Day of Arafah: Every Muslim Needs to Know
The Day of Arafah (or Arafat) is the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. It is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and is followed by Eid al-Adha.
This year, the Day of Arafah is expected to fall on Thursday, 5 June 2025.
Discover the meaning, significance, and powerful rewards of the Day of Arafah in Islam.
Learn what every Muslim needs to know about fasting, du'a, and worship on this Arafat sacred day.
Day of Arafah Meaning
The Day of Arafah, known in Arabic as Yawm Arafah, is one of the most sacred days of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.
It falls on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the lunar Hijri calendar, and holds immense significance in Islam.
"Arafah" refers to the plain of Arafat, a mountainous area located near Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
On the day of Arafat, pilgrims from all around the world gather at Mount Arafat during Hajj, marking the climax of the annual pilgrimage.
The name itself is deeply meaningful.
"Arafah" comes from the Arabic root word that means "to know" or "to recognize," symbolizing a day of spiritual reflection, self-awareness, and connection with Allah.
It’s a day when Muslims around the world, whether in Mecca or elsewhere, are called to pray, fast, repent, and seek Allah’s mercy.
What Is the Significance of the Day of Arafah for Muslims?
The Day of Arafah is considered the holiest day of the Islamic year, the day before the major Islamic holiday, even more significant than Eid al-Adha itself.
It is a day in Dhul Hijjah of divine mercy and profound forgiveness.
On the day of Arafat, Allah descends to the lowest heaven in a manner that suits His Majesty and proudly proclaims to the angels about His servants standing at Arafat, seeking forgiveness.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in an authentic Hadith,
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Hellfire than the Day of Arafah.”
This powerful statement highlights how immense the rewards of this day are.
It is a time when souls are freed, sins are forgiven, and the status of believers is elevated.
The Day of Arafah is also the day when the following verse was revealed to the Prophet (PBUH):
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.” (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3)
This declaration of the completion of Islam is why the day holds such spiritual depth and emotional weight for Muslims.
It's not just a historical day, but one of active worship, introspection, and renewal of faith.
Day of Arafah 2025
Day of Arafah is the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah is the Day of Arafah.
Since it is on the day of Arafah, the pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of Arafat, praying and supplicating in du'a, worship, forgiveness, and seeking refuge in Allah.
In the Gregorian calendar, the Day of Arafah is expected to fall on Thursday, falls on the 5th day June 2025. As with all Islamic holidays.
The exact date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon, which determines the start of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Hijri calendar.
This year, millions of pilgrims will gather on the plains of Arafat, performing the most essential ritual of Hajj known as "standing at Arafat" or Wuquf.
Those not performing Hajj are encouraged to observe fasting, offer prayers, engage in du'as, and perform other recommended acts of worship to gain the blessings of this special day.
Whether one is physically in Mecca or not, the Day of Arafah remains a time for all Muslims to spiritually repent and connect deeply with Allah (SWT).
What Are the Recommended Actions for the Day of Arafah?
There are many highly recommended deeds that Muslims should strive to perform on the Day of Arafah, whether they are at Arafat or in their hometowns.
Here are the most important:
1. Fasting
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is one of the most rewarding acts a Muslim can do if they are not performing Hajj.
It is reported in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates the sins of the year before and the year after.”
This remarkable expiation of sins makes fasting on this day a powerful spiritual tool for those seeking forgiveness and renewal.
2. Supplication and Du'a
This is a day of du'a. It is believed that supplications made on this day are not rejected.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The best supplication is that which is made on the Day of Arafah.”
3. Increased Dhikr
It is sunnah to increase in remembrance of Allah (SWT) by saying Tahlil (La ilaha illAllah), takbir (Allahu Akbar), Tahmid (Alhamdulillah), and tasbih (Subhan Allah) throughout the day.
The days of Dhul Hijjah are especially designated for these forms of worship.
4. Prayers and Worship
Pray your obligatory salah on time and add voluntary prayers, especially Dhuhr, Asr, and Maghrib, with added devotion.
Recite Qur'an, make istighfar (asking for forgiveness), and perform other righteous deeds.
5. Reflection and Repentance
Use this time to think deeply about your life, actions, and purpose.
The Day of Arafah in Dhul Hijjah is a perfect opportunity for repentance and renewal of your covenant with Allah.
Dua the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is an Islamic holiday on the 9th day of the Dhul Hijjah in the final lunar Islamic calendar, it is the second day of the Hajj.
The most powerful du'a that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made on the Day of Arafah is:
“La ilaha illAllah, Wahdahu la Sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in Qadeer.”
“There is no god but Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs the kingdom and all praise, and He is over all things capable.”
This du'a encapsulates the core of Tawheed (oneness of Allah) and should be repeated abundantly throughout the day.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah
Fasting on the Day of Arafah for those not performing Hajj is a highly rewarded and recommended sunnah.
According to multiple reports, the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized its benefits repeatedly.
What Makes It Special?
The Day of Arafah is one of the most blessed and powerful days of the year.
It falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha.
It is a means of expiation for two years of sins, both the previous year and the coming year.
It shows solidarity with the pilgrims as they engage in the rituals of Hajj.
It’s a symbolic act of sacrifice, aligning one’s heart with the spiritual state.
The fast begins at Fajr and ends at Maghrib.
It's a day of light eating, heavy worship, and focused intention.
If you're able to combine fasting with prayers, Quran recitation, and du’a, the rewards are believed to be immense.
Virtues Day of Arafah
Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah in the lunar Islamic calendar.
It occurs on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah.
The virtues of the Day of Arafah are vast and deeply impactful.
It is a day sacred when Allah's mercy descends upon the hearts of His servants, and countless are released from the Hellfire.
Every person should spend this day in duas and worship Allah Ta'ala.
While travel to Mina begins after sunset, the entire day is considered an opportunity for offering sincere repentance.
It is a night not to be taken lightly.
Sayyid scholars have understood this day as one of the most sacred, and fasting is highly recommended unless prohibited فِي أيام التَّشْرِيقِ. Let the select few not be the only ones to benefit.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of making sincere and heartfelt prayers on this day, expressing hope that Allah will respond to them favorably.
Conclusion:
Embrace the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah a gift from Allah (SWT), a spiritual retreat where the Ummah, regardless of where they are, can unite in worship, reflection, and repentance.
It's the final preparation before Eid al-Adha, and the perfect opportunity to reset your heart, renew your faith, and seek forgiveness.
Engage in sincere prayer, make heartfelt du’as, and draw nearer to the mercy of Allah, who has chosen this day for immense reward and freedom from Hellfire.
At Egypt Tilawat Academy, a leading platform for Islamic learning, we encourage you to prepare spiritually for the Day of Arafah with proper knowledge, intent, and actions.
Let this be the day your soul is revived, your sins are forgiven, and your path to Jannah is illuminated.
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