The Day of Arafah is one of the greatest days of the Islamic year. It falls on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, when pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat in a magnificent spiritual scene. This day is not only for pilgrims but also a great opportunity for every Muslim around the world, as rewards are multiplied, mercy descends, ranks are elevated, and sins are forgiven.

Many Prophetic hadiths highlight the virtue of this blessed day, including the saying of the Prophet ﷺ:

“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.” (Muslim)

On this day, the gates of heaven are opened, supplications are answered, sins are forgiven, and Allah grants salvation from Hell. It is also one of the ten days Allah swore by in the Qur’an, as He says:

“By the ten nights.” (Al-Fajr: 2)

Virtues of the Day of Arafah

1. The Day of Completing the Religion and Perfecting the Blessing

On this blessed day, one of the greatest verses of the Qur’an was revealed, in which Allah says:

“Today I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.” (Al-Ma’idah: 3)

This verse signifies that Allah completed the religion for Muslims and perfected His blessing upon them on this special day.

2. The Day of Salvation from Hellfire

The Prophet ﷺ said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.” (Muslim)
This indicates that Allah grants immense forgiveness and mercy to His servants, especially those who sincerely seek His forgiveness and engage in supplication.

3. Sins Are Forgiven for Those Who Fast

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” (Muslim)
Fasting on this blessed day is an opportunity for non-pilgrims to have their sins forgiven for two years.

4. The Greatest Day for Supplication

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah, and the best that I and the prophets before me have said is: There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs the dominion, and to Him is all praise, and He is over all things competent.” (Tirmidhi)

This emphasizes that supplications on this day are highly accepted, making it a golden opportunity for Muslims to persistently ask Allah for their needs.

Acts of Worship on the Day of Arafah

Both pilgrims and non-pilgrims are encouraged to engage in many acts of worship on this blessed day, including:

1. Standing at Arafah (for Pilgrims)

• Standing at Arafah is the most crucial pillar of Hajj, as the Prophet ﷺ said: “Hajj is Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)
• Pilgrims stand at Arafah from midday until sunset, spending the time in supplication and seeking forgiveness.

2. Fasting on the Day of Arafah (for Non-Pilgrims)

• Fasting is highly recommended for non-pilgrims, as it expiates the sins of two years (Muslim).
• However, pilgrims are not encouraged to fast, as the Prophet ﷺ did not fast on this day during his farewell Hajj, ensuring he had strength for worship.

3. Increasing Remembrance and Supplication

• The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)
• It is recommended to frequently say: “There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs the dominion, and to Him is all praise, and He is over all things competent.”

4. Seeking Forgiveness and Repentance

• The Day of Arafah is an ideal opportunity for renewing one’s commitment to Allah through sincere repentance.
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “Indeed, Allah boasts to the inhabitants of the heavens about the people of Arafah.” (Muslim)

5. Declaring the Takbir (Glorification of Allah)

• Takbir (glorification of Allah) is encouraged on this day.
• The unrestricted takbir begins from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah, while the restricted takbir (after prayers) starts from the Fajr prayer on Arafah.

The Virtue of Charity on the Day of Arafah

Charity is one of the greatest acts of worship that brings a person closer to Allah. While charity is always virtuous, its reward is multiplied on blessed days such as the Day of Arafah.

1. Multiplication of Rewards

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best charity is charity in Ramadan.” (Tirmidhi)
Since the Day of Arafah is one of the greatest days, giving charity on this day is among the most rewarding acts.

2. A Means for Forgiveness of Sins

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Charity extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)
Giving charity on the Day of Arafah is an opportunity to erase sins and increase good deeds.

3. A Gate to Paradise

The Prophet ﷺ said: “O women, give charity, for I have seen that you form the majority of the people of Hell.”
He encouraged charity as a means of salvation and entry into Paradise.

4. Brings Blessings to Wealth

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Muslim)
Giving charity on the Day of Arafah brings barakah (blessing) in sustenance and increases one’s wealth.

Examples of Charity on the Day of Arafah

• Feeding the poor and needy.
• Donating to hospitals and charitable organizations.
• Helping orphans and those in need.
• Providing food and water for pilgrims, if possible.

Supplications for the Day of Arafah

• “O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
• “O Allah, make me among those whom You free from Hellfire, forgive my sins, and accept my deeds.”
• “O Allah, grant me goodness in this world, honor me with Your vast mercy, and provide for me from unexpected sources.”

The Day of Arafah is among the greatest days of Allah, during which His mercy and forgiveness encompass His servants. Every Muslim should seize this blessed day by engaging in acts of worship, abundant supplication, repentance, and charity, hoping to be among those who receive Allah’s mercy and salvation from Hellfire.

May Allah accept our deeds on the Day of Arafah and grant us forgiveness and entry into Paradise. Ameen.