Do you know the holiest day in the Islamic calendar is around the corner? The day of Arafah a.k.a Arafat! It falls on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah-July 9 this year. It’s also on the second day of Haj; the day after Arafah is the first day of Eid al-Adah. (Dhu al-Hijjah-last month of the Islamic calendar)
On the day of Arafah, the pilgrims make their way to Mount Arafah, gather, pray and supplicate to Almighty Allah for forgiveness. This day holds a prestigious place in the heart of every Muslim, But! Do we understand the significance of this day? It is the day on which Almighty Allah perfected His Deen-Islam.
Facts about the day of Arafah
The pilgrims performing Haj prepare themselves for worship in Makah on this day. Haj (pilgrimage) is the fifth pillar of Islam, so it holds magnificent importance for Muslims. The pilgrims gather and supplicate to their Lord for forgiveness while the non-pilgrims are encouraged to observe fast on this day. But, first, let’s learn a few facts about the day of Arafah.
Completion of Deen:
Almighty Allah revealed an important Qur’anic verse, Surah al-Maidah (5:3); on the day of Arafah, He approved Islam as a way of life.
“This day, I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” [Qur’an, 5:3]
Allah swore an oath:
On the day of Arafah, Almighty Allah swore an oath in the Qur’anic verse, Surah al-Buruj (85:3)
‘By the witnessing day [Friday] and by the witnessed day [the Day of Arafaah.’
It was reported from Abu Hurairah (R.A) that Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W) said:
“The promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of Arafah, and the witnessing day is Friday.” [Tirmidhi]
Day of forgiveness:
The day of Arafah allows the non-pilgrims to seek forgiveness for the sins of last year and the coming year. Therefore, it is a recommended Sunnah of the Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W) for those who are not pilgrims to fast on this day.
“It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” [Muslim]
Freedom from the Fire:
It was narrated in Sahih Muslim that
“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on Arafah), and then He reveals before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” [Muslim]
Things to do on the day of Arafah
Observe Fast!
Do you want to be forgiven for the sins of last year and the coming year? Then, observe fast on the day of Arafah!
Make Du'a!
Noble are the supplications made on the day of Arafah. Ask for forgiveness, and make Dua’ for the Muslim Ummah.
“The most excellent Du’a is the Du’a on the Day of Arafah, and the best of what I and the Prophets before me have said, is “There is nothing that deserves to be worshiped in truth except Allah, He is Alone and has no partner, to Him belongs the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is All-Powerful over all things.'” [Muwatta]
Make Tahlil, Takbir, Tahmid and Tasbih!
It is highly recommended and encouraged to recite Tahlil, Takbir, Tahmid and Tasbih on everyday of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Tahlil is to say “La ilaha illal-lah”
Takbir is to say “Allahu Akbar”
Tahmid is to say “Alhamdulillah”
Tasbih is to say “Subhanallah.”
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the day of Arafah is a time to celebrate. It is widely believed that this day is rich in blessing and is among the most virtuous days. So, let’s seize the day and seek forgiveness from the most Merciful and the most Beneficent.
