Day of Arafat
Day of Arafat: The 9th day of Islamic month Dhul-Hijjah is called the Day of Arafat. The literal meaning of Arafat is “Recognition”. it is also known as “یومِ عرفہ”. On this day, the pilgrims stay in Arafat, that is, they stay there from morning till sunset and pray to Allah. This day is very virtuous for the people of Arafa and staying there is the most important rite of the Hajj. Allah Almighty is proud of the pilgrims in Arafat in front of the angels and says to the angels:
“Look, these servants of mine have come a long way and are covered in scattered hair and dust.”
The day of Arafat is the best day of the year and it is the great day about which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him) said:
” There is no day on which Allah sets free more slaves from Hell than He does on the Day of Arafa.” (Riyad as-Salihin: 1277)
There are three reasons for Arafat’s name. Its three closest meanings are “identity” and this day is important due to these reasons.
- Hazrat Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) saw in a dream on the night of eight (8) Dhul-Hajjah that He was slaughtering His son, so He had some doubts whether this dream was from Allah Almighty or not. When He saw the same dream again on the 9th of Dhul-Hajjah, He became convinced that this dream was from Allah Almighty. Since Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) had acquired this knowledge and certainty on the 9th of Dhul-Hajjah so that’s why it is called the Day of Arafa.
- On the ninth of Dhul-Hajjah, Gabriel (peace be upon Him) had taught all the “rites of Hajj” to Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him). So, in connection with the knowledge of the rites of Hajj, the ninth (9) Dhul-Hajjah is called “the day of Arafa”.
- Those who perform Hajj on the 9th of Dhul-Hajjah because they go to the field of Arafat for staying there. Due to this reason, it is also called the Day of Arafat
From the above-mentioned statements, it is clear that it is not correct to specialize the day of Arafa with the waqoof e Arafa (staying in Arafat) only. In other words, the day on which the nine (9) Dhul-Hajjah will take place will be called the day of Arafa, even if it is not the day of Arafa in Saudi Arabia. This day will occur on different dates in different countries.
The day of Arafat and the arena of Arafat are the blessed time and the best place where the good news was revealed by Allah Almighty to our beloved Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) that Islam is completed and the great blessing of fulfilling the Shari’ah on the Ummah has been fulfilled. This day is the symbol of the greatness of the Muslim Ummah, and it teaches Muslims equality, brotherhood, and unity.
Virtues of the day of Arafat:
The most important thing to note here is that the takbirs of tashriq begin at Fajr of this day. It is necessary (wajib) for every Muslim (male or female, whether praying in a congregation or alone) to say the following takbir (declaration of the greatness of Allah) once (though more than once is acceptable) immediately after each obligatory (fard) prayer from the Fajr Prayer on the 9th of Dhul-Hajjah (the Day of `Arafah which is the day before Eid) to the Assar Prayer on the 13th of Dhu’l Hijjah (the day after the final day of Eid).
Thus, these takbirs last 5 days, and 23 prayers.
The words of takbirs are:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ. وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Llahu .
Wa Llahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahi Lhamd.
Translation: Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no god but Allah.
And Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.
There are so many virtues of this day. Few of them are here:
- Among the rites of Hajj, the day of Arafat is the most important. The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said that:
The Hajj is ‘Arafat, the Hajj is ‘Arafat, the Hajj is ‘Arafat. The days of Mina are three: But whoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him, and whoever stays on, there is no sin on him (2:203). And whoever sees (attends) the ‘Arafah before the rising of Fajr, then he has performed the Hajj.” Ibn Abi ‘Umar said: “Sufyan bin ‘Uyainah said: ‘This is the best Hadith that Ath-Thawri reported.” (Tirmidhi: 2975).
- On this day, it was announced by Allah Almighty that:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion”. (Al-Maidah 5: 3).
In Al-Saheehayn it was reported from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that a Jewish man said to him, “O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, there is an ayah in your Book which you recite; if it had come to us Jews, we would have taken that day as an ‘Eid (festival).” ‘Umar said, “Which ayah?” He said: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [al-Maa’idah 5:3 – interpretation of the meaning]. ‘Umar (R.A) said, “We know on which day and in which place that was revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). It was when he was standing in ‘Arafaah on a Friday.”
- It is a day by which Allah swore an oath.
