From: http://www.madeenah.com/notes.cfm?id=1018
The Day that Allaah completed His favour upon us… The Day of Arafah
A day preferred over all other days; a day in which sins are forgiven and supplications are answered; a day in which Allaah descends from His throne andsays to the angels,
‘What do these people desire and seek?’
It is befitting therefore that we, as Muslims, know about this day and appreciate its virtue.
Corresponding to 9th Dhul Hijjah, wherein our brothers and sisters who have departed to perform Hajj stand together, Arafah remains the core and essence of Hajj. This day Allaah descends to the nearest heaven, and He is proud of His slaves on the earth and says to those in heaven,
“Look at My servants. They have come from far and near, with hair dishevelled and faces covered with dust, to seek My mercy...’
Virtues
1. Allaah perfected His religion on this day, and completed his favour upon us.
{This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion} [05:03]
Umar (may Allaah be pleasedhim) said regarding the above ayah, ‘We know the day and place in which [this verse]was revealed to the Prophet (salAllaahu alayhi wa sallam). It was when he was standing in Arafah on a Friday.’
2. Allaah took an oath by this day. He said,
{By the witnessing day, and by the witnessed day} [85:03]
Abu Huraira (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said,
((the witnessed days are the Day of Arafah.))
It is known that Allaah would only take an oath by something of great importance.
3. It is the best day and the most beloved day to Allaah in the year.
Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allaah(sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said,
((And there is no day better in the sight of Allah than the Day of `Arafah...)).
4. Allaah frees more people from the hell fire.
Muslim and others have reported from Aishah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Allah frees more people from the Hellfire on the Day of `Arafah than on any other day, and Allaah draws closer this day and proudly says to the angels, ‘What do these people want and seek?’”
5. It is a day held dear to ALL the prophets before us.
The Messenger of Allaah (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said,
((The best supplication is that of the Day of ‘Arafah, and the best thing that I and other Prophets before me said, is: 'La ilaaha illallahu,wahdahu la shareeka lahu. Lahul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa 'alaa kulli shayin qadeer."))
For those not performing Hajj
To attain the reward of this blessed day, and thereby follow the example of the Prophets who came before, one should:
1. Fast the day of Arafah
Abu Qatadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (salAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said,
((Fasting the day of `Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.))
One should therefore fast on this day, and encourage friends and family to fast, so that our sins may be forgiven and we may be favoured amongst the righteous servants of Allaah.
2. Supplicate to Allaah
The prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said,
((the best of supplications is the supplication on the Day of ‘Arafah))
3. Make remembrance of Allaah -praising and glorifying him.
Ibn Umar states, ‘we were with the Prophet on the Day of ‘Arafah. Some of us would glorify Allaah(by saying Allaah Akbar) whilst others would praise Allaah (by saying Laa ilaaha illa Allaah).
Through the above, the benefits, blessings and favours of the pilgrim are shared and Allaah draws near; His Generosity and Kindness overflowing, as He boasts to His angels:
“He says ‘My slaves have come to me so lovingly,
and indeed I am, to them most Kind and Merciful,
Bear witness, I have forgiven their sins,
blessed them and granted them their hopes.”
[Ibn Al-Qayyim Al Jawziyyah]
Authored by :
Naveed Ayaaz, Abul Abbaas