Day of Arafah

Day of Arafah refers to Hajj pilgrimages gathering on Mount Arafah and complete their rituals and prayers. It happens on 9th Dhul-Hijja and is considered to be the most important part of Hajj. The Arafat prayers complete at sunset and pilgrims then go to Muzdalifah to recite Maghrib and Isha and take a brief rest.  

Muslim pilgrims will be making their way to Mount Arafah and the Plain of Arafah in the dawn of this day. One of the last notable sermons given by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was from this hill. Muslims believe that several Quranic verses suggest that the religion of Islam was finished on this day.

The Plain of Arafat surrounds the hill. This entire area is also known as Mount Arafat. During the Hajj, travellers spend the afternoon there on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. Failure to be present on the day of Arafat invalidates the pilgrimage.  

After the khutbah (sermon), Zuhr and Asr prayers are offered concurrently in the valley. They stay on the hilltop all day chanting for Allah to forgive their sins. "

Fasting On Day of Arafah 

For non-pilgrims, fasting on the Day of Arafah is strongly advised. Doing so earns a tremendous reward from Allah. According to a hadith: 

""It expiates for the past and coming years.” (Muslim)

As-Shafi'i and his colleagues said that it is mustahabb (very advised) to fast on the day of Arafah for the one who is not present at Arafah. “In fact, according to Al-Mukhtasar and his followers, ‘It is recommended (mustahabb) for the pilgrim in Arafah not to fast'.” 

This restriction is really kind to the pilgrims, as fasting can be painful and difficult for them. Above all, while before Allah, Muhammad did not fast. Some people refrain from doing their hajj to obtain the merits of the blessed day. 14