The Day of Arafat holds a great place in Islam, as it is the best day on which the sun has risen, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said. On this day, or on that day, Allah boasts to His angels about the pilgrims who have come to His sacred house, and likewise, whoever fasts on the Day of Arafah, Allah forgives their sins of the previous and coming year.
Importance of the Day of Arafat in the context of Hajj
The Day of Arafat is the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Hajj is Arafah.” Therefore, it is the cornerstone of the greatest pillar of Hajj. Whoever does not stand at Arafah, their Hajj is invalid, and there is no substitute for it among the other rituals. However, if one is unable to perform any other ritual, they can offer a sacrifice or fast. But there is no substitute for the Day of Arafah.
Connection between the Day of Arafat and Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed his farewell pilgrimage, he stood on Mount Arafat on the Day of Arafat and delivered the famous sermon known as the Farewell Sermon. In it, the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised about women, the sanctity of blood, and many other important matters. Therefore, Mount Arafat holds a special place in Islamic religion because of this significant event.
Understanding the Day of Arafat
A. Historical background and origin of the Day of Arafat
The Day of Arafat is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah says: “But when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at al-Mash’ar al-Haram. And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray.” (Quran 2:198) The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized its significance when he said, “Hajj is Arafah,” indicating that standing at Arafah is the most important pillar of Hajj.
B. The Islamic calendar and the specific date of the Day of Arafat
Arafah day is the ninth day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, preceding the first day of the blessed Eid al-Adha. For those performing the Hajj pilgrimage to the Kaaba, the Day of Arafah is followed by the Day of Sacrifice.
C. Arafat as a key ritual during the annual pilgrimage of Hajj
The Day of Arafah is the ninth day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, preceding the first day of the blessed Eid al-Adha. For those performing the Hajj pilgrimage to the Kaaba, the Day of Arafah is followed by the Day of Sacrifice.
You can read about steps of Hajj in details from our Hajj Guide
Rituals and Practices on the Day of Arafat
- Pilgrims’ journey to the plain of Arafat
The pilgrims head to Mount Arafat on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, known as Arafat Day, to stand there and perform the most important pillar of Hajj. They supplicate to Allah for their wishes,
- B. Stand and supplication: the essence of the Day of Arafat
the time of standing extends from midday on the ninth day until sunset. The supplication on the Day of Arafah is often answered, so every Muslim prepares all the wishes they want to fulfill and prays to Allah with them on this day.
- C. Importance of forgiveness and seeking Allah’s mercy on this day
For those who perform the Hajj pilgrimage, it expiates all their past sins, regardless of their age. As for those who are not among the pilgrims on the Day of Arafah, fasting on that day expiates the sins of the past and the coming year. Therefore, the Day of Arafah holds great virtue in both cases.
Observance for Non-Pilgrims (those not performing Hajj)
For those who haven’t gone for Hajj, not going does not deprive them of enjoying the great reward of the Day of Arafah. They can fast on that day, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, said that fasting on that day expiates the sins of the past and the coming year. They can also supplicate to Allah with whatever they desire on the Day of Arafah, and their supplication is likely to be answered, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, said that the best supplication is that made on the Day of Arafah.
Significance for Hajj Pilgrims
The standing on Arafat day indicates that Allah created all people equal, with no superiority of one over another. Therefore, the rich is not better than the poor, and likewise, the poor is not better than the rich. The status of each person depends solely on their fear of Allah and their piety towards Him. This is why all pilgrims stand together on Mount Arafat on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, wearing the same attire and standing in the same place without distinction.
Lessons and Takeaways
The Day of Arafat teaches us many lessons, including patience and endurance to attain the pleasure of Allah. Standing on that mountain on a day when the weather could be intensely hot or cold is exhausting, yet we do it out of love and to seek Allah’s pleasure. Additionally, it teaches us to maintain humility and avoid arrogance because everyone on that day wears the same attire, with no one standing out. Furthermore, it teaches us mercy and compassion towards one another, as well as unity among Muslims, as people from various nationalities perform Hajj with no distinction between them whatsoever.
Al Marwa Travel provides Hajj and Umrah trips characterized by maintaining personal safety, comfort, and unique luxury amenities, enabling you to perform the pilgrimage without worrying about anything but fulfilling the rituals. Book your trip now to enjoy our services High-quality services! We will assist you in performing worship on the Day of Arafah with minimal hassle, The Day of Arafah holds a high status in Islam, as it is the day when pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat, which is a pillar of the Hajj without which the pilgrimage is not valid. Non-pilgrims can also fast on this day, and by doing so, Allah forgives their sins of the past and the coming year. The Prophet, peace be upon him, delivered his farewell sermon at Mount Arafat, conveying several messages, including the importance of unity among Muslims, the necessity of humility, and the avoidance of arrogance in dealings.