The Almighty cannot swear by anything except that which is mighty. Yauum e Arafa is the “witnessed day” mentioned in the ayah (interpretation of the meaning):
“By the witnessing day [Friday] and by the witnessed day [the Day of ‘Arafaah].” (Al-Burooj 85:3].
- The one who fast on this day, Allah Almighty will forgive his two years sins.
It was reported from Abu Qutaadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said: “Fast the Day of Arafah, for indeed I anticipate that Allah will forgive (the sins) of the year after it, and the year before it.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 749)
The virtues of fasting on the day of Arafat is mentioned in so many Hadeeth. But It is not recommended for the pilgrims to fast on this day because the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him) prohibited it for the people in the Arafat.
It was narrated that Hazrat Ikrimah (R.A) said:
“I entered upon Abu Hurairah in his house and asked him about fasting the Day of ‘Arafa at ‘Arafat. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A) said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him) forbade fasting the Day of ‘Arafah at ‘Arafat.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah: 1732)
From another Hadith:
Ibn Abi Najib narrated from his father who said:
“Ibn Umar was asked about fasting (the Day of) Arafah (at Arafat). He said: ‘I performed Hajj with the Prophet, and he did not fast it, and with Abu Bakr, and he did not fast it, and with Umar, and he did not fast it, and with Uthman, and he did not fast it. I do not fast it, nor order it nor forbid it.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi: 751)
But it is not only permissible for non-pilgrims to fast on this day, but it is a very virtuous act.
Hazrat Abu Qatadah (R.A) narrated that:
The Prophet said: “Fast the Day of Arafah, for indeed I anticipate that Allah will forgive (the sins) of the year after it, and the year before it.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi: 749)
Explaining the virtue of fasting in some hadeeth, the words of 9th Dhul-Hajjah are mentioned instead of the day of ‘Arafah.
It is Narrated by One of the wives of the Prophet:
Hunaydah ibn Khalid narrated from his wife on the authority of one of the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) who said: The Messenger of Allah(peace be upon Him) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hajjah, Ashura’ and three days of every month, that is, the first Monday (of the month) and Thursday. (Sunan Abi Dawud 2437)
This fast is actually on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah because the virtue of fasting in the first nine days of Dhul-Hajjah has been mentioned permanently in the hadeeths. Therefore, the virtue of fasting on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah will also depend on the date of each country.
In short, Muslims in other parts of the world are not obliged to fast on the day of ‘Arafah according to the history of Saudi Arabia. Muslims in Saudi Arabia should fast on the day when they have 9 Dhul-Hajjah and in other countries, Muslims should fast on the day when they have 9 Dhul-Hajjah.
Duaas on the day of Arafat:
The Holy Prophet PBUH) prayed the following Duaas on the day of Arafah:
`Amr bin Shu`aib narrated from his father, from his grandfather, that the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said:
“The best of supplication is the supplication of the Day of `Arafah. And the best of what I and the Prophets before me have said is: None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, Alone, without a partner, to Him belongs all that exists, and to Him belongs the praise, and He is powerful over all things. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi: 3585)
لَا اِلٰہَ اِلاَّ اللّٰهُ وَحْدَہٗ لَا شَرِیْکَ لَہٗ، لَہُ الْمُلْـکُ وَلَہُ الْحَمْدُ، وَ ھُوَ عَلٰی کُلِّ شَیْیٍٔ قَدِیْر
The Best Dua of the day of Arafah video sheikh Abdul Rashid
Another Dua:
اَللّٰھُمَّ اجْعَلْ فِیْ قَلْبِیْ نُوْراً وَ فِیْ سَمْعِیْ نُوْراً و َفِیْ بَصْرِیْ نُوراً، اَللّٰہُمَّ اشْرَحْ لِیْ صَدْرِیْ و َیَسِّرْلِیْ اَمْرِیْ، اَعُوْذُ بِکَ مِنْ وَسَاوِسِ الصَّدْرِ وَ شَتَاتِ الْاَمْرِ وَ فِتْنَۃِ الْقَبْرِ، اَللّٰھُمَّ اِنِّیْ اَعُوْذُ بِکَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا یَلِجُ فِی النَّہَارِ وَ شَرِّ مَا تَحْصِبُ بِہِ الرِّیْحُ وَ شَرِّ بَوَائِقِ الدَّھْرْ. (تلخیص الحبیر: (حصن حصین: ۱۸۳)
In the evening of Arafat, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him) prayed this dua many times:
اَللّٰھُمَّ لَـکَ الْحَمْدُ کَالْذِی تَقُوْلُ وَ خَیْراً مِمَّا نَقُوْلْ، اَللّٰھُمَّ لَـکَ صَلوٰتِیْ و َنُسُکِیْ وَ مَحْیَایَ وَ مَمَاتِیْ و َإِلَیْکَ مَاٰبِی و َلَـکَ رَبِّیْ تُرَاثِیْ، اَللّٰھُمَّ إِنِّیْ اَعُوْذُ بِکَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ وَ وَسْوَسَۃِ الصَّدْرِ و َشَتَاتِ الْاَمْرِ. (غنیۃ السالک: ۱۸۳)
What we should do on the day of Arafat:
- Fasting on the day of Arafat is of great importance. If you are not going to Hajj then you should keep fast on this day.
