The Day of Arafah is on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. It is one of the most important days of the Islamic calendar.
The Day of Arafah is not just another day of pilgrimage. It is described as a day of forgiveness and a golden opportunity to cleanse the heart. For many, it serves as a “second chance” to fulfill spiritual goals they may have missed during Ramadan.
This day holds historical weight as well. It was on the plains of Arafah that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon.
On this day, Allah declared that He had perfected the religion of Islam and completed His favors upon the believers. It is a day when Allah draws near to His servants to listen to their sincere cries for help and forgiveness.
Forbidden to you are carrion, blood, and swine; what is slaughtered in the name of any other than Allah; what is killed by strangling, beating, a fall, or by being gored to death; what is partly eaten by a predator unless you slaughter it; and what is sacrificed on altars. You are also forbidden to draw lots for decisions. This is all evil. Today the disbelievers have given up all hope of ˹undermining˺ your faith. So do not fear them; fear Me! Today I have perfected your faith for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your way. But whoever is compelled by extreme hunger—not intending to sin—then surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3)
Wuqoof -e-Arafah
Wuqoof -e-Arafah means to stay at Arafah. During this stay at Arafah, you must make the most of your time by asking for forgiveness. You have to face the Kaaba at the land of Arafah and make supplication while raising your hands.
Recommended Actions For The 9th of Dhul Hijjah
The following are the recommended actions for the Day of Arafah:
Make Abundant Duas
Make duas for yourselves, your family, and for the Muslim Ummah.
Increase Your Good Deeds
Whether we are performing Hajj or at home, we must devote ourselves to praying more, engaging in dhikr, and seeking nearness to Allah.
Give Sadaqah
Give Sadaqah and Zakat during these days, as the rewards are multiplied.
What Do Pilgrims Do on the Day of Arafah?
After praying Fajr salah in Mina, the pilgrims head to the Plains of Arafah. They make supplications and ask for forgiveness.
Upon reaching Arafah, pilgrims offer Dhuhr and Asr prayers. They spend the day in dua, dhikr, tears, and repentance, since this is the time when Allah draws near to His servants.
They recite talbiyah, takbir, and send salawat upon the Prophet PBUH.
As the sun sets, pilgrims depart from Arafah to Muzdalifah, chanting the Talbiyah. Then, at Muzdalifah, pilgrims pray Maghrib and Isha.
The Night Under The Stars: Muzdalifah, 9th of Dhul Hijjah
Muzdalifah is 4 kilometers long and covers approximately 12 square kilometers. It is an open area located near Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in the Hejazi region. Muzdalifah lies at the southeast of Mina and is situated on the route between Mount Arafah and Mina.
It is an important place because it is where pilgrims gather the small stones to throw at the Jamarat pillars. It is an essential part of the pilgrimage.
Though the pebbles for pelting the Jamarat might be collected from anywhere, they are best collected from Muzdalifah. It is a night of quietness and calmness under the open skies.
(Wuqoof -e-Muzdalifah: The pilgrims spend the night praying)
The following is the breakdown of collecting stones:
- Seven stones for the 10th of Dhul Hijjah
- Twenty-one stones for the 11th of Dhul Hijjah
- Twenty-one stones for the 12th of Dhul Hijjah
Collecting pebbles is also an indication of the believer’s willingness to stone sin and ego.
There is no blame on you for seeking the bounty of your Lord ˹during this journey˺. When you return from ’Arafât, praise Allah near the sacred place and praise Him for having guided you, for surely before this ˹guidance˺ you were astray.
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:198]
Connecting to the Spirit of Arafah
Whether you are standing on the plains of Arafah or watching from your home thousands of miles away, the rewards of this day are accessible to all.
- Seeking Forgiveness
Use this time to reflect on your character. It is the perfect moment to mend broken ties with family and friends and start fresh.
- Recitation and Praise
Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah. Reciting the Holy Qur’an and sending Salawat (salutations) upon the Prophet (PBUH) are highly recommended acts that bring peace to the soul.
- A Day of Purification
View this day as a spiritual bath. It is meant to wash away sins, strengthen your purpose in life, and remind you of your ultimate destination in the hereafter.
Wrap up
In accordance with Islamic history and tradition, on the second day of hajj, the pilgrims walk from Mount Arafah to Muzdalifa. Upon reaching, they pray and prepare for Yawm al-Nahr (The Day of Sacrifice).
The Day of Arafah is a reminder of Allah’s infinite mercy and the beauty of Islam as a complete way of life. It is a day that offers a fresh start to every believer, regardless of their past mistakes.
By giving charity and standing in sincere prayer, we reconnect with our purpose and seek a state of spiritual purity. Whether you are a pilgrim in the desert or a worshiper at home, the essence of Arafah is the same: it is a journey of the heart toward Divine love, forgiveness, and eternal success.
