Muslims around the world are familiar with the Day of Arafah, and it is a very special day for them. It occurs annually in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, on the 9th day of that month. The Day of Arafah holds a special place for Muslims, as it is a day when Allah bestows many blessings, mercy, and forgiveness.
Many people ask why the Day of Arafah is so significant; let’s unpack everything regarding this blessed day.
Read more: Why Is Hajj a Journey to the Heart?
What Is the Day of Arafah?
The Day of Arafah is the day before Eid al-Adha; it’s the second day of Hajj. On the Day of Arafah, millions of pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat making dua to Allah for mercy, forgiveness, guidance, and the ultimate goal of going to Jannah. However, the Day of Arafah is not limited to just those making Hajj. Even if you are not in Makkah, this can be a special day for you. This day remains meaningful and incredible power for every Muslim, everywhere in the world.
Why Is It Called Arafah?
The ‘Arafah’ is named after the location. Pilgrims go to a field called ‘Arafah’. It is also worth noticing this is where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave his last sermon. A sermon that changed the world, reminding all of our shared humanity, equality, justice, and kindness.
Allah loves this day. The angels are here in their droves. They are hearing what people are praying for. They observe the scene from above.
What Happens During Hajj on This Day?
The Hajj reaches its peak on this day. Pilgrims will gather on Mount Arafat, standing from noon till sunset. People will pray, cry, and beg Allah to forgive all their sins. The standing is called ‘Wuquf’. Without Wuquf your Hajj is incomplete. Yes, that is correct. If a pilgrim does not get ‘Wuquf’ their Hajj is invalid. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has said, “Hajj is Arafah”. In effect, the Day of Arafah is the crux of the Hajj experience.
How About People Who Do Not Go to Hajj?
Even if you are not a pilgrim, this day can change your life. It is full of opportunities. Allah gives rewards to all Muslims on this day. Hence, you can still receive rewards. You can still ask for forgiveness. You can still get closer to Allah. Being not in Makkah does not mean you will miss out.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah
One of the most important things you can do if you want to receive rewards and find forgiveness is to fast on this day. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us about its virtues.
He mentioned that fasting on the Day of Arafah is a way to erase sins! You will earn the reward of erasing all your past sins and next year’s sins! Imagine that! Two years of sins will be forgiven, just because of fasting one day. What an amazing reward. It is no surprise that many Muslims fast on this day, with love and hope.
Dua On This Day
This is also the finest day to make dua. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that the finest dua is the dua made on the day of Arafah. He made long duas on this day himself. He raised his hands and begged Allah for mercy and paradise.
So, you should take your time and pray on this day. Ask Allah for your needs. Ask for forgiveness. Also, ask for good health, success, and guidance.
Saying Takbeer
During the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims have a habit of saying Takbeer all the time. But on the day of Arafah, saying Takbeer is even more important.
Say: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillahil hamd.”
These words remind us of the greatness of Allah. The words fill the heart with joy. The words connect us to our Creator.
Reading the Quran and Working Good Deed
Besides fasting and dua, you can do other good things. You can read the Quran. You can give sadaqah. Furthermore, you can help someone in need. Every good deed counts more on this day. Allah loves to multiply rewards, especially during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. So, rewards for doing good deeds will be increased on the Day of Arafah. You can shout out loud “I love you” to someone. You can say nice things to someone and forgive somebody. It does not matter how big or how small.
Remember the Last Sermon
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave his last farewell sermon on this day. It was done on Mount Arafat, along with more than 100,000 Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminded the Meccans that all humans are equal. No one is better by ancestry, such as no Arab is better than a non-Arab; no white man is better than a black man. Everyone is the same to Allah.
He reminded us to respect women. He told us to take care of our affairs and warned us against hurting others. That sermon certainly laid out how to live our lives according to the values of Islam.
A Day Free from Hellfire
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that on the day of Arafah Allah rescues more people from Hellfire than on any other day. That is a truly incredible blessing. So many people are being saved on that one day. Allah’s mercy for people who ask. If you want to join those people, then make sure to spend the day in good works, and cry out to Allah. Be humble indeed and sincerely say sorry for all of your past mistakes.
Prepare for the Day Before It Comes
Get organized the night before. You can plan out your day. Make a list of duas. Get up early. Pray Fajr. Begin your fast. Try to stay away from badness, time-wasting, gossip, and lying, and keep your heart clean. You can even remind others about the day. You can tell your friends, share your knowledge, and encourage them to fast and make dua.
Keep the Spirit Alive After Arafah
Don’t stop at the end of this day. Keep the spirit alive. Keep doing good things. Let this day be a New beginning. Allah gives us chances like this to return to Him. So take advantage of this chance. Be sincere. Be grateful. Change your habits. Fix your heart and your prayers. Fix your life.
Teach Your Kids About This Day
Your kids should learn about this day too. Teach your kids why this is an important day. Share stories. Tell them about Hajj and Arafat. Let them fast, if they can, let them make a simple dua. Help them build a love for Islam from the early days. These lessons last forever. They create solid belief.
Connect with Family & Community
This day could also be used to strengthen your relationship with your family. Pray together. Make dua together. Share your aspirations and intentions. You may want to also connect with your community. Attend community events. Learn about Islam. Be part of a bigger community. Connecting with family and community brings peace to your heart. And is a source of strength.
Final Thoughts
The Day of Arafah is a gift; it is full of blessings. Allah provides us with this day for personal improvement. So do not miss out, do not let this day pass by like any other day. Use your time. Use every moment. Fast, pray, make dua. Be generous, give charity, and read the Quran. Remember the final sermon of the Prophet (SAWS). Make this day your watershed moment. Let this day shine light in your heart. Let this day provide you with guidance for the next year.
I pray that Allah accepts all of our misguided efforts on this beautiful day as well. I pray that He forgives our sins, and leads us towards the straight path.
