Maximizing Blessings on the Day of Arafah

Question

How can we make the most of the Day of Arafah?

Bottom Line

The Day of Arafah is a day of forgiveness, du’a, and renewal of faith.

Quick Answer

The Day of Arafah is one of the most sacred days in Islam. Muslims are encouraged to fast (if not on Hajj), make abundant du’a, engage in dhikr, reflect on their covenant with Allah, and strive to renew their commitment to faith.

Key Takeaways

• The best supplication is on the Day of Arafah.
• Fasting expiates sins of the past and the coming year.
• Allah frees more people from Hellfire on this day than on any other.

Detailed Answer

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Hajj is ʿArafah, Hajj is ʿArafah, Hajj is ʿArafah.”
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 889

This makes the Day of ʿArafah the very heart of the pilgrimage, without which Hajj is incomplete. Pilgrims gather on the plains of ʿArafah on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, from Dhuhr until sunset, immersing themselves in duʿa and remembrance. Yet, for Muslims not performing Hajj, the day remains a profound opportunity, a personal moment of standing before Allah, seeking forgiveness, and striving for renewal.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of ʿArafah.” Sahih Muslim 1348

A Day of Revelation and Covenant

The Day of ʿArafah holds immense significance in our history. It was on this day that Allah revealed the verse declaring the completion of Islam:

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

It is also the day linked to the primordial covenant between Allah and humanity:

“Am I not your Lord?” They said, “Yes, we testify” Surah al-A‘raf 7:172

This moment reminds every believer that our faith is rooted in a timeless pledge to Allah.

How to Make the Most of the Day

1. Fill your day with duʿa and dhikr: The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of ʿArafah” Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3585. He also taught that the best remembrance is the declaration of tawhid: “There is no deity but Allah, alone without partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He has power over all things.” Use this day to pour out your needs, gratitude, and hopes before Allah.
2. Fast if you are not on Hajj: The Prophet ﷺ said fasting on ʿArafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the year to come, Sahih Muslim 1162. While fasting, guard your speech, eyes, and behavior to make the fast holistic and mindful.
3. Honor your prayers: Perform your obligatory and sunnah prayers with khushuʿ (presence of heart). Dedicate time to stand in prayer and connect deeply with Allah.
4. Reflect on the Prophet’s ﷺ final sermon: Delivered on ʿArafah, this sermon summarized Islam’s moral framework. He ﷺ warned against usury, emphasized justice and equality, instructed good treatment of women, and reminded us to cling firmly to the Qur’an and Sunnah. Reflecting on these timeless lessons connects us to the prophetic vision for humanity.
5. Renew your covenant with Allah: Remember the pledge we made before our Creator and use this day to recommit. Acknowledge shortcomings, seek forgiveness, and identify a meaningful step toward spiritual growth. Writing down this personal commitment can make it tangible and transformative.

A Day of Mercy and Transformation

The Day of ʿArafah is not just for pilgrims. It is a gift to the entire ummah on a day when the gates of mercy are opened wide, sins are wiped away, and hearts can be renewed. It is an opportunity to realign your life with faith and experience the sweetness of turning back to Allah.

What This Means for You

Spend the Day of Arafah in worship, fasting, and heartfelt supplication. Treat it as a turning point to strengthen your bond with Allah and to realign your life with sincerity and purpose. May Allah accept from us all, forgive our shortcomings, and make this day a means of salvation. Ameen.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Ma’idah 5:3: Revelation of the completion of the religion.
2. Al-A‘raf 7:172: The covenant between Allah and mankind.

Hadith

3. Sunan al-Tirmidhi 889: “Hajj is ʿArafah.”
4. Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1348: Allah frees more people from Hellfire on the Day of ʿArafah.
5. Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3585: The best supplication is on the Day of ʿArafah.
6. Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1162: Fasting on ʿArafah expiates the sins of two years.

Secondary Sources

7. Ibn Kathir, Tafsīr: Commentary on Surah Al-A‘raf 7:172.
8. Al-Nawawi, Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Explanation of hadith about fasting and the Day of ʿArafah.