It’s Significance, Virtues, and Reflections in Islam
The Islamic calendar is filled with days of deep spiritual importance, but few hold as much weight as the Day of Arafah.
Falling on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the Day of Arafah is considered one of the holiest days in Islam.
It is the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage and a day of immense mercy, forgiveness, and supplication for all Muslims, whether they are performing Hajj or not.
This sacred day carries historical, spiritual, and eschatological significance.
It is a day when the religion of Islam was perfected, sins are forgiven, and supplications are accepted.
Understanding the Day of Arafah in depth allows Muslims to benefit fully from its blessings and mercy.
What is the Day of Arafah?
The Day of Arafah takes its name from the Plain of Arafah, located about 20 kilometers east of Mecca.
On the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, millions of pilgrims gather on this plain during the Hajj pilgrimage, standing in devotion and prayer from midday to sunset.
This act, known as “Wuquf” (the standing), is the central ritual of Hajj, so important that missing it invalidates the entire pilgrimage.
For those not performing Hajj, the Day of Arafah is a recommended day of fasting, worship, reflection, and dua (supplication).
Why is the Day of Arafah So Special?
1. It is the Day When Islam Was Perfected
One of the greatest events in the history of Islam occurred on the Day of Arafah. Allah revealed a verse signifying the completion of the religion:
وَٱخْشَوْنِ ۚ ٱلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمَ دِينًۭا ۚ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ فِى مَخْمَصَةٍ غَيْرَ مُتَجَانِفٍۢ لِّإِثْمٍۢ ۙ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3)
This verse was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during his Farewell Hajj, while he was standing on the plains of Arafah.
Umar ibn Al-Khattab, when he heard this verse, said:
“We know the day and the place in which that was revealed to the Prophet ﷺ.
It was while he was standing at Arafah on a Friday.”
This makes the Day of Arafah a historic and monumental day in the life of the Muslim Ummah.
2. It is the Day of Hajj
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Hajj is Arafah.”
(Tirmidhi, 889)
This hadith underlines the centrality of the Arafah ritual. If a pilgrim does not stand at Arafah, their Hajj is incomplete. It is the essence of the pilgrimage.
From the noon prayer (Dhuhr) until sunset (Maghrib), pilgrims gather at Arafah and engage in acts of worship such as dhikr, dua, and repentance.
The standing at Arafah symbolizes the Day of Judgment, where all humanity will stand before Allah awaiting their fate.
3. It is a Day of Forgiveness and Mercy
One of the most celebrated aspects of the Day of Arafah is the sheer magnitude of forgiveness and mercy that Allah bestows upon His servants.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.”
(Sahih Muslim, 1348)
Allah draws near to His servants, looks upon them with pride, and grants them freedom from the Hellfire.
This applies to both those on the plains of Arafah and those seeking forgiveness from afar.
4. Fasting on Arafah Expiates Sins
For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah is a highly recommended act.
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Sahih Muslim, 1162)
This incredible reward two years’ worth of sins forgiven is a testament to Allah’s mercy. Scholars clarify that this refers to minor sins, and that fasting also helps in the purification of the soul and encourages good deeds.
Quranic References to the Day of Arafah
While the Day of Arafah is not mentioned by name multiple times in the Qur’an, key verses refer indirectly to its significance.
1. Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)
“This day I have perfected for you your religion…”
As mentioned earlier, this verse was revealed during the Prophet’s Farewell Hajj, on the Day of Arafah, making it one of the most powerful endorsements of the day’s significance.
2. Surah Al-Burooj (85:3)
وَشَاهِدٍۢ وَمَشْهُودٍۢ
“By the witness and what is witnessed.”
Scholars like Ibn Abbas interpreted “the witness” (ash-shaahid) as Friday, and “the witnessed” (al-mashhood) as the Day of Arafah.
This interpretation is supported by other scholarly exegeses and traditions, indicating the spiritual importance of Arafah as a “witnessed” day by Allah and the angels.
Hadiths About the Day of Arafah
Numerous hadiths emphasize the greatness of this day. Here are some notable ones:
1. Forgiveness and Freedom from Hellfire
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.”
(Muslim)
This highlights the divine mercy that encompasses all sincere believers on that day.
2. Pride in the Angels
“Indeed, Allah boasts of the people of Arafah before the angels, saying: ‘Look at My slaves, they have come to Me disheveled and dusty.’”
(Ahmad, Ibn Hibban)
Allah expresses pride in His worshippers, emphasizing their sincerity and submission.
3. Dua on Arafah
“The best supplication is the supplication of the Day of Arafah.”
(Tirmidhi, 3585)
The Prophet ﷺ further added:
“And the best of what I and the Prophets before me have said is:
‘La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.’”
(Tirmidhi)
This powerful statement of tawheed (monotheism) should be recited often on this day.
How Should Muslims Spend the Day of Arafah?
Whether one is performing Hajj or not, there are numerous ways to benefit from this blessed day.
For Those on Hajj:
- Perform Wuquf: Stand on the plain of Arafah from noon to sunset in dua, dhikr, and reflection.
- Pray Dhuhr and Asr shortened and combined.
- Avoid arguments, distractions, and worldly talk.
- Repent sincerely, seeking forgiveness for past sins and renewal of faith.
For Non-Pilgrims:
- Fast the Day
- Fasting is highly recommended and is expiation for minor sins of two years.
- Fasting is highly recommended and is expiation for minor sins of two years.
- Engage in Dhikr
- Especially tahleel (La ilaha illallah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tasbeeh (SubhanAllah), and tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).
- Especially tahleel (La ilaha illallah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tasbeeh (SubhanAllah), and tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).
- Make Abundant Dua
- For yourself, your family, the Ummah, and all Muslims worldwide.
- Supplicate using Prophetic duas, Quranic verses, and personal requests.
- For yourself, your family, the Ummah, and all Muslims worldwide.
- Reflect on the Quran
- Read and ponder over the verses, especially those related to Hajj and submission to Allah.
- Read and ponder over the verses, especially those related to Hajj and submission to Allah.
- Charity and Good Deeds
- Give to the needy, support Islamic causes, and increase in righteous actions.
The Link Between Arafah and the Day of Judgment
The gathering of pilgrims on Arafah bears a symbolic resemblance to the Day of Resurrection:
- People from every corner of the world, dressed in simple garments.
- Standing in humility and hope before their Lord.
- Awaiting forgiveness, mercy, and acceptance.
This imagery reminds Muslims of their ultimate return to Allah, reinforcing the purpose of life and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter.
Virtues of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah
The Day of Arafah falls within the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which the Prophet ﷺ declared to be the best days of the year:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Bukhari, 969)
Arafah is the ninth day, followed by Eid al-Adha on the tenth day.
These days offer unmatched opportunities for earning rewards, seeking forgiveness, and drawing closer to Allah.
Final Reflections
The Day of Arafah is not just for the pilgrims. It is a universal gift for the entire Ummah. It is a day of hope, renewal, and mercy.
Let us not treat it as an ordinary day. Let us prepare with sincerity, fast with devotion, make dua with humility, and renew our bond with Allah.
A single day can change our lives and that day may very well be Arafah.
Conclusion
The Day of Arafah stands as a monumental day in Islam a day of divine mercy, forgiveness, and nearness to Allah.
Whether standing on the plains of Arafah or fasting in your home, the opportunities are immense.
Let us seize this blessed day, draw closer to our Creator, and make the most of what may be the most powerful day of our entire year.
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