Day of Arafah: Significance and Virtues
The Day of Arafah is an Islamic holiday that falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah of the lunar Calendar and is the best day of the year.
For Muslims around the world, it holds immense significance, offering a profound spiritual experience and a unique opportunity for forgiveness and mercy.
Falling on the ninth of the month of Dhul Hijjah, the Islamic lunar calendar, the day before Eid al-Adha.
This day is intimately connected with the rites and Pillars of Hajj at Mecca, one of Islam’s five pillars.
The ninth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah (the Day of Arafah) is expected to fall on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
The Day of Arafah is one of the most revered public holidays in Islam, part of the annual Hajj journey.
Defined by deep worship, it offers expiation of sins and encompasses profound spiritual meanings.
Sunnah practices, scholarship, and specific rituals guide Muslims in every country to follow the Day of Arafah.
What is the Day of Arafah in Islam?
The Day of Arafah is one of the most revered days in the Islamic calendar.
Arafah is the day on which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage.
He testified that God had perfected His religion, completed His blessings upon him, and was pleased with Islam as his religion.
The Day of Arafah falls on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic calendar, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar.
The Day of Arafah occurs on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah.
It is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar.
Day of Arafah, pilgrims participating in the Hajj gather at the plains of Arafat.
The Arafat Mountain plain, just outside Mecca, of the pivotal stand at Mount Arafat.
This stand, known as Wuquf, is the climax of the Hajj journey and is considered by scholars to be the key component of the entire pilgrimage.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of this day, saying, “Hajj is Arafah.” Missing the stand invalidates the entire Hajj.
For Muslims who are not on Hajj, the day still offers an immense opportunity for spiritual reflection, praying, and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
The Importance of the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is regarded as a day of great gratitude, expressed in the celebration of Eid ul-Adha, which follows.
The Day of Arafah holds great significance in Islamic teachings.
It was on this day that Allah completed His religion for humanity.
In Surah Al-Ma’idah, Allah revealed,
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5:3).
The day also marks the final moments of Allah’s covenant with the Muslim nation, reinforcing the existence of Islam as a united and complete way of life.
Moreover, it is expected that on the Day of Arafat, Allah frees more souls from the Hellfire than on any other day.
This profound mercy emphasizes why Muslims are encouraged to engage in dhikr, supplication, and prayer throughout the entire day.
The Day of Arafah is a gift from Allah, a chance to draw closer to Him.
Virtues of the Day of Arafah
The virtues of the Day of Arafah are many and encompass both spiritual and practical aspects.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught that the fasting of this day expiates the sins of the previous and the coming year.
Additionally, this day is described as one when Allah descends to the nearest heaven and boasts to His angels about the pilgrims at Arafat, saying,
“Look at My servants who have come to Me disheveled and dusty.”
The special blessings and mercy bestowed on this day are not limited to pilgrims; they extend to all people around the world who sincerely engage in acts of worship and repentance.
Fasting the Day of Arafah
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins from the past and the coming years.”
Recite duas as much as possible and ask for forgiveness for your sins.
For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and that of the coming year.”.
The fast offers a powerful means to seek forgiveness for brings one closer to Allah.
Since Hajj only comes once a year and not every Muslim can travel to Mecca
It is a means for every Muslim worldwide to partake in the blessings of the day.
Day of Arafah Hadith
Many hadiths underline the Importance of the Day of Arafah.
Some of the narrations include:
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.” (Muslim).
He also stated:
“The best supplication is that which is made on the Day of Arafah.” (Tirmidhi).
These narrations make it evident that this day is a chance like no other to turn to Allah with a sincere heart, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.
Dua for Arafah Day
The Day of Arafah falls on Thursday, June 5, based on the lunar calendar.
This sacred day occurs on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, just before Eid al-Adha.
And marks a profound time for people worldwide to engage in worship and reflection.
Making dua (supplication) on the Day of Arafah is especially important. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged the following dua to be repeated frequently:
“There is no god but Allah alone, without partner. To Him belong the kingdom and all praise, and He has power over all things.”
This supplication encapsulates Islamic monotheism.
It’s a special time to make personal supplications, ask for forgiveness, pray for one’s family, and the entire Ummah.
Scholars recommend combining duas from Surah Al-Fatihah, various Quranic supplications, and personal prayers.
Particularly during the time after Dhuhr and before sunset, as that window is considered a blessed time for acceptance.
Recommended Actions on the Day of Arafah
Given the profound spiritual weight of this day, all are encouraged to perform various acts of worship.
Here are some recommended actions: –
Fasting: As mentioned, the fast is highly meritorious.
Dhikr and Takbeer: Read dhikr, glorifying Allah, and say “Allahu Akbar” frequently.
Prayer: Offer voluntary prayers, combine dhuhr and asr if you’re performing Hajj at Arafat.
Supplication: Make intense supplication, asking for everything you wish for in this world and the Hereafter.
Reflection: Reflect on the reason for your relationship with Allah.
Recitation of the Quran: Reciting the Quran, especially Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Ikhlas, and Surah Al-Baqarah, brings numerous rewards.
Charity: Giving in charity is an excellent way to maximize the blessings of the day.
Seeking Repentance: Engage in sincere repentance, seeking the forgiveness and mercy of Allah.
What do Pilgrims on the Day of Arafat
On the Day of Arafah, pilgrims performing Hajj gather at the vast plain of Arafat near Mount Arafat from noon until sunset in what is known as the standing of Arafah (Wuquf).
This moment is the heart and climax of the entire pilgrimage.
The Hijjah spend the day in deep worship, praying, making supplication, engaging in dhikr, and sincerely seeking mercy from Allah.
Hijjah listen to the sermon delivered from Mount Arafat, which reminds them of their covenant with God and the principles of Islam.
Pilgrims combine the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, performed at the time of Dhuhr, to free up their afternoon for intense prayer and reflection.
Standing together on the plains symbolizes the equality and unity of all Muslims, and it is a profound spiritual experience that frees the soul and opens the heart to Allah’s immense blessings.
Conclusion
The Day of Arafah is not just a holiday or a simple day on the calendar.
It is a momentous occasion that Muslims around the world eagerly await.
The Day of Arafah is a gift from Allah, a chance to renew our faith and draw closer to Him.
The ninth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah (the Day of Arafah) is expected to fall on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
Therefore, based on the moon sighting, its significance remains unchanged.
As the sun sets on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah.
May Allah forgive our sins, free us from Hellfire, and answer our prayers by His infinite mercy.
Let us make the most of this special day, a chance that comes only once a year, to seek an increase in worship and renew our covenant with our Creator.
