The Day of Arafah: Its Importance and Recommended Acts and Amaal 

The Day of ‘Arafah, which is also known as the Day of Standing or Yawm Al-Waqf, is notable in Islamic theology because it marks the beginning of the Islamic Hijri lunar year. The Day of Arafat refers to the day on which Muslims go from Mina to Arafat before the festival of sacrifice (Qurbani).

Arafat is a mountain in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca. The peak is known as the Mountain of Recognition, and it is a significant landmark during Hajj. 

Mount Arafat is where Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) stood and gave his farewell sermon to the believers who followed him on Hajj at the end of his life. It is also believed that on this day, the verse in the Quran that proclaims that Islam as a religion has been perfected was revealed on this mountain.

In the Qur’an, Allah (swt) swears by this day. ‘By the constellations in the sky. And (by) the appointed time. And one witness and one witness’. [Qur’an, 85:1-3]

When is the Day of ‘Arafah in 2022?

This year, the Day of ‘Arafah falls on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, which will be on July 8, 2022. 

What Do Pilgrims Do on The Day of ‘Arafah During Hajj?

The Islamic holiday of Arafah falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah. On this day, pilgrims congregate in Arafat, an area about 20 kilometers from Makkah’s Kaaba, to perform Amal (deeds). 

Hajj pilgrims travel to the plains of Arafah to pray Dhuhr and Asr prayers and then spend the entire day making dua and asking Allah for forgiveness while they remain facing the Qiblah till sunset. 

The next day after the day of Arafa is Eid Al-Adha, which commemorates the conclusion of Hajj. 

What are the recommended Acts and Amaal for Arafah?

Let’s have a look at six suggested acts for both pilgrims and non-pilgrims on Arafah and Eid.

1. Pray for Forgiveness 

If one is unable to perform Hajj, they can seek forgiveness from their own home. There are also recommended prayers and duas that can be recited for seeking God’s forgiveness. 

Imam Al Hussain’s (a.s.) prayer of Arafa is a dua that can be recited on the day. It is a beautiful dua that declares that there is only one God, Allah (swt) and that all of humankind will return to Him after death. 

Also, Dua Al-Nudbah is another dua we are advised to recite on the tenth day of Dul Hijjah.

2. Perform Ghusl

Another highly recommended act on the day of Arafa is ghusl. It is recommended to perform the ghusl before the noon prayer. 

3. Fast

Fasting is strongly reccomended on Arafah day.

In one hadith, Imam Al Sadiq (a.s.) says:  “Fasting the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah suffices to wash off the sins done in a complete year, and fasting the day of Arafat suffices to atone for the sins committed for two years,” 

4. Care for Others

Allah (swt) appreciates people who donate or help others and will reward them with hasanat for their good deeds. 

During these special days, you can care for others and give back to your community. Simple deeds might include volunteering at a community center, baking a cake for a neighbor, or just contacting friends and relatives to check in on them. 

All of these actions will be rewarded generously since they exemplify how a devout Muslim should act.

5. Connect With Nature

What better opportunity to appreciate Allah’s work than during this wonderful occasion? 

Take a walk outside and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. Worship is more than simply sitting inside and praying all day.

Go out into nature and take in the beauty surrounding you as you praise Allah. Try to keep your phone in your pocket. Immerse yourself in the event with your own eyes, not through the lens of a camera.

6. Give Qurbani or Charity

Qurbani, as explained in a previous blog, is the act of sacrificing an animal for the sake of Allah, by reflecting on Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion to Allah. 

If you want to give your Qurbani, then the Zahra Trust accepts donations and works hard to deliver your sacrifice to people in need. And if you can’t afford it, contributing to charity or preparing something for the less fortunate is also a terrific way to honor the blessed day!

Because the rewards for doing good deeds are greatly increased during these holy days, we should also contribute as much as we can to charity. Allah promises to pardon our sins if we offer charity to the poor and needy. 

Here at the Zahra Trust, it is our mission to assist people suffering from war, poverty, and starvation by providing basic charitable donations, enabling them to live, and empowering them to become self-sufficient, so that they will no longer require help. 

Since its inception in 2008, The Zahra Trust has offered relief and assistance to millions of individuals in hundreds of communities throughout the world. Our goal is to provide aid that will enable individuals and communities to become self-sufficient and no longer rely on aid and support.

We make certain that your gifts and donations reach individuals in need in the most effective and efficient way possible.

Give today and help make the world a better place. Your help can make a difference.