The Day of Arafat
Imagine a vast plain with millions of people gathered under the scorching Arabian sun, all united in a sea of white garments, and this is the Day of Arafat. In Islamic traditions, certain occasions have deep roots in our beliefs and spirituality. One such occasion is the Day of Arafat, which Muslims worldwide celebrate. It is a special day when millions of people gather for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to pray and demonstrate their devotion.
The Day of Arafah shines brightly as a symbol of mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. It gives us a rare chance to think deeply, sincerely ask for forgiveness, and connect with Allah (SWT). Even if we’re not physically at Arafat, this day holds great importance for all Muslims.
Understanding the Day of Arafat
What is the Day of Arafat?
The Day of Arafat, also known as the Day of the Standing, is an important day in the Islamic calendar. It falls on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Pilgrims who are performing Hajj visit Mount Arafat, which is located 20 km southeast of Makkah. It precedes Eid al-Adha, and the journey from Al-Haram mosque takes around 30 minutes.
The importance of the Day of Arafat extends beyond the pilgrimage itself. It commemorates the last sermon Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) delivered during his farewell pilgrimage in 632 CE. In this historic address, He (SAW) highlighted principles of equality, justice, and compassion, imparting wisdom that resonates with Muslims worldwide.
Read more: Lessons from the Last Sermon Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Importance of the Day of Arafat
The Day of Arafat is the holiest day in Islam. It marks the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage and is a day of repentance and mercy. This day is the most sacred in Islam, similar to Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) in Ramadan. It mirrors the Day of Judgment, where every individual stands before Allah (SWT), stripped of all but their faith and deeds. It is considered the pinnacle and most crucial day of the Hajj journey. Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) highlighted the importance of the Day of Arafat.
Hazrat A’isha (RA) reported Him (SAW) saying:
“There is no day when God sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of Arafa. He draws near, then praises them to the angels, saying: What do these want?”
[Sahih Muslim 1348]
This hadith highlights Allah’s (SWT) immense mercy on the Day of Arafat that liberated many people from the punishment of Hellfire.
Read More: Concept of Jahannam in Islam.
Moreover, it is also believed to be the day of Arafat when Islam was perfected, and Allah Almighty’s favor was completed upon humanity, as discussed in Quran verse 5:3.
Observing the Day of Arafat
For Hajj Pilgrims
The Day of Arafat is an important observance for Hajj pilgrims. It takes place on the plain of Arafa and involves “Wuquf,” a core ritual of standing in prayer and supplication from noon until sunset.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is generally not recommended for pilgrims performing Hajj. The reason is that the Hajj rituals on the Day of Arafah are physically demanding, and fasting would make it even more difficult for pilgrims to complete them with the strength and focus needed. Their primary focus should be on supplication, remembrance of Allah (SWT), and completing the rituals of Hajj.
During the Day of Arafat, pilgrims combine Dhuhr and Asr prayers and perform them consecutively during Dhuhr. This allows more time for supplication without the interruption of separate prayers. Each prayer is shortened (Qasr) to two Rak’ahs instead of four, simplifying the practice while focusing on the spiritual aspect of the day.
For Muslims Around the World
For Muslims worldwide, fasting on the Day of Arafah is important for those not performing the Hajj. Although fasting is not mandatory on this day, engaging in it voluntarily can immensely improve our spiritual lives. The Day of Arafah is uniquely valued for its extraordinary reward, which is mentioned in hadith.
Hazrat Abu Qatada (RA) reported that a person came to the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and said:
How do you fast? The Messenger of Allah (SAW) felt annoyed. When ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him) noticed his annoyance, he said: We are well pleased with Allah (SWT) as our Lord, Islam as our code of life, and Muhammad (SAW) as our Prophet. We seek refuge with Allah from the anger of Allah and that of His Messenger. ‘Umar kept repeating these words till his (the Prophet’s) anger calmed down. Then Umar said: Messenger of Allah, what is the position of one who fasts perpetually? He (SAW) said: He neither fasted nor broke it, nor he said: He did not fast, and he did not break it. ‘Umar said: What about him who fasts for two days and does not fast one day? He (SAW) said: Is anyone capable of doing that? He (‘Umar) said: What is the position of him who fasts for a day and doesn’t fast on the other day? Thereupon, he (the Holy Prophet) said: That is the fast of David (peace be upon him). He (‘Umar) said: What about him who fasts one day and doesn’t fast for two days. He (the Messenger of Allah) said: I wish I were given the strength to do that. After that He (SAW) said: Fasting three days every month and that of Ramadan every year is a perpetual fasting. I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of ‘Arafa may atone for the sins of the preceding and the coming years, and I seek from Allah that fasting on the Day of Ashura may atone for the sins of the prior year.
[Sahih Muslim 1162a]
This immense reward illustrates not only the mercy and generosity of Allah (SWT) but also urges us to seize these opportunities to deepen our devotion and seek His forgiveness.
Furthermore, the Day of Arafat is significant for Muslims who want to offer devoted prayers and supplications. It is believed that Allah (SWT) is particularly close to his servants on this day and answers prayers more profoundly. Therefore, it is recommended to spend the day in dua, asking about personal needs, seeking forgiveness, and praying for communities and the world.
Dua on the Day of Arafat
Muslims are encouraged to recite the following Dua on the Day of Arafah:
“None has the right to be worshipped except Allah (SWT), alone, without a partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and all praise, and He is omnipotent over all things.”
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
“The Promised Day is the Day of Resurrection, the Attended Day is the Day of Arafah, and the Witness Day is Friday. The sun does not rise or set on a day more virtuous than this. On this day, there is an hour when any believing worshipper who prays to Allah for good will have his prayer answered, and if he asks Allah for help, he will receive it.”
[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3339]
Read more about duas on Hajj and Umrah in another blog: Essential Duas for Hajj and Umrah.
When is the Day of Arafat 2024
The Day of Arafah in 2024 falls on the evening of Friday, June 14th, and lasts through Saturday, June 15th. It’s important to note that the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, so the exact date can vary slightly depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Some parts of the world, like Saudi Arabia and the United States, will observe Arafah on June 15th, while other regions may observe it on June 16th.
Conclusion
The Day of Arafat is a time of great mercy, forgiveness, and potential spiritual growth. On this sacred day, whether we fast or make heartfelt supplications, it signifies more than just a ritual; it’s an opportunity for personal and spiritual development. This day urges us to deeply contemplate our lives, seek Allah’s mercy, and reaffirm our commitment to righteousness. It serves as a reminder of Allah’s (SWT) closeness and His (SWT) readiness to respond. May this day bring us closer to Allah (SWT) with hope, mercy, and a renewed dedication to living a life that pleases Him (SWT).