- Dhikr
This blessed day is all about doing good deeds which will be highly regarded in the eyes of Allah. Remembering Allah during this day is the best thing to do. Reciting blessed phrases is what Muslims can do throughout this month, especially during the 9th day of Hajj.
- Recite and Listen to the Noble Quran. Though one should recite the Quran on a daily basis, this day holds special importance as every good deed is multiplied and the verses of the Quran seek forgiveness of Allah.
In short, the day of Arafah is one of the most blessed and virtuous days. It is a day of forgiveness of sins and deliverance from hell, a special day of prayers. On this day, Allah Almighty is proud of the people of Arafat before the angels.
On that day, Allah Almighty completed the religion of Islam and completed His blessing. This is the day to bear witness of Tawheed with sincerity.
Schedule for the Day of Arafah 🌄
Here are some things you can do to get the best out of the day of Arafah:
☑️ Sleep early the night before to energized yourself for worship on this special day.
☑️ Wake up one hour before the Fajr time to eat Suhoor.
☑️ Pray at least 4 rakat of night prayers and supplicate to Allah while in a state of sujood and thank Him for allowing you to witness this blessed day and ask Him to give you success on this day.
☑️ Spend the remaining time before Fajr reciting Istighfar (asking Allah for forgiveness) so that you may be written as those who ‘’seek forgiveness before dawn.” (51:18).
☑️ Get ready for the Fajr by performing wudu and imagine your sins being forgiven with every last drop of water.
☑️ Say the dua for the completion of wudu.
☑️ Attend Fajr in Masjid (or at home for women) and remain in your place until 15-20 minutes after sunrise. (if safe).
☑️ During this time, read Quran, make tasbeeh, tahleel, tahmeed, and takbeer (Allahu Akbar, la ilaha ila Allah, Alhamdulilah) and say the morning Adhkar.
☑️ Pray two rakat of sunrise so it is recorded for you the reward of hajj and umrah (in sha Allah).
☑️ On your way walking to/from the mosque, give charity to anyone in need.
☑️ If you are able to stay awake and continue with making dua, reading Quran and lots of Dhikr then do so.
☑️ Or, if you prefer to take a nap during this time, make the intention of doing so to re-energize yourself for the worship of Allah.
☑️ After you wake up, make wudu and pray 2 rakat or more of Duha prayer (this can be prayed 15-20 min before Duhr).
☑️ Pray the Duhr with the included sunnah prayers (4 rakat before Duhr and 2 after).
☑️ Increase the recommended dhikr of the day of Arafah:
لا اله الا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد، وهو على كل شيء قدير
La ilaha ila Allah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulk wa lahu al-hamd, wa huwa `ala kulli shay’in qadir
(There is no god worthy of worship but Allah, alone, without partner. His is the sovereignty, and His the praise, and He has power over everything).
☑️ Listen to the Arafah speech if you are able to.
☑️ Pray the Asr and recite the evening Adhkar.
☑️ Read as much Quran as possible and especially increase your dua before the adhan of the Magrhib. Pray for yourself, loved ones and the Ummah.
☑️ Make dua that the sun of Arafah doesn’t set until you are saved from the Hell-fire.
☑️ Break your fast on an odd number of dates.
May Allah accept from us all
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