The ‘Day of Arafah’ falls on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Hijri calendar. This is a day of immense historical and spiritual significance.
It was on this day that Allah forgave the first human, Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), at the plains of Arafah. It was also on this very day that Allah the Almighty perfected the religion of Islam for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Revelation of Perfection
Allah revealed the final verse:
الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
— Surah Al-Ma’idah: 3
This verse was revealed on the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) in the 10th year of the Hijri calendar, during the Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajj) performed by the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Regarding this verse, some Jewish scholars of that time remarked to Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): “You recite a verse which, if it had been revealed to us, we would have taken that day as a day of celebration.”
To this, Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: “I know exactly when and where this verse was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). By Allah! We were standing at Arafah at that time.”
The Essence of Hajj
Arafah is the cornerstone of Hajj. Standing in the plains of Arafah on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah is what constitutes the pilgrimage itself. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Hajj is Arafah. Whoever reaches Arafah before the dawn of the tenth night of Dhul-Hijjah has performed Hajj.” — Tirmidhi
The Virtues of Fasting on the Day of Arafah
For those who are not performing the Hajj pilgrimage, observing a voluntary (Nafl) fast on this day is a highly meritorious act of worship.
When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah, he said:
“It expiates the minor sins of the past year and the coming year.”
— Muslim
Observing this single fast on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah is a confirmed Sunnah.
The Intention (Niyyath): “I intend to observe the voluntary fast of this Day of Arafah for the sake of Allah.”
A Day of Mercy and Supplication
The Day of Arafah is a momentous day when Allah grants His servants freedom from the Hellfire. Therefore, fasting and seeking forgiveness on this day are highly emphasized.
Hazrat Usama ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
“I was riding behind the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Arafah, and he raised his hands in supplication (Du’a).”
