As we’re in the midst of the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah, one of the most powerful and spiritually uplifting days for Muslims around the world is the Day of ‘Arafah - the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah. This is on Thursday, 5th of June, for most Muslims in the UK.

Whether you're standing on the plains of ‘Arafah as a pilgrim or observing this sacred day from afar, this is a day filled with unmatched opportunity for reward, forgiveness, and drawing near to Allah.

What is the Day of ‘Arafah?

The Day of ‘Arafah is the pinnacle of Hajj. On this day, millions of pilgrims gather at Mount ‘Arafah, standing in humble submission, raising their hands in du‘a, and seeking the mercy of their Lord. For those not performing Hajj, it remains one of the greatest days in the Islamic calendar.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Hajj is ‘Arafah.”
— [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]

This emphasises how central this day is to the pilgrimage.

Why is the Day of ‘Arafah so Special? 

1. It is the day Allah perfected our religion.

This day marks a historic moment in Islam. Allah says about this day in the Qur’an:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”
— Surah al-Ma’idah (5:3)

This ayah was revealed on the Day of ‘Arafah during the Prophet’s Farewell Hajj. For Muslims, it is a moment of deep gratitude and awe, and a reminder that our religion is complete, whole, and preserved.

2. It is a day of immense 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]

Whether you're on the plains of ‘Arafah or in your living room, this is a day to sincerely turn to Allah with repentance. His mercy descends more than ever on this day.

3. Fasting on this day wipes away sins.

If you're not performing Hajj, fasting on this day is highly recommended.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
— [Sahih Muslim]

A simple act  -  fasting from dawn to sunset -  carries the power to wipe out two years’ worth of sins. SubhanAllah!

What Can You Do on the Day of ‘Arafah? 

Here are simple yet powerful acts of worship to make the most of this blessed day:

1. Fast the day (if not on Hajj)

As mentioned, fasting on this day is a huge opportunity for forgiveness. Make the intention from the night before and try to fast on the day.

2. Make abundant du‘a (supplication)

This is the day to pour your heart out to Allah. Ask for everything  - forgiveness, guidance, protection, provision, and Jannah. The Prophet ﷺ described this day as the best day for making du‘a:

“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of ‘Arafah.”
— [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]

And one of the best du‘as, that the Prophet ﷺ taught us to repeat on this day is:

“Lā ilāha illa Allah, waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.”
(There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise, and He is over all things capable.)

— [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]

3. Increase your remembrance (dhikr)

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah,  and especially the Day of ‘Arafah, are days of remembrance.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“There are no days greater and more beloved to Allah than these (first) ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, so increase in them your declaration of the oneness of Allah (tahleel), your exaltation of Him (takbeer), and your praise of Him (tahmeed).”
— [Ahmad]

Say:

• Takbeer: Allahu akbar
  
  
• Tahleel: La ilaha illa Allah
  
  
• Tahmeed: Alhamdulillah
  
  
• Tasbeeh: SubhanAllah
  
  

4. Give charity

Seek the reward of these special ten days that are the most beloved ten to Allah, especially on ‘Arafah. Give what you can to causes that bring benefit, whether that’s supporting a masjid, feeding the poor, or spreading Islamic knowledge - it’s all sadaqah.

5. Seek forgiveness

Make sincere istighfar and tawbah, and aim to begin a new chapter with Allah, with a heart that seeks His pleasure. 

A Day Not to Be Missed

The Day of ‘Arafah is an amazing opportunity to reset your heart, reconnect with your Lord, and have your some of your past and future sins forgiven - all in one day. It is a gift from Allah to every Muslim, whether on Hajj or not.

Make it a day of fasting, du‘a, dhikr, Qur’an, charity, and deep reflection. Make it a day that you seek nearness to Allah; and seek His pleasure and reward.

May Allah accept from us and grant us all forgiveness, mercy, and closeness to Him on this virtuous day.