Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)

Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)

Fasting is a significant act of worship in Islam, and among the most auspicious fasting days are those that are linked to key events in Islamic history and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). One of the most revered and rewarding fasts is the fast of Arafah, observed on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This day holds a unique place in the hearts of Muslims, not only due to its religious importance but also for the immense spiritual rewards it offers.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of fasting on the Day of Arafah, its historical and spiritual significance, and the relevant Quranic and Hadith references that highlight its virtues.

What is the Day of Arafah?

The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha, and it holds great significance for Muslims around the world. It is particularly notable for its association with the Hajj pilgrimage, during which millions of Muslims gather at the plain of Arafah, near Makkah, for the central rite of the pilgrimage, known as the standing (Wuquf) at Arafah.

However, even for those not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah is a highly recommended Sunnah, with immense rewards and benefits.

The Significance of the Day of Arafah in Islam

The Day of Arafah is of profound importance in Islamic history and religious practice. Several significant events took place on this day, and the Day of Arafah is celebrated as a day of forgiveness, mercy, and divine blessings. Some of the key aspects of its significance include:

• The Completion of the Religion: On the Day of Arafah, during the final pilgrimage of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) in the 10th year of Hijrah, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) revealed the following verse:

  اليوم أكملت لكم دينكم وأتممت عليكم نعمتي ورضيت لكم الإسلام دينًا
  Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:3
  “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”

  This momentous revelation took place on the Day of Arafah, marking the completion of the message of Islam. It was a pivotal moment in the history of the religion.

• A Day of Forgiveness and Mercy: The Day of Arafah is a day of great mercy and forgiveness, and fasting on this day holds immense spiritual significance. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stated in a Hadith:

  “صوم يوم عرفة، أحتسب على الله أن يكفر السنة التي قبله والسنة التي بعده.”
  Sahih Muslim
  “Fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope, will be an expiation for the year that has passed and the year that is to come.”

  This Hadith highlights that fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year. It is a powerful act of worship, offering a chance for Muslims to purify their souls and seek Allah’s forgiveness.

• The Day of Dua (Supplication): The Day of Arafah is also known as the day when the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) emphasized the importance of supplication (du’a). He said:

  “خير الدعاء دعاء يوم عرفة.”
  Tirmidhi
  “The best of supplications is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.”

  Muslims around the world, whether fasting or not, are encouraged to make heartfelt supplications on this day, asking Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) for forgiveness, mercy, and blessings.

Fasting on the Day of Arafah: Quranic and Hadith References

Fasting on the Day of Arafah is a highly recommended Sunnah, and both the Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance on its practice and significance.

The Virtue of Fasting on the Day of Arafah

While the Quran does not specifically mention the fasting of Arafah, it stresses the importance of fasting in general as a means of attaining taqwa (God-consciousness) and purifying the soul. Fasting is one of the acts of worship that brings a person closer to Allah and is a means of seeking forgiveness.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) commands the believers to fast during the month of Ramadan:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”

This verse highlights the broader principle of fasting as a means to attain righteousness, and fasting on the Day of Arafah is a powerful extension of this principle, allowing Muslims to purify themselves and earn the mercy of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).

Hadith on the Fasting of Arafah

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) highly recommended fasting on the Day of Arafah, and several Hadiths explain its immense rewards. The following Hadith mentions the virtues of fasting on the Day of Arafah:

“صَامَ يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ وَأَمَرَ بِصِيَامِهِ.”
Sahih Bukhari
“He fasted the day of Arafah and commanded others to fast it.”

This Hadith shows the importance of fasting on the Day of Arafah as an act of devotion and an opportunity to earn great rewards.

The Expiation of Sins

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) mentioned that fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous and coming year:

“صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ وَالسَّنَةَ الَّتِي بَعْدَهُ.”
Sahih Muslim
“Fasting on the day of Arafah, I hope, will be an expiation for the year that has passed and the year that is to come.”

This Hadith highlights the immense benefit of fasting on Arafah, as it offers the opportunity to have one’s sins forgiven for both the past and upcoming years.

The Importance of Dua (Supplication)

As mentioned earlier, the Day of Arafah is also a day of supplication, with the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) emphasizing the importance of asking Allah for forgiveness, mercy, and guidance:

“خير الدعاء دعاء يوم عرفة.”
Tirmidhi
“The best of supplications is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.”

This Hadith encourages Muslims to make sincere and heartfelt dua on this day, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings for themselves and for others.

The Benefits of Fasting on the Day of Arafah

• Expiation of Sins: As mentioned in the Hadiths above, fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the year to come. This provides Muslims with an opportunity for spiritual renewal and purification.

• Forgiveness from Allah: The Day of Arafah is known as a day of mercy, and fasting on this day brings forgiveness from Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). Muslims seek Allah’s pardon for their mistakes and shortcomings, and this fast serves as an act of humility and devotion.

• Spiritual Cleansing: Fasting on Arafah purifies the heart and soul, helping Muslims detach from worldly desires and focus on their relationship with Allah. It is a day to reflect on one’s actions, seek repentance, and strive for a better connection with Allah.

• Reward of Accepting Dua: The Day of Arafah is an opportune time for making dua, and it is said to be a day when Allah accepts the supplications of His servants. Fasting on this day allows one to make dua with a sincere heart, trusting that Allah will answer it in His infinite wisdom.

• Solidarity with the Pilgrims: While the pilgrims on Hajj stand at Arafah, fasting on this day allows Muslims who are not performing Hajj to share in the blessings of the day, cultivating a sense of unity and connection with the global Muslim community.

How to Observe Fasting on the Day of Arafah

• The Intention (Niyyah): It is important to make a clear intention (niyyah) before dawn on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah to fast for the sake of Allah. This intention should be made in the heart, and there is no need for verbal declaration.

• Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken at sunset, following the same practice as other fasts. Muslims are encouraged to break their fast with dates and water, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

• Dua and Reflection: On the Day of Arafah, Muslims should engage in supplication (dua) and seek Allah’s forgiveness. It is also a day to reflect on the greatness of Allah, the importance of humility, and the significance of the Day of Arafah in Islamic history.

Conclusion

Fasting on the Day of Arafah is an immensely rewarding act of worship. The virtues of this fast are evident in both the Quranic teachings and the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). This day is an opportunity for Muslims to purify themselves, seek forgiveness for their past and future sins, and draw closer to Allah through fasting, supplication, and reflection. May Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) accept our fasts, forgive our sins, and grant us mercy on this blessed day.