Day of Arafah

The Day of Arafah is on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims consider this day the best of the entire year. July 9 is the culminating event for Muslims making the pilgrimage to Mecca, as they gather for prayer in the mountainous plain of Arafah. The pilgrimage is considered the fifth pillar of the Islamic faith, and on the Day of Arafah, the sins of the believers are forgiven.

History

It was on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah that the Prophet Muhammad delivered a sermon of forgiveness on Mount Arafah, which was witnessed by a huge number of Muslims. Also, when the Prophet was on the plain of Arafah, verse 5:3 of the Qur’an was revealed to him. Another name for this holiday is ‘Freedom from Fire’. In Islam, it is believed that when Chavah (in the Christian religion, these are the first people, Adam and Eve) were expelled from heaven to earth, they lived on the plains of Arafah.

Most Muslims fast on this day, especially those who do not make the pilgrimage. In Islam, the Day of Arafah is regarded as a day of gratitude, while pilgrims performing the Hajj are not required to fast. This follows from the fact that the Prophet himself did not fast on the day of pilgrimage. Today, about 1.5 million believers go to the desert plains of Mecca to pray and repent.

Interesting Facts

• The Prophet Muhammad was born in 570 in Mecca, in what is now Saudi Arabia.
• The Prophet voiced the message of Islam in 613, calling for unity and equality within the Muslim community.
• In 632, shortly before his death, the Prophet made a pilgrimage and taught the rites of the Hajj.

How to Take Part

For Muslims, it is traditional to visit Mecca, and the Hajj is the fifth pillar in the religion of Islam and the most sacred period of the year. The pilgrimage includes seven rituals and traditions that are performed in order. Those believers who are unable to travel to Mecca spend the day in prayer and fasting.

When is the Day of Arafah in 2024?

The Day of Arafah is observed on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.

Observations