The Day of Arafat (Yawm ‘Arafah) holds a place of exceptional reverence in the hearts of Muslims around the globe. It is a sacred occasion that symbolizes deep devotion, forgiveness, and a profound spiritual connection between the servant and the Creator.
For those undertaking Hajj, it is the most essential component of their pilgrimage, and for those not on the journey, it presents an extraordinary chance to attain immense blessings.
In this article, we explore the depth of the Day of Arafat, its spiritual meaning, the associated Hajj rituals on Arafat, and the ways Muslims worldwide can benefit from this powerful day.
What Is the Day of Arafat?
The Day of Arafat falls on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
It precedes Eid al-Adha, and its central focus is the assembly of Hajj pilgrims at the Plain of Arafat, situated roughly 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
This gathering, known as Wuquf at Arafat, is a fundamental obligation of Hajj. If a pilgrim misses it, their Hajj is considered incomplete.
According to Islamic belief, this is the very place where Prophet Adam and Hawwa (peace be upon them) were reunited after their descent to Earth, and it is here that they sought and received divine mercy.
The plain is also home to the Mount of Mercy (Jabal ar-Rahmah), a notable site for reflection and prayer.
Read also about: What Are The Pillars Of Hajj In Islam?
Why Is the Day of Arafat Important in Islam?
The spiritual and historical weight of the Day of Arafat is supported by multiple sources from the Quran and Hadith:
Completion of the Religion
During the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) final pilgrimage, a pivotal Quranic verse was revealed:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Qur’an, Al-Ma’idah 5:3)
This declaration signified the finality and completeness of the Islamic message.
A Day Overflowing with Forgiveness
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized Allah’s mercy on this day:
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafat…” (Sahih Muslim)
This illustrates the unmatched opportunity for redemption and divine pardon offered to those who sincerely seek it on this day.
The Best Time for Supplications
He also said:
“The best of supplication is the supplication of the Day of Arafat…” (Tirmidhi)
This includes the beautiful and powerful statement:
“La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir.”
لا إلهَ إلاَّ اللَّه وحْدهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لهُ، لَهُ المُلْكُ، ولَهُ الحمْدُ، وَهُو عَلَى كُلِّ شَيءٍ قَدِيرٌ
A Witnessed Day by Divine Oath
The Qur’an swears by significant days, including Arafat:
“By the witnessing day and the witnessed day…” (Al-Buruj 85:2–3)
Many scholars identify the “witnessed day” as the Day of Arafat, signifying its magnitude.
The Prophet’s Farewell Sermon
On this sacred day, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his final sermon, emphasizing human equality, women’s rights, sanctity of life and property, and the importance of adhering to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
What Do Pilgrims Do on the Day of Arafat? (Hajj rituals on Arafat)
For those on Hajj, this is the defining moment of the pilgrimage. Here’s how they observe it:
- Journey to Arafat: Pilgrims arrive from Mina in the morning.
- Listening to the Sermon: A sermon is delivered, usually at Masjid Namirah, reminding pilgrims of the day’s importance.
- Combined Prayers: Dhuhr and Asr are shortened and prayed together at Dhuhr.
- Wuquf (The Stand): Pilgrims remain within Arafat from noon to sunset, engaged in worship.
Key Acts of Worship:
- Supplications on the Day of Arafat: This is the essence of the day, heartfelt prayers for oneself, loved ones, and all humanity.
- Dhikr and Istighfar: Continual remembrance and seeking forgiveness.
- Reading Qur’an: Reflecting on divine words.
- Departure at Sunset: Pilgrims leave for Muzdalifah after sunset to continue the rites of Hajj.
How Can Non-Pilgrims Benefit from the Day of Arafat?
Even those not performing Hajj can tap into the blessings of the Day of Arafat.
Arafat Fasting Benefits
The most emphasized act is fasting. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim)
This fast is a powerful spiritual tool for purification and earning divine reward.
Recommended Acts on the Day of Arafat (for Non-Pilgrims)
Muslims around the world can engage in:
- Fasting: As mentioned, this is the most significant non-Hajj observance.
- Supplications on the Day of Arafat: Making du’a in the afternoon, especially at the time when pilgrims are standing at Arafat.
- Dhikr: Repeating glorifications of Allah such as SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and especially:
“La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah…”
- Istighfar: Asking Allah for forgiveness with sincerity.
- Reading Qur’an: Deepening one’s connection to the Divine message.
- Charity: Giving in the path of Allah on such a sacred day.
- Personal Reflection: Taking time to reevaluate one’s purpose and spiritual state.
The Connection Between the Day of Arafat and Eid al-Adha
The Day of Arafat sets the spiritual stage for Eid al-Adha. Arafat is on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, while Eid follows on the 10th.
Arafat: The Spiritual Peak
For pilgrims, the day represents the peak of Hajj, after which they proceed to complete the remaining rituals, including animal sacrifice, stoning the pillars, and circumambulating the Kaaba.
Eid al-Adha: Celebration and Sacrifice
This festival honors the spirit of submission and sacrifice shown by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Muslims everywhere reflect this by offering Qurbani and attending Eid prayers.
While pilgrims fulfill the rites physically, Muslims worldwide observe fasting, prayer, and Takbirat, demonstrating a unified spirit.
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FAQ
Is fasting on the Day of Arafat obligatory?
It is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended for those not on Hajj. Pilgrims typically do not fast so they can preserve their strength for Wuquf.
What is the significance of the Prophet’s Farewell Sermon on this day?
It emphasized fundamental Islamic values, including:
- Respect for life and property
- Ending usury (riba)
- Upholding women’s rights
- Human equality
- Unity of the Ummah
- Commitment to Qur’an and Sunnah
Can I perform special prayers on the Day of Arafat?
There are no prescribed ritual prayers for non-pilgrims beyond the regular ones.