Fasting the Day of Arafah

05/27/2025By: Tasnim.h

The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the greatest days in the Islamic year, part of the first ten blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah, about which Allah swore in the Qur’an: “By the dawn. And by the ten nights.” (Surah Al-Fajr: 1–2) It is the day on which pilgrims stand on Mount Arafah, fulfilling the most important pillar of Hajj. It holds immense value and status in Islam.

🕌 The Virtue of Fasting on the Day of Arafah (for non-pilgrims)

Many authentic Hadiths highlight the virtue of fasting on this day, including the statement of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: "Fasting the Day of Arafah, I hope from Allah, will expiate [the sins of] the year before and the year after." (Narrated by Muslim) 🌟 Benefits: • Expiates two years of sins: The previous and the upcoming year. • Increases closeness to Allah. • Brings immense reward during one of the holiest days.

❌ Do Pilgrims Fast on the Day of Arafah?

It is not recommended for pilgrims to fast on the Day of Arafah. Rather, it is preferred that they break their fast to preserve their strength for worship and supplication at Arafah. Narrated by Umm al-Fadl (RA): "People doubted whether the Prophet ﷺ was fasting on the Day of Arafah, so she sent him a cup of milk, and he drank it while the people were looking on." (Bukhari and Muslim)

📿 Recommended Acts on the Day of Arafah

1. Fasting the day (for non-pilgrims). 2. Making abundant du‘a (supplication) and seeking forgiveness. 3. Saying Takbeer, Tahleel, and Tasbeeh frequently: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillahil-Hamd.” 4. Reciting the best supplication of the day: “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah. And the best thing I and the prophets before me have said is: 'La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulk walahul-hamd, wahuwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.'” 5. Engaging in sincere repentance and renewing intention.

🧠 Wisdom Behind Fasting the Day of Arafah

• Training the soul in patience and devotion. • Following the example of the Prophet and the righteous. • A golden chance to erase sins and seek closeness to Allah. • Spiritually preparing for Eid al-Adha the next day.

📌 Important Points to Note:

• Fasting on this day is highly recommended but not obligatory. • The fast should be done sincerely for Allah, not for showing off. • It should be combined with humility, prayer, and gratitude.

Conclusion

Fasting the Day of Arafah is one of the most beloved acts of worship in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. It is a tremendous opportunity for forgiveness, blessings, and spiritual elevation. Blessed is the one who fasts it with sincerity, engages in worship, and draws closer to Allah. It is a day of mercy, a day of redemption, and a day to be seized.

* All articles published on this blog are sourced from various websites on the internet and are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be considered as confirmed studies or accurate information. Please verify the information independently before relying on it.