The Day of Arafah

It’s the day on which He perfected His religion, completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and approved Islam as a way of life! SubhanAllah.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said:

“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ‘Arafah), and then He reveals before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” (Muslim)

For pilgrims performing Hajj, the Day of Arafah is the most significant day. As the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Arafah is the Hajj’ (Ahmed) and is the essence and heart of the pilgrimage.

On the day of Arafah from noon until sunset, Muslims performing Hajj gather on the Plain of Arafah, reciting Istighfar (asking for forgiveness) and making supplications – marking the Day of ‘Arafah when we ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness for our sins.

Upon reaching the plains of Mount ‘Arafah, pilgrims observe shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers combined (two rakat instead of four) and there will be a sermon delivered from Masjid al-Nimra on Mount Arafah.

The Day of Arafah is also known as Yawm Al-Waqf (the Day of Standing), referring to the fact that pilgrims stand in front of their Lord for long periods of time, asking for His Divine Mercy.

When is the Day of Arafah 2023?

The Day of Arafah is on the 9th day of Hari Raya Haji “Dhul Hijjah” , the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. This year, it is expected to fall on 27th June 2023.

As the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar calendar, which is shorter than the gregorian solar calendar, the day of Arafah, as with all Islamic dates, falls ten days earlier each year.

Fasting on the Day of Arafah

For those who are unable to perform Hajj, it is highly recommended to fast on the Day of Arafah. There is great reward in doing so, as the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said:

“It expiates for the past and coming years.” (Muslim)

Allah forgives sins on the Day of Arafah even if they are many, and we should not underestimate the immense mercy of Allah.

“As for you staying till the evening in Arafah, then Allah descends to the sky of the Dunya and He boasts about you to the Angels, and says: ‘My slaves have come to Me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for My mercy, so if your sins were equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea I will forgive them. So go forth My slaves! Having forgiveness and for what or who you have interceded for.”(Tabarani)

However, pilgrims who are performing Hajj do not generally fast as they are travellers, and fasting would be difficult for them, and the main focus for them on this day is du’aa.

′The people of knowledge consider it recommended to fast on the Day of ’Arafah,  except for those at ‘Arafat’. [Tirmidhi]

Fasting on the Day of Arafah is a great way of earning Allah’s pleasure. In order to gain maximum benefit, as well as refraining from food and drink, we should aim to refrain preoccupying our thoughts with anything other than Allah, and to contemplate on His glory and mercy while seeking His grace of forgiveness.

What to do on the Day of Arafah?

Be sure to ask for forgiveness – even if you’re not able to stand on the plains of Arafat like the pilgrims of Hajj do.

Make lots of du’a, asking Allah (SWT) for forgiveness. Don’t forget to include your friends, relatives, neighbours as well as the wider Ummah in your du’a on this special day.

Give your Zakat and Sadaqah during the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah and reap the rewards of this blessed month. Don’t forget though to give your Korban (Qurban) in time for Eid!