The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah. It is one of the most important and sacred days in Islam. It is a day filled with Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and countless blessings.
Here are six important things about the Day of Arafah every Muslim must know.
1. Allah took the Covenant from Humanity on this Day
One of the greatest events connected to the Day of Arafah is the covenant Allah took from all human beings.
Allah says in the Quran:
And (remember) when your Rabb brought forth from the loins of the children of Adam their descendants and had them testify regarding themselves. (Allah asked,) “Am I not your Rabb?” They replied, “Yes, You are! We testify.” (He cautioned,) “Now you have no right to say on Judgment Day, ‘We were not aware of this.’
Quran Chapter 7 Verse 172
The Prophet ﷺ explained that Allah gathered the descendants of Adam at Arafah and took the testimony that He alone is our Rabb. (See Musnad Ahmad # 2455).
This powerful reminder shows that Tawheed is deeply rooted within every soul. The Day of Arafah is a reminder of our original covenant with Allah.
2. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Delivered His Final Sermon
The Day of Arafah is also remembered as the day Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his historic Farewell Sermon during Hajj. (See: Bukhari # 67,1741)
This sermon contained timeless guidance for humanity and emphasized:
- Justice
- Equality
- Brotherhood
- Sanctity of life and wealth
- Rights and responsibilities
- Unity of the Muslim Ummah
The Prophet ﷺ declared:
No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab, except through taqwa.
Musnad Ahmad # 23489
This message remains one of the strongest declarations of equality and human dignity in history.
3. Islam Was Perfected on the Day of Arafah
One of the most significant moments in Islamic history occurred on the Day of Arafah.
Allah revealed the verse:
This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and approved for you Islam as religion.
Quran Chapter 5 Verse 3
This verse was revealed during the Farewell Hajj while the Prophet ﷺ stood at Arafah. It marked the completion and perfection of Islam. (See: Bukhari # 45)
This shows the immense greatness of this blessed day.
4. Allah frees more people from Hellfire on this day
The Day of Arafah is a day of mercy and forgiveness.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.
Sahih Muslim # 1348
SubhanAllah — no other day witnesses more people being saved from Hellfire.
This is why Muslims should spend the day in:
- Sincere repentance
- Constant dhikr
- Heartfelt dua
- Seeking forgiveness
- Recitation of Quran
Never think your sins are too great for Allah’s mercy. The doors of forgiveness are wide open on the Day of Arafah.
5. Fasting on the Day of Arafah erases two years of sins
For Muslims who are not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Fasting the Day of Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
Sahih Muslim # 1162
This is one of the greatest rewards connected to voluntary fasting. If there is one voluntary fast Muslims should strive not to miss, it is the fast of Arafah.
Please note that this expiation refers to minor sins, while major sins require sincere tawbah.
6. The Best Dua is made on the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is among the best times for making dua.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
The best dua is the dua on the Day of Arafah.
Sahih Jamih # 3274
He ﷺ also taught this powerful dhikr:
“لا إلَهَ إلّا اللهُ وحدَهُ لا شريكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الملكُ ولَهُ الحمدُ وهوَ على كلِّ شَيءٍ قديرٌ”
La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.
Meaning
There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone, there is absolutely no equals or partners to Him. To Him belongs all kingdom and all praises, and He has power over all things.
Best deeds to do on the Day of Arafah
To make the most of the Day of Arafah:
- Fast the day
- Increase in dhikr
- Read Quran
- Make sincere tawbah
- Give charity
- Send salawat upon the Prophet (peace be on him)
- Avoid sins and distractions
- Spend time in private dua
Even a few sincere moments of worship can transform a person’s akhirah.
Conclusion
The Day of Arafah is one of the greatest opportunities Allah gives believers every year.
It is the day Allah perfected Islam, the day humanity testified that Allah alone is our Rabb, and the day countless people are freed from Hellfire.
Make the most of the Day of Arafah by fasting, remembering Allah, making sincere dua and asking for His forgiveness sincerely.
FAQs
What is the Day of Arafah?
The Day of Arafah is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah and one of the holiest days in Islam. It is the main day of Hajj when pilgrims gather at the plains of Arafah.
What are the rewards of fasting on the Day of Arafah?
According to Sahih Muslim (Hadith # 1162), fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
What is the best dua for the Day of Arafah?
The Prophet ﷺ said the best dua is the dua made on the Day of Arafah. One of the best remembrances is:
La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.
Was Islam perfected on the Day of Arafah?
Yes. Allah revealed Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3 on the Day of Arafah during the Farewell Hajj, announcing the perfection of Islam.
Can Muslims who are not performing Hajj fast on Arafah?
Yes. Fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended for non-pilgrims and carries immense rewards.
