Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims worldwide. The pilgrimage is spread across a few days in which the pilgrims undertake various religious activities.
Among the most important days during Hajj is the Day of Arafat, also known as Yawm al-Arafah. This day holds immense importance in the hearts of Muslims, as it is considered the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage.
However, what exactly is Arafat, what is the story behind Arafah and what is the difference between the two? In this detailed blog, we will explore everything there is to know about the day of Arafah and Arafat. So, let’s begin!
Day of Arafat – Meaning
The 9th Dhul Hijjah marks one of the most sacred days of the Islamic calendar – the Day of Arafat. Pilgrims make their way to the desert region known as Arafat Plain for this specific day, located approximately 20 kilometres from Mecca.
The Arabic word “Arafat” originates from the root word meaning “to know” or “to recognise.” On this very auspicious day, Muslims make efforts to ask Allah for mercy for their wrongdoings while performing acts of worship.
Arafat Day – Fasting
Fasting on the Day of Arafat, on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, is highly recommended for Muslims who are not performing Hajj. During this essential day, pilgrims gather at Arafat Plain where they perform worship and ask for divine forgiveness while making meaningful supplications to seek mercy from Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) declared that fasting on the day of Arafat holds immense spiritual value because it wipes away sins from the current and upcoming year (Sahih Muslim).
The day of Arafah is one of divine mercy and blessings providing Muslims globally an opportunity to seek forgiveness, strengthen their beliefs and draw close to the almighty through fasting, prayers, charity and increased acts of worship.
What is The Importance of Arafat?
The Day of Arafat holds the highest importance among all days of Hajj pilgrimage. During this day all pilgrims engage in prayer and supplication while they ask for Allah’s forgiveness and divine mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared Arafat as the most important aspect of Hajj by stating that “Hajj is Arafat”.
The emphasis on the day of Arafah and duties on this day is such that without standing at Arafat, the Hajj pilgrimage is incomplete. This sacred day is one of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal, offering immense rewards and blessings for all believers.
Also Read:- What is Riazul Jannah
What is The History Behind Arafat?
The Plain of Arafat carries immense historical weight and religious importance. Islamic tradition identifies the Plain of Arafat as the spot where Prophet Adam and Eve (Hawa) were united together after being sent down to Earth from Paradise.
The Plain of Arafat stands as a sacred site where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the final verses of the holy Quran during his Farewell Pilgrimage. On this day Muslims show their devotion to Allah through unity and humility and the ultimate submission to Allah.
What Do Muslims Do in Arafat?
On the Day of Arafat, pilgrims perform the following acts:
- Wuquf (Stand at Arafat) – Standing at Arafat is known as Wuquf where pilgrims must spend the whole day at Plain of Arafat while engaging in both prayer and supplication. Wuquf functions as the central practice in Hajj.
- Dua (Supplication) – Pilgrims perform earnest prayers to seek forgiveness while requesting divine guidance as well as blessings. It is believed that that Allah demonstrates increased mercy on this special day.
- Recitation of the Quran – During their time as pilgrims during the Hajj, most devotees perform Quran recitation and practice dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
- Reflection and Repentance – It is a time for self-reflection, repentance, and renewing one’s commitment to living a righteous life.
- Listening to Sermons – The Masjid al-Namirah outside Arafat serves as the venue for delivering the sermon (Khutbah) on the Day of Arafat. The sermon reaches all pilgrims who are reminded about the day’s value combined with necessary acts of repentance and devotion.
Also Read:- History of Kaaba
Is There Any Difference Between Arafat and Arafah?
During the Hajj and within Islamic traditions people frequently interchange the terms Arafat and Arafah. However, both these words have distinct meanings. Here is an explanation;
| Arafat | Arafah |
| Arafat represents the massive gathering spot, the actual physical location called the Plain of Arafat situated near Makkah. This is the location where pilgrims gather on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah to engage in supplication and prayer while seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Hajj demands that every pilgrim stands at Arafat as a fundamental requirement for the pilgrimage. | Arafah refers to the sacred day itself—Yawm Arafah—the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah. All Muslims consider this day the most important of the Hajj pilgrimage period and a fortunate occasion regardless of whether one is participating in Hajj or not. |
Conclusion
The Days of Arafat marked by the Islamic date of 9th Dhul-Hijjah functions as both the essential core of the Hajj pilgrimage and an important religious occasion that Muslims across the world consider highly important. At the Plain of Arafat during this time millions of pilgrims stand together and pray deeply for Allah’s mercy.
The recommendation for non-pilgrims to fast on this holy day holds high significance because it is believed to erase the sins accumulated in the past year and the year to come.
Whether standing at Arafat or fasting at home, this day offers a profound opportunity for reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. May we all benefit from the countless blessings of this sacred occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens if a pilgrim misses the Day of Arafat?
A.The whole pilgrimage of Hajj will be considered invalid if a pilgrim misses standing at Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. They will be required to repeat the pilgrimage the following year. Standing at Arafat is fundamental to successfully completing the pilgrimage without which the whole journey is incomplete.
Q. Why is fasting on the Day of Arafat so rewarding?
A. Fasting on the day of Arafat is considered highly rewarding as it is the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is also believed to wipe away the sins of the past and the coming year. For non-pilgrims not taking part in Hajj, fasting is a way to partake in the blessings of this sacred day.
Q. Is the Day of Arafat the same date every year?
A. No, it changes every year in the Gregorian calendar as the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle. Due to this, the Islamic calendar is 10-12 days shorter each year resulting in the day of Arafah occurring at different times each year.
Q. What is the timing of Arafat in 2025?
A. In 2025, the Day of Arafah is expected to fall on Thursday, June 5th, which will be followed by the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the day of Eid al-Adha on Friday, June 6th.