Pilgrims on the plains of Arafah
Arafah – The Day of Arafah is also called the Day of the Standing (Yawm Al-Waqf). It is the day pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of Arafah, praying and supplicating to Allah (SWT). It is also where the Ayat “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 Maa’idah 5:3) was revealed.
Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul-Ḥijjah. The Day of Arafah is significant in many other ways as well. In an authentic Hadith it is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Hajj is Arafat.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 3016). For every other rite, a person can make up for it but there is nothing a person can do if they miss this. A person cannot complete his Hajj without observing the Day of Arafah.
The events that happened at Arafah
Nabi (SAW) gave his farewell sermon at the plains of Arafah. It is an event that is well recorded wherein he (SAW) spoke of many things and gave guidelines to all of humanity. There is also one event that occurred which many do not know about. Moulana Dawood Sampson, a Haji, spoke of the event where humanity proclaimed that Allah (SWT) was indeed their Lord.
“Every soul of mankind longs to be on the plains of Arafah. It is here the souls were once on the plains of Arafah where the Almighty (SWT) said ‘“Am I your creator?” and we all confessed that He (SWT) is our creator.”
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Hadith regarding the importance of the Day of Arafah
There is great importance given to the Day of Arafah. It is a day that Allah (SWT) forgives all of those who ask for forgiveness. There are many Hadith that talk about the importance of the Day of Arafah.
A’isha (R.A) reported Allah’s Messenger (SAW) as saying: There is no day when God sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of ‘Arafa. He draws near, then praises them to the angels, saying: What do these want?” (Sahih Muslim 1348).
In another Hadith Ibn ‘Abbâs (RA) narrates:“The Messenger of Allah (SAW), said: ‘On no days are righteous deeds more beloved to Allah than these days’ [of Dhu’l-Ḥijjah]” (Bukhârî).
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Good Deeds to do on this day
A day as significant as this requires one to fully devote themselves to attain the blessings that Allah (SWT) has placed in it. One of the easiest things for one to do is fast. It is a means of getting one’s sins forgiven. Although pilgrims should not fast, it is recommended that those who are not performing Hajj should.
Abu Qatadah (R.A) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about the observance of Saum (fasting) on the day of ‘Arafah. He said, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year.” [Muslim]. (Riyad as-Salihin 1250).
During this day many great Sahabah (RA) use to continuously recite Zikr (Praises of Allah (SWT) and make Dua to Allah (SWT).
Sayyiduna Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) dua on the Day of ‘Arafah
Allahumma a’tiq raqabati minanar wa awsi’li minar rizqil halal, wasrif ‘anni fasaqatil jinni wal ins
Translation: O Allah! Free me from the fire, increase my lawful sustenance, and keep away the transgressive Jin and humans from me.
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would recite the following abundantly:
Lailaha illallahu wahdahu lasharika lahu lahul mulku walahul hamdu biyadihil khayru wahuwa ‘ala kuli shayin qadir
Indeed, the Day of Arafah is a most blessed day for the Muslim ummah (community). It is filled with blessings and many significant events occurred at the plains of Arafah. One should abstain from sins on this day and engage in good deeds.
