26/05/2026
HAJJ DAY -2 2026
9th Dhul Hijjah - Yawm Arafah
The 9th Dhul Hijjah is known as the Day of Arafah, the pilgrims at Hajj gather at Arafah in worship, which is one of the three central integrals of the Hajj rituals. Its importance is such that the Prophet peace be upon him said: “Hajj is Arafah.” [Sahīh Muslim]
After Fajr prayers in Minā, pilgrims start their journey to the desert planes of Arafah. Classed as the “most important day of Hajj,” Muslims spend the day of Arafah in the vicinity of the mountain, praying and repenting until sunset.
It was from this site that the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, delivered his famous Farewell Sermon in 10AH.
During the entire day, from dawn until sunset, Muslim pilgrims stand in earnest supplication and devotion, praying for Allah's abundant forgiveness. Tears are shed readily as those who gather make repentance and seek Allah's mercy, reciting words of prayer and remembrance, and gathering together as equals before their Lord. Muslims around the world who are not participating in the pilgrimage often spend this day in fasting and devotion.
When the sun sets on the Day of Arafah and it's rays completely disappear, the pilgrims proceed towards Muzdalifah, for the Prophet peace be upon him left Arafah after sunset when the sun's rays had completely disappeared; he was riding his camel, travelling on it steadily and hastening whenever he would find space. Profusely chanting Talbiyah - as Muzdalifah is amongst the most emphasised of places where it is to be chanted.
The pilgrims will spend the night in Muzdalifah, in worship, repentance, du'ā, combining Maghrib and Isha prayers together and collecting stones (for stoning the three pillars that represent Satan) preparing for the next day of Hajj. Arafah is a plain about 20 km Southeast of Makkah:
11 MERITS OF YAWM ARAFAH
1. Fasting on the Day of Arafah;
The Prophet peace be upon him said: "Fasting on the Day of Arafah absolves the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year." [Sahīh al-Bukhārī]
2. Many are Freed from Hellfire;
The Prophet peace be upon him said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from Hellfire than the day of Arafah. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels saying, 'What do these people want?” [Sahīh Muslim]
3. On this day our Religion was completed;
A Jewish man said to Umar: “O Amīr al-Muminīn (O leader of the Believers) There is a verse in the Qur'ān, which if it was revealed upon us (the Jews), we would have taken that day as an Eid (a day of celebration). Sayyiduna Umar asked: ‘Which verse?’ He said: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [al-Mā'idah] Sayyiduna Umar said: ‘We know on which day and in which place was this verse revealed upon the Messenger. It was when he was standing in Arafah on a Friday.’ [Sahīh al-Bukhārī]
4. Allah takes an Oath by this day;
It is the witnessed day (Mashūd) on which Allah took an Oath in the Qur'ān. "By the witnessing day (Friday) and by the witnessed day (Day of Arafah)." [al-Burūj]
5. The Best of Days;
The Prophet peace be upon him said: "The most superior of days is the Day of Arafah." [Sahīh Ibn Hibbān]
6. Immense Reward;
Anas bin Mālik said that people would say: "The day of Arafah is 10,000 times more superior (than a normal day)." Atā said: "The person who fasts on the day of Arafah shall receive the reward of fasting for 2000 days." [Latā'if al-Ma'ārif]
7. Satan is Humiliated;
The Prophet peace be upon him said: "Satan is never seen smaller, more defeated, more humiliated and more angry than on the day of Arafah.The only reason for this is because he sees the descent of mercy, and Allah's forgiveness of major sins." [Al-Muwatta]
"When Satan learnt that Allah forgave my Ummah and accepted my supplication, he began pouring soil on his head, and calling out for destruction. I laughed at the terror of his wicked creation." [Musnad Ahmad]
8. Forgiveness;
The Prophet peace be upon him said:
"The day of Arafah: the one who restrains his ears, eyes and tongue on this day is forgiven." [Musnad Ahmad]
9. Covenant;
"This is the day in which Allah took the Covenant from the progeny of Adam." [Musnad Ahmad]
10. Du'ā;
"The best of Du'ā is the Du'ā of Arafah." [Al-Tirmidhī]
11. Dhikr;
The Prophet peace be upon him said; "The best which I and the Prophets before me said was: (Dhikr of Arafah) 'There is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is one and He has no partner. His is the Kingdom, and to him belongs all praise. He has the power over everything." [Al-Tirmidhī]
Actions for the Day of Arafah;
1.Fast
2.Refrain from sinning
3.Du'ā
4.Repent
5.Dhikr & Salawāt
