witness is Friday, and the witnessed is Arafah Day. The Prophet further emphasized that no other day surpasses it in virtue. This makes Arafah Day a time when every act of worship carries multiplied rewards and when Allah’s mercy flows abundantly.
A Day of Immense Forgiveness
One of the greatest blessings of Arafah Day is forgiveness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained that there is no day on which Allah frees more people from the fire of Hell than on Arafah. Allah comes close to His servants, praises them to the angels, and offers mercy that covers even the greatest sins. Shaitan is humiliated on this day because he sees millions of people turning to Allah, repenting, and being forgiven in an instant. For Muslims who seek mercy, this is the ultimate opportunity to be purified of sins and start afresh.
Arafah Day and the Completion of Islam
Arafah Day is also the day when Allah perfected the religion of Islam. On this day, Allah revealed the verse: “Today I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and chosen Islam as your way of life.” When a Jewish man remarked to Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab that they would have taken such a day as a festival if it had been revealed to them, Umar confirmed that the verse was revealed on Arafah Day while the Prophet stood on the plain of Arafat. This further highlights the day’s monumental significance.
The Role of Arafah Day in Hajj
For pilgrims performing Hajj, Arafah Day is the most important ritual. The Prophet declared, “Hajj is Arafah,” meaning that without standing on the plain of Arafat, the pilgrimage is incomplete. On the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims gather at Arafat, combining the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, and spend the day in prayer, repentance, and supplication until sunset. They seek forgiveness, face the Qiblah, and pour out their hearts to Allah. This is the pinnacle of Hajj, a moment of deep connection to the Creator. At sunset, pilgrims move on to Muzdalifah to continue the sacred rites of Hajj.
Recommended Acts for Muslims on Arafah Day
Even for those not performing Hajj, Arafah Day is filled with opportunities to earn reward and forgiveness. Scholars recommend spending the day in acts of worship, especially between Dhuhr and Maghrib. Among the most important acts are:
1. Making Du’a
The Prophet stated that on Arafah Day there is a moment when no believing servant asks Allah for good except that it is granted, nor seeks protection from evil except that they are protected. Therefore, making du’a is a central act on this day. Muslims should prepare personal supplications and also remember the prophetic du’as, especially “La ilaha illallah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.”
2. Fasting on Arafah Day
For those not performing Hajj, fasting on Arafah Day is a powerful act of worship. The Prophet explained that fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. It is an unmatched opportunity to gain forgiveness for both past and future shortcomings. Pilgrims themselves generally do not fast, as their focus is on the intense rituals of the day.
3. Seeking Forgiveness
As Arafah Day is a day of immense mercy, believers should spend time sincerely asking Allah for forgiveness. This is a time to leave behind bad habits, repent from past sins, and commit to living with greater faith.
4. Engaging in Dhikr
Throughout the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims are encouraged to increase their remembrance of Allah by saying “Allahu Akbar,” “Alhamdulillah,” and “La ilaha illallah.” On Arafah Day, this practice is even more rewarding. Repeating “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-‘Adheem” is especially recommended, as it erases sins.
5. Offering a Prophetic Qurbani
Another Sunnah connected to Arafah Day is giving an additional Qurbani beyond the obligatory sacrifice. The Prophet himself offered sacrifices not only on his own behalf but also on behalf of those in his community who could not afford to do so. By reviving this Sunnah, Muslims can double their reward and bring joy to needy families who rarely eat meat.
The Spiritual Meaning of Arafah Day
Arafah Day is not just a date on the calendar but a moment of deep spiritual renewal. It is a reminder of the mercy of Allah, the unity of Muslims gathered in Arafat, and the chance to start life anew with a cleansed heart. For those who experience it with sincerity, it is a day that transforms their relationship with Allah and their outlook on life.
Conclusion
Arafah Day stands as the most blessed day of the year, surpassing all others in virtue, forgiveness, and mercy. Whether on the plain of Arafat as a pilgrim or at home as a believer engaging in fasting, prayer, and dhikr, every Muslim has an opportunity to benefit. This day offers a unique chance to be freed from sins, to strengthen faith, and to earn rewards that extend beyond a lifetime. No other day combines such forgiveness, blessings, and spiritual significance, making Arafah Day a priceless gift from Allah to His servants.
FAQs about Arafah Day
What is Arafah Day?
Arafah Day is the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the holiest day of the year in Islam, and the central day of Hajj.
Why is Arafah Day important?
It is important because Allah perfected the religion of Islam on this day, it is a day of immense forgiveness, and it is the most virtuous day of the year.
What do pilgrims do on Arafah Day?
Pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat, combine their prayers, and spend the day in du’a, repentance, and remembrance of Allah until sunset.
Should non-pilgrims fast on Arafah Day?
Yes, fasting on Arafah Day is highly recommended for those not performing Hajj, as it expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.
How can Muslims benefit from Arafah Day at home?
They can fast, make du’a, seek forgiveness, engage in dhikr, and even offer an extra Qurbani to maximize rewards.
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