Significance of Yawmu Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah

Compiled by Abu Shaykhani

Yawmu Arafah literally means the day of Arafah. Arafah is a sacred place in Makkah where pilgrims proceed on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah. The following are some of the significance of this blessed day in Islam.

1. It is one of the days of the four sacred months: Muharram, Rajab, dhul Qa’dah and Dhul Hijjah.

Allah says: “The number of months in the sight of God is twelve (in a year)- so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred...” At-Tawbah:36

2. It is one of the days of the months of Hajj: Shawwal, Dhul Qa’dah and Dhul Hijjah.

Allah says: “For Hajj are the months well known…” Al-Baqarah:197

3. It is one of the days where Allah praised.

Allah says: "That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of God, through the Days appointed…” Al-Hajj:28

4. It is one of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah by which Allah made an oath.

Allah says: “And by ten nights.” Al-Fajr:2

5. Allah swore an oath by this day.

Allah says: “By the witnessing day (Friday) and by the witnessed day (the Day of Arafah).” Al-Buruj:3

Also, it was narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of ‘Arafaah, and the witnessing day is Friday.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and classed as Sahih (authentic) by Shaykh Al-Albani.

6. It is one of the favored first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, and among the great seasons of worship.

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 2/457

It was also narrated from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There is no deed that is better before Allah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of al-Adha.” It was said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by al-Daarimi, 1/357; its isnaad is hasan as stated in al-Irwa’, 3/398

7. It is the day the Almighty Allah completed Islam and His favor unto us.

Allah says: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” Al-Maidah:3

Umar said, “We know on which day and in which place that was revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). It was when he was standing in Arafah on a Friday.”

8. It is an Eid for those who are in that place which means feast, eating and drinking.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Yawm ‘Arafaah (the day of ‘Arafaah), Yawm al-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice) and Ayyaam al-Tashreeq (the 3 days following Yawm al-Nahr) are Eid (festival) for us, the people of Islam.” Reported by Abu Dawud and classified as authentic by Al-Albani.

9. It is the day Allah liberates more people from hell than other days, and Allah comes close.

In Sahih Muslim it was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the day of Arafah. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels, saying, ‘What do these people want?’”

10. Allah prides the pilgrims stationed in Arafah on this day.

Ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah expresses His pride to His angels at the time of ‘Ishaa’ on the Day of Arafah, about the people of Arafah. He says, ‘Look at My slaves who have come unkempt and dusty.’” Narrated by Ahmad and classed as Sahih by Al-Albani.

11. Allah forgives sins on this day.

Allah frees people from the hell on this day as mentioned above, and Allah doesn’t pride an unforgiven slave to His angels. Allah knows best.

12. Allah took the covenant from the loins of Adam in Na’maan, i.e., Arafah.

It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah took the covenant from the loins of Adam in Na’maan, i.e., Arafah. He brought forth from his loins all his offspring and spread them before Him, then He addressed them, and said: ‘Am I not your Lord? They said, ‘Yes, we testify,’ let you should say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Verily, we have been unaware of this.’ Or lest you should say: ‘It was only our fathers aforetime who took others as partners in worship along with Allah, and we were (merely their) descendents after them; will You then destroy us because of the deeds of men who practised Al-Baatil (i.e., ploytheism and committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshipping others besides Allah)?’ [Al-A’raaf:172-173 – interpretation of the meaning].” Narrated by Ahmad and classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani.

13.  Fasting of non-pilgrims on this day is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the coming year.

It was narrated by Abu Qutaadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah. He said, “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” Reported by Muslim.

14. It is the best day for supplicating Allah (dua).

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “ The best supplication (dua) is the supplication on the day of Arafah.”  Classified as authentic by Al-Albani

15. Praising Allah starts on the dawn (Fajr) of this day until the last day of Mina (13th of Dhul Hijjah).

The particular takbir is: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Ila Allahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa Lillahil hamd.”

16. Hajj is Arafah.

The fourth pillar of Hajj is Arafah, which is known as the Big Day of Hajj and is on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. The Prohet (s.a.w.) said: "Hajj is Arafah." [Ahmad and at-Tirmidhi]. The pilgrim must be at 'Arafaat on the ninth of dhil Hijjah after Dhuhr time. Anyone, who misses Arafaat day, his or her hajj is void. All the scholars said in consensus that this pillar is the most important one.

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