Day of Arafah in Islam: Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated every year on the 10th of the month of Zul-Hijja. Actually, the first ten days of this month are considered very auspicious in Islam. But the 9th of Zul Hijja is considered the most important. 9th Zul Hijja is also known as the Day of Arafat or Yaum-e-Arafah. The reward for the worship and good deeds done on this day increases a lot compared to other days. It is mentioned in Islamic Hadiths that Allah does not like any good deed more than the good deed done on the day of Arafat. Prophet Muhammad said that Hajj is Arafat. On this day, Muslims have been ordered to worship as much as possible and fasting on this day is considered Sunnah.
This day is one of the most auspicious and sacred days for Muslims. Allah Almighty showers special blessings on His servants on this day. By fasting for this one day, Allah forgives the sins of two years. Ulemas say that with this the minor sins of the previous year and the next year are forgiven. This fast is only for those who have not gone on Haj. It is not Sunnah for the pilgrims present at Maidan-e-Arafat to fast on this day.
Why is Arafat’s day special?
On the day of Arafat, all Haj pilgrims gather at Maidan-e-Arafat near Mecca. Hajis pray standing or sitting near ‘Jabal-al-Rahman’ (Hill of Rahmat) from afternoon to evening. This is the most important part of Hajj. By observing fast on this day, the sins of the previous and coming year are forgiven. However, if someone observes the fast of Arafat as Nafli Ibadat, then it is an act of great reward. But even if you don’t keep it, there is no sin. On the day of 9th Zul Hijja i.e. Arafat, Muslims keep fast and worship through exercise. Then the next day i.e. on 10th Zul Hijja, Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated. This time in India, Arafat Roza will be observed on 27th May and Eid will be celebrated on 28th May.
What is done on the day of Arafat?
- Pilgrims have to stay (wukuf) in the plains of Arafat from Zuhr to Maghrib.
- There prayers, Istighfar (repentance), recitation of Quran and Namaz are done.
- On this day, Allah forgives most of the sins of his servants.
- The day of Arafat is called the day of mercy and forgiveness.
- On this day, one should do a lot of worship like namaz, fasting, charity and remembering Allah.
- On this day, Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) should be recited diligently.
Hadith of Yaum-e-Arafah
Prophet Muhammad said, “There is no better day on which Allah liberates people from the fire of Hell than the day of Arafa.” (Sahih Muslim Sharif, Hadith No. 1348)
The virtues of Arafat’s fast
Prophet Muhammad said, “I have full hope from Allah that whoever fasts on the day of Arfa (9 Zul-Hijja), Allah will forgive him for his sins of the last one year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith number: 1162)
Dua on the day of Arafat
“La ilaha illallahu, wahadhu la sharika lahu, lahool mulk wal-hool hamd, wa-huwa ala kulli shain qadir.”
Translation :- There is no one (true God) except Allah, He is alone and He has no partner, to Him is all sovereignty and to Him is all praise and He has supreme power over everything.
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