Arafat Day: A pillar of Islamic faith and devotion

Arafat Day, also known as the “Day of Arafah,” is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar. It occurs on the 9th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This day holds profound spiritual meaning for Muslims worldwide, especially for those undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage. The importance of Arafat Day is deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam and is emphasized in the Qur’an and Hadith.

The Significance of Arafat Day

Arafat Day is the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, an obligatory act of worship for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. The Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and its rituals commemorate the actions of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar (Hagar), and their son Ismail (Ishmael).

The Qur’an states the importance of Hajj in Surah Al-Hajj (22:27):
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj (pilgrimage); they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.”

On Arafat Day, millions of pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat, a barren expanse near Mecca, to stand in prayer, reflection, and repentance.

This standing, known as Wuquf, is the most critical component of the Hajj. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized its importance, saying:
“Hajj is Arafah” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 889).

Qur’anic Guidance and the Essence of Arafat Day

The spiritual essence of Arafat Day is seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah. It is a day when Muslims are encouraged to repent for their sins and engage in earnest supplication.

The Qur’an highlights the mercy of Allah in Surah Az-Zumar (39:53):
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'”

The significance of this day is also evident in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:198):
“But when you depart from ‘Arafat, remember Allah at al-Mash’ar al-Haram. And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray.”

The Universal Observance of Arafat Day

While Arafat Day holds particular importance for Hajj pilgrims, it is also a day of great reverence for Muslims who are not performing Hajj. These Muslims observe fasting on this day, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said:
“It expiates the sins of the previous year and that of the following year” (Sahih Muslim 1162).

Fasting on Arafat Day is a means for Muslims to participate in the spiritual benefits of the Hajj and to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. It is a time for increased worship, recitation of the Qur’an, and performing good deeds.

Reflections on the Day of Arafah

The collective experience of millions of Muslims standing together on Arafat, united in their devotion to Allah, serves as a powerful symbol of the unity and equality inherent in Islam. This gathering transcends national, racial, and social boundaries, reflecting the Qur’anic vision of a unified ummah (community) as stated in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”

Arafat Day emphasises repentance, humility, and divine mercy that are central to Islamic faith. It reminds Muslims of the transient nature of worldly life and the enduring significance of their relationship with Allah.