Arafah Day is one of the momentous days in the Islamic calendar and all this is of great importance both spiritually and historically. The date of fall is the 9th of the month of Dhul-Hijjah and it is the second day of pilgrimage Hajj and the preceding day of Eid al-Adha. This holy event is full of significance to the pilgrims at mount Arafah and the non-pilgrims in the global world.
What is the Significance of Day of Arafah?
Day of Arafah falls on the ninth day of Dhul- Hijjah, the twelfth and last month of Islamic calendar. It is a day full of Prayer, fasting and remembering Allah (SWT).
To the Hajj pilgrims, it becomes the climax of their pilgrimage when they congregate at the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in supplication by making supplication and asking forgiveness.
The day is also significant to non pilgrims. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ motivated everybody, who claims to be a Muslim, to fast during this day to expiate sins done by him the previous year, and to expiate his forthcoming year as well.
The Historical Significance of Mount Arafah
Mount Arafah literally means mountain of Mercy because it is situated out of Makkah. It is at this close-by hillock that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his Farewell Sermon to more than 100,000 of his fellow Muslims in his last visit as pilgrims during his last pilgrimage. He reminded them about their responsibilities, all human beings being equal and the accomplishment of Islam as a religion.
This was a historic day in the history of Muslims since it is during this event that the following verse was revealed:
This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed my favor unto you and have chosen for you Islam as a religion.
Surah Al-Ma idat (5:3)
Why is the Day of Arafah Called a Blessed Day?
Many of the ahadith depict the day of Arafa as a blessed day and the greatest day of the year to make calls of supplication, prayers, and to ask forgiveness.
It is the day witnesses say is mentioned in Quran (Surah Al-Burooj, 85:3) and which is extolled because on that day Allah frees more people of the fire than any other day.
The Prophet Muhammad said:
The Day of Arafah is without doubt the day when tens of thousands of people are liberated by Allah out of the Fire.
(Sahih Muslim)
The Presence of Angels and Allah’s swt Mercy
On this day Allah descends to the nearest paradise and brags to the angels about his worshipers crowded on Mount Arafah.
Such divine care is a symbol of mercy of Allah, which descends to the earth during the day of Arafah. An increasing number of people get absolved and Allah frees many thousands of people out of the Fire. The angels are witness to modest prayer requests of the believers as they stretch their hands above the sky.
The Prophet’s Farewell Sermon: A Lasting Legacy
Critical teachings propounded by Prophet Muhammad in his Farewell Sermon given in Mount Arafah still resonate across the historical epochs. He underlined the holiness of life and property, the equality of mankind, the necessity of treating women well, and following the Quran and the Sunnah.
A striking example of what happened in the middle of the sermon concerned a man who was Jewish who informed Umar ibn al-Khattab:
“This verse would have been an occasion to celebrate had when it was disclosed to us.”
Dhul-Hijjah (the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah) is not only the day of the rituals but the day of faith reaffirming and unity.
A Day for All Muslims, Not Just Pilgrims
While pilgrims gather physically at Mount Arafah, the Day of Arafah is spiritually relevant to all Muslims. Those who cannot perform Hajj are still invited to earn amazing rewards through fasting, worship, prayer, and repentance.
Even though non-pilgrims are far from the plains of Arafah, their connection is real through intention and devotion. The entire year can be transformed by the sincerity shown on this day.
Unity, Worship, and Asr Prayers at Arafah
During the Day of Arafah pilgrims carry out combined shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers at Masjid Namirah. The khutbah (sermon) is given at this historical place then the pilgrims stay at Arafah until sunset whilst they even supplicate and praise Allah.
It is an eye-opener, as this panorama of togetherness millions of Muslims shoulder-to-shoulder, dressed in the same color with the same chanting slogan Allahu Akbar is a display of the actual Day of resurrection and the equality of all in the eyes of God.
What to Do on the Day of Arafah (For Non-Pilgrims)
To those who are not on Hajj, Day of Arafah is a day:
- Fast, if able
- Invest in prayer, Dua and dhikr
- Recite Quran
- Repent and request forgiveness
- Act well
- Give charity
- Think of the life and legacy of the Prophet
- Prevent sins and pursue rebirth
The activities are beneficial in restoring the relationship with Allah by receiving extraordinary rewards and becoming more pious.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah for Non-Pilgrims
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is a powerful act of worship for those not performing Hajj. Abu Qatadah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ was asked about fasting on this day, and he replied:
“It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This opportunity to erase two years of sins is a gift from Allah and a testimony to His mercy and generosity. However, it is important to note that the Prophet ﷺ forbade fasting for pilgrims on this day, as they need strength for the rituals.
The Best Supplication on the Day of Arafah
The dua on Day of Arafat has to be strong in emotion and precise, because what we utter on this day carries great power.
The Prophet said:
“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah. And the best that I and the Prophets before me have said is: ‘La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.’”
(Tirmidhi)
This is a brief but elaborate confession of faith and devotion in Allah.
Conclusion
The significance of Day of Arafah is unique. Sincere worship on this day has the power to wipe away the past sins of the person. Moreover, this is the second day for performing pilgrim activities (the first being the night of 8th Dhu al-Hijjah), with the exception of overlooking the actual Hajj rites.
May Allah (SWT) accept our prayers and grant us the strength to carry the spirit of Arafah throughout the entire year.
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