Day of Arafah

A Day of Prayer and Supplication: The Significance of Arafah

The Day of Arafah, on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, is a pivotal moment in the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafah, engaging in prayer and supplication. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted its importance by stating, “Hajj is Arafah” (Abu Dawud).

Key Points of Arafah

  1. Revelation of an Important Ayah:
    • On this day, Allah revealed: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Surah al Maa’idah 5:3)
  2. Fasting:
    • Fasting on Arafah is highly recommended for those not on Hajj. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Muslim)
  3. The Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ du’a on Arafah
    • “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah, and the best thing that I and the prophets before me said is: ‘There is no deity except Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs the dominion and all praise, and He is over all things competent.”
    • لا إله إلا الله وحدهُ لا شريك لهُ ، لهُ الملكُ ولهُ الحمدُ وهو على كل شيء قدير.
    • La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shay’in qadir. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3585)
    • This supplication is from the gifts of the Prophet ﷺ to this particular ummah.
  4. Recitation of Tahleel, Takbeer, Tahmeed, and Tasbeeh:
    • It is Sunnah to recite:
      • Tahleel: “Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah”
      • Takbeer: “Allahu Akbar”
      • Tahmeed: “Alhamdulillaah”
      • Tasbeeh: “Subhanallaah”
  5. Seeking Forgiveness:
    • The Prophet (PBUH) described Allah’s mercy on this day: “Allah descends to the nearest heaven and says…look at My servants, they have come from far and near…Even if their sins are as much as the sand or the froth of the sea, I shall forgive them.”

The Day of Arafah is thus a profound occasion for reflection, prayer, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

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