The Day of Arafah: Its Importance and How to Observe It
Sometimes we don’t realise just how powerful a single day can be until we come across the Day of Arafah.
It’s not just another date in the Islamic calendar. It’s a day full of mercy, forgiveness, and the chance to start fresh with a clean heart.
Whether you are in Makkah for Hajj or at home in Birmingham, Glasgow or London, the blessings of this day reach you wherever you are. It is a golden opportunity to pause, reflect and reconnect with your faith in a meaningful way.
As the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah unfold, the Day of Arafah shines as a moment to draw closer to Allah. If you have ever felt the need to reset your heart and turn back to Allah, this is the perfect moment.
But what makes this day so special? And how can we make the most of it even if we are not at Hajj?
Let’s take a closer look.
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What Is the Day of Arafah?
The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, just before Eid al-Adha. It is the day when millions of Hajj pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat in Makkah, standing in prayer, with tears in their eyes and hope in their hearts, asking for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
For those on Hajj, this is the most important moment. Standing at Arafah is what makes the pilgrimage complete. But the beauty of this day is not limited to those in Makkah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“There is no day on which Allah sets free more slaves from Hell than He does on the Day of ‘Arafah.” – (Sahih Muslim)
Even if you are not performing Hajj, this day holds immense value. It’s a chance for all of us, wherever we are, to reflect, pray, and seek forgiveness. The blessings of Arafah reach far and wide and offer everyone the opportunity to draw closer to Allah.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is the best thing for those who are not on pilgrimage. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever fasts the Day of ‘Arafah, his sins of the previous and following year will be forgiven.” – (Sunan Ibn Majah)
This Hadith highlights that fasting on Arafah wipes away the sins of the past year and the year to come. A simple fast can become a means of immense reward and spiritual renewal.
It is also a time to make heartfelt dua, engage in dhikr, and recite the Shahada. Take a quiet moment, speak from your heart, and reconnect with your faith. These simple acts mean more on this day than we can imagine. Every moment is a chance to be heard by Allah.
You can also give Sadaqah or support a charitable cause on this day. Whether it’s helping someone in need or contributing to a meaningful project, your good deeds carry more reward on this blessed day.
The day of Arafah is a gift. Let’s not miss its mercy, rewards, and chance for a fresh start.
Why Is the Day of Arafah So Special?
The Day of Arafah is one of the most beautiful and powerful days in our calendar. It is a day filled with mercy, forgiveness and immense rewards. On this blessed day, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and proudly mentions His devoted servants to the angels. It is a time to fast, make heartfelt duas and seek His forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates for the sins of the year before and the year after.” – (Sunan Ibn Majah)
That is whole years of sins wiped away with just one day of fasting. It is an incredible opportunity that we should not miss.
So what makes the Day of Arafah so remarkable? Let’s take a closer look:
A Day of Forgiveness
One of the greatest rewards of this day is the chance to have two years of sins forgiven. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told us that fasting on this day brings this reward. It is a chance to start fresh, with a clean heart and renewed intentions.
A Milestone in Our Faith
On this very day, Allah revealed a verse that marked a turning point in our religion:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” – Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)
This moment marked the completion of our faith, a gift and a blessing for the entire Ummah.
A Day When Allah Praises His Servants
The Prophet (peace be upon him) told us that on this day, Allah is so pleased with His servants that He draws near to His servants and praises them in front of the angels. Just imagine being among those mentioned, recognised for your faith, your fasting and your devotion.
What Do Pilgrims Do on Hajj on the Day of Arafah?
On this sacred day, pilgrims leave Mina and gather at the plain of Arafat. From midday until sunset, they stand facing the Qiblah, making heartfelt du’a, reciting takbeer, and reflecting deeply. This moment is not about physical movement but about spiritual stillness.
There are no distractions and no barriers, just the pilgrim and their Creator, alone in sincere devotion.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“The best supplication is that on the day of ‘Arafa...”
It is a day full of mercy and forgiveness, where prayers are answered and hearts are opened. For those on Hajj, it offers a powerful chance to be spiritually renewed and to seek a fresh start.
Even for those not performing Hajj, they can still benefit from this blessed day. Many people choose to fast on Arafah, hoping to share in the spiritual rewards and draw closer to Allah.
The gathering at Arafat reminds us all of something beautiful that no matter who we are, we stand equal before God, united in hope and humility.
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How Can You Observe the Day of Arafah?
You don’t have to be at Hajj to make the most of the Day of Arafah. Even if you are not in Makkah, you can still embrace the blessings of this beautiful day from your home, your local mosque, or even during a lunch break at work. Here are simple yet meaningful ways to connect with this special day:
Fast the Day
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is one of the best acts you can do. If you are able, try to fast from dawn to sunset as it is said to wipe away the sins of the past year and the year ahead. That is not something you want to miss.
Make Heartfelt Dua
This is your moment. Open your heart and speak to Allah about everything. You can ask for forgiveness, guidance, blessings, and anything that weighs on your heart. Nothing is too big or too small. Duas made on this day are especially powerful.
Keep Remembering Allah
Keep your tongue busy with dhikr throughout the day. Simple phrases, like SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), and La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah), hold great reward and bring peace to the heart.
Read and Reflect on the Quran
Spend some quiet time reading the Quran. Focus on verses about mercy, forgiveness, and gratitude. Let them guide your thoughts and actions on this sacred day.
Give Charity with Intention
Arafah is a powerful day for giving. Whether it’s Sadaqah or a donation to a cause like Palestine Emergency or Afghanistan Emergency appeal, your charity can open doors of mercy. United Muslims is running vital appeals during Dhul Hijjah that support families, children, and communities in need. Your kindness could be a lifeline for someone.
No matter where you are, you can honour the Day of Arafah with sincerity and devotion. Every act counts.
A Journey of Unity
On this special day, the Prophet (peace be upon him) shared the most powerful dua:
The best supplication is that on the day of ‘Arafa, and the best thing which I and the prophets before me have said is:
‘La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.’
(There is no god but God alone who has no partner; to Him belongs the dominion, to Him praise is due, and He is omnipotent.)” — Tirmidhi
Keep repeating this beautiful dua throughout the day as it is simple, meaningful, and incredibly powerful.
Let the Day of Arafah Transform You
At United Muslims, we are here to help you embrace the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah with purpose and peace. Through heartfelt reminders, meaningful guidance, and the opportunity to give charity that brings lasting reward, we want every Muslim in the UK to feel spiritually connected, wherever they are.
The Day of Arafah is something special. It is not just a date on the calendar. It is a chance to slow down, look within, and strengthen your bond with Allah. Whether you are fasting, making dua, or giving to those in need, do what you can, and let it count.
And remember, it is not only for those performing Hajj. It is for every soul that longs to draw closer to Allah.
So take a moment. Step away from the noise. Make space for calm and connection. Stand in prayer, raise your hands, and know that Allah’s mercy is closer than you think.
Make the most of this sacred day. Give your charity, make your dua, and reconnect with your faith.
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