SIGNIFICANCE OF ARAFAH

September 21, 2015Science & Faith

What is the meaning and significance of the Day of Arafat?

The 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah (the Month of Hajj) is called the Day of Arafat. This day is the culminating event of the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The Day of Arafat falls on the 2nd day of pilgrimage rituals. At dawn of this day, nearly 2 million Muslim pilgrims will make their way from Mecca to a nearby hillside and plain called Mount Arafat and the Plain of Arafat.

It was from this site that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, gave his famous Farewell Sermon in his final year of life.

During the entire day, from dawn until sunset, Muslim pilgrims stand in earnest supplication and devotion, praying for God’s abundant forgiveness. Tears are shed readily as those who gather make repentance and seek God’s mercy, recite words of prayer and remembrance, and gather together as equals before their Lord. Muslims around the world who are not participating in the pilgrimage often spend this day in fasting and devotion.

Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah. He said, “It expiates the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” [Sahih Muslim]

Allah frees slaves from the fire on Arafat more than any other day:

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ’Arafah), and then He revels before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” (Tirmidhee).

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FASTING ON THE DAY OF ARAFAH | BY DR ZAKIR NAIK

Narrated Um Al-Fadl bint Al-Harith:

“While the people were with me on the day of `Arafat they differed as to whether the Prophet (ﷺ) was fasting or not; some said that he was fasting while others said that he was not fasting. So, I sent to him a bowl full of milk while he was riding over his camel and he drank it.” ( book of fasting vol 3 hadith no 1988 Bukhari )

Thus those Muslims who are not on Hajj are encouraged to fast of the day of Arafah but those Muslims who are on Hajj are forbidden to fast on this day.