Fasting the day of 'Arafah

On the day of ʿArafah pilgrims gather at Mount ʿArafah and perform the most important ritual in Ḥajj. In fact, the day is of such importance that Allah subḥānahu wa taʿālā (glorified and exalted be He) even swears an oath by this day:

“And [by] the witness and what is witnessed [the day of ʿArafah].”
[Qur’ān, Sūrah Burūj (85), Verse 3]

To make the most of the grand day of ʿArafah, make sure to:

What to do on this day?

a) Fast and it will expiate your sins.

Out of the first nine days, this is the most important day to keep a fast on.

Abū Qatādah raḍiAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: “Fasting on the Day of ʿArafah, I hope from Allāh subḥānahu wa ta'ālā (glorified and exalted be He), expiates for the sins of the year before and the year after.” [Ibn Mājah]

Fasting this day is only recommended for those who are not performing Ḥajj, and it is not permitted for those performing Ḥajj.

b) Repent.

The Messenger of Allāh ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: “There is no day when Allāh ransoms more slaves from the Fire than the day of ʿArafah. He draws near and expresses His pride to the angels and says: ‘What do these people want?’” [Ṣaḥiḥ Muslim #1348]

Don’t settle for less. You will have your minor sins forgiven with the fast of ʿArafah, in shā Allāh, but what about your major sins? Repent sincerely and remember that Allāh subḥānahu wa ta'ālā (glorified and exalted be He) is capable of forgiving all our sins no matter how great they are. Allāh subḥānahu wa ta'ālā (glorified and exalted be He) says in the Qur’ān:

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'”
[Qur’ān, Sūrah Zumar (39), Verse 53]

These grand days are a great opportunity to quit your sinful habits once and for all! Be regretful for committing sins and make a strong determination to never commit them ever again. Bismillah.

c) Make duʿās and remember Allāh subḥānahu wa ta'ālā (glorified and exalted be He).

The Prophet ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: “The best of supplications is the supplication of the Day of ʿArafah. And the best of what I and the Prophets before me have said is:
لَا إِلهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
‘None has the right to be worshipped but Allāh, alone, without partner, to Him belongs all that exists, and to Him belongs the Praise, and He has power over all things.'” [Tirmidhī #3585]


Originally shared by Huzaifah