The Day of Arafah is the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, a time of immense significance and boundless mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "Hajj is Arafat" (Abu Dawud), highlighting the central role this day plays in the journey of Hajj. This sacred day provides an unparalleled opportunity for Muslims around the world to seek Allah’s favour and forgiveness. It is a day when the mercy of Allah descends in abundance, a time to renew our faith and draw closer to our Creator. Here’s why it’s so special:

Completion of Our Religion and Allah’s Favour: 

To realise the importance of this day, consider the words of a Jewish man who said to Umar ibn al-Khattab, “O Amir al-Muminin, there is a verse in your Book which you recite; if it had come to us Jews, we would have taken that day as an ‘Eid (festival).” ‘Umar said, “Which verse?” He said: ”This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” - (al-Maidah verse 3). ‘Umar said, “We know on which day and in which place that was revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). It was when he was standing in ‘Arafah on a Friday.”

Fasting on this day is an expiation for two years: 

Fasting on the Day of Arafah is an extraordinary chance to earn Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates sins for the previous year and the coming year (Muslim). This means that by fasting, we can have two years of sins forgiven—a truly golden opportunity that we should not miss.

A Day of Ultimate Forgiveness and Freedom from Hellfire

The Day of Arafah is also a day of immense forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah” (Muslim). On this day, Allah comes close to His servants and boasts about them to His angels, showing His immense pride in our devotion.

How to spend the day of Arafah - Even if you are at work!

The Day of Arafah is a precious opportunity to rejuvenate our faith and draw closer to Allah (SWT). Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Wake up early, and pray Fajr in congregation. 

Make your way to the masjid on the morning of Arafah and join the Fajr congregation for multiplied rewards. After Fajr, sit remembering Allah until the sun rises, then wait 15-20 minutes and pray two rakah. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Then for him is the reward like that of a Hajj and Umrah” (Tirmidhi).

Fasting

Fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended for those not performing Hajj. This act of worship is a powerful means to gain Allah’s blessings and mercy. It’s not just about abstaining from food and drink; it’s about purifying your soul and strengthening your connection with Allah. The reward is immense, with sins forgiven for the past year and the coming year. Embrace this chance to spiritually cleanse yourself and earn Allah’s immense mercy.

Increase acts of worship

As the most virtuous day of the year, it’s essential to increase our good deeds. Dedicate yourself to Dhikr. Engage in Nafl (optional) prayers, read the Qur’an, give sadaqah and send Salawat upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). Each act of worship performed on this day holds multiplied rewards. It is also Sunnah to recite the Tahleel (Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) frequently on the Day of ‘Arafah, and on the days of Eid – 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Let’s make our every moment count by immersing ourselves in acts that bring us closer to Allah.

Make lots of dua

The Day of ‘Arafah is a day of acceptance of dua and Allah showers His mercy and forgiveness to those who turn to Him. Make abundant heartfelt duas for yourselves, your family and the Muslim ummah, that Allah forgives our sins, fulfils our needs, and allows us to become closer to Him.

Recommended Dua for the Day of Arafah

Before diving into specific Duas, focus on sincerity. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Know that Allah does not answer a du'a from an inattentive heart.” (Tirmidhi)
Dua on Arafah is the best, but the best time on Arafah is the time just before Maghreb.

Best Dua on the day of Arafah

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of ‘Arafah, and the best words that I and the prophets before me have said are ‘La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lahla hul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa ala kulli shayin qadeer’ - (Tirmidhi)
Translation: “None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and all praise and He is over all things omnipotent.”

Dua for patience and victory for the Gaza

Transliteration: Rabbana afrigh ‘alayhim sabran wa thabbit aqdaamahum wansurhum ‘ala al-qawm al-kafireen
Translation: Our Lord! Shower them with perseverance, make their steps firm, and give them victory over the disbelieving people.
 

Dua for forgiveness and perseverance

 

Qurban: Fulfil a noble tradition on this day