What is the Day of Arafah in Islam? All Your Questions Answered
The Day of Arafah is one of the most significant days of the year for Muslims.
What is the Day of Arafah?
The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. It is the second day of Hajj and comes just before Eid Al-Adha. [it’s not letting me remove this link for some reason – please have this entire sentence linked to the ZT Qurbani page]
On this day, pilgrims gather on the plains around and on Mount Arafat, spending the day in prayer, reflection, and supplication, as well as seeking forgiveness and blessings from Allah (swt).
For Muslims who are not performing Hajj, it is a deeply spiritual day marked by fasting and heartfelt prayer.
Click here to find out more about how you can still honor the pilgrimage of Hajj when unable to physically go.
What Should You Do on the Day of Arafah?
This is a day to focus on seeking forgiveness, making dua, and drawing closer to Allah (swt). It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (saww) said:
“The greatest sin of a person who goes to Arafat and then leaves is to think that he has not been forgiven of his sins.” (Biharul Anwar, Vol. 96, p. 248)
Many Muslims also recite Dua Arafah, a powerful supplication originally recited by Imam Hussain (as), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (saww). Here is a passage from it:
“As You perfected for me all the graces and warded off all misfortunes, my ignorance of You and challenge have not stopped You from showing me that which takes me near to You, and from leading me to that which grants me proximity to You.
If You, O my God, chastise me, then it is because of my sins after Your claim against me; and if You pardon me, then it is on account of Your forbearance, magnanimity, and generosity. There is no god save You. All glory be to You. I have been of the wrongdoers. There is no god save You. All glory be to You. I have been of those seeking forgiveness. There is no god save You. All glory be to You.”
Why is the Day of Arafah So Important?
The Day of Arafah holds deep spiritual meaning.
It is the day when Prophet Muhammad (saww) delivered his Farewell Sermon at Mount Arafat – a moment that marked the final and complete message of Islam.
For Muslims around the world, it is a time to reflect on their faith, renew their connection to Allah (swt), and seek His mercy and guidance.
What can you do to participate if you cannot make it to Hajj?
By giving Qurbani to those who need it most through The Zahra Trust, you are helping not only spread the joy of Eid Al-Adha but aiding those who desperately need your support.
To learn more about how to give on this coming Day of Arafah, and to help remember the holy sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (as), click here – may Allah (swt) continue to bless you and your loved ones this Dhul Hijjah!
