Arafat Day
June 6
Arafat Day is an important day in the Islamic calendar, and it is a significant day for Muslims worldwide, particularly for those performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Table of Contents
When is Arafat Day?
Arafat Day is observed on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The following is the list of Arafat Day from 2020 to 2049.
The History of Arafat Day
Arafat Day is linked to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated unwavering submission to Allah. His willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as a test of faith took place in the vicinity of Mecca, making the surrounding region sacred.
The plains of Arafat are integral to Hajj rituals and represent Ibrahim's ultimate devotion and Allah's mercy.
Arafat Day marks the day when Hajj pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy), to engage in prayer and seek forgiveness. This act is known as Wuquf al-Arafah (Standing at Arafat) and is considered the pinnacle of Hajj. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Hajj is Arafah," emphasizing the importance of this day in fulfilling the pilgrimage.
During his final Hajj in 632 CE, Prophet Muhammad delivered his famous Farewell Sermon at Mount Arafat.
This sermon is a cornerstone of Islamic teachings, emphasizing the equality of all Muslims, justice, morality, and human rights, and the importance of adhering to the Quran and Sunnah.
Arafat Day is the most critical day of the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam. Standing at Arafat is considered essential for the validity of Hajj. Pilgrims who miss this ritual must repeat their pilgrimage in a subsequent year.
The gathering at Arafat symbolizes unity that Muslims from diverse backgrounds stand together as equals before Allah, and reflection that pilgrims engage in intense self-examination and seek forgiveness for their sins.
While Arafat Day is a central part of Hajj, it holds significance for all Muslims, whether performing Hajj or not.
The day is described as one of the most forgiving days in Islamic tradition. A Hadith states that Allah frees the most souls from Hellfire on Arafat Day.
What Do People Do on This Day?
On Arafat Day, Muslims around the world observe this holy day with acts of worship, reflection and devotion. It is particularly significant for those performing the Hajj pilgrimage, but it also holds immense spiritual importance for non-pilgrims.
Pilgrims gather at the plains of Arafat, near Mount Arafat, from noon until sunset. They spend this time in prayer, supplication, and reflection, seeking forgiveness and divine mercy.
A sermon, known as the Khutbah of Arafat, is delivered at Masjid al-Namirah, emphasizing the importance of Arafat Day, and teachings from the Quran and Hadith.
Pilgrims perform Zuhr (midday) and Asr (afternoon) prayers, shortened and combined, at Arafat. They engage in continuous dua (supplication) and dhikr (remembrance of Allah), asking for forgiveness and blessings.
After sunset, pilgrims leave Arafat for Muzdalifah, where they collect pebbles for the stoning ritual at Mina and continue their prayers and reflections.
Fasting on Arafat Day is highly encouraged for Muslims not performing Hajj. Prophet Muhammad said fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the following year.
Muslims dedicate the day to performing extra prayers, reading and reflecting on the Quran.
Many Muslims engage in charitable acts on Arafat Day, such as donating to the poor, distributing food, or supporting humanitarian causes.
Muslims take the opportunity to reflect on their deeds and seek Allah's forgiveness, using the day as a spiritual reset.
Families and communities may come together for collective prayers or discussions about the teachings of Islam and the meaning of Arafat Day.
The Hajj Pilgrimage
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is an obligation for all physically and financially capable Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime. It is a journey of spiritual significance, centered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and represents the unity of the Muslim community and submission to Allah.
The Hajj traces its origins to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family. Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to leave his wife, Hajar (Hagar), and son, Ismail (Ishmael), in the desert of Mecca. Hajar's search for water led to the discovery of the Zamzam Well. Ibrahim and Ismail later built the Kaaba, the house of worship, which became the central focus of Hajj.
Hajj practices were restored to their monotheistic roots by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who emphasized worship of Allah alone, free from pre-Islamic pagan rituals. The Prophet performed his Farewell Pilgrimage in 632 CE, during which he delivered his famous Farewell Sermon on the plains of Arafat.
The Hajj pilgrimage takes place annually from the 8th to the 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Day 1: 8th Dhul-Hijjah (Yawm al-Tarwiyah): Pilgrims travel to Mina, a site near Mecca, where they perform prayers and prepare for the main rituals.
Day 2: 9th Dhul-Hijjah (Arafat Day): Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat, the most critical day of Hajj. They spend the day in prayer and reflection, seeking forgiveness and Allah's mercy. After sunset, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah, where they pray, rest, and collect pebbles for the stoning ritual.
Day 3: 10th Dhul-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha): Pilgrims throw seven pebbles at the Jamarah al-Aqaba, symbolizing rejection of evil. Pilgrims sacrifice an animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel), commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.
Days 4–5: 11th–12th Dhul-Hijjah (Tashreeq Days): Pilgrims continue the stoning ritual at three pillars representing Satan's temptations.
Day 6 (Optional): 13th Dhul-Hijjah: Pilgrims may extend their stay to complete an additional stoning ritual before departing Mina.
