In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
The Day of Arafah holds profound significance in the Islamic calendar, marking a pinnacle moment during the Hajj pilgrimage when millions gather on the plains of Arafat in supplication and reflection.
This sacred occasion is imbued with spiritual opportunities, where prayers are believed to be answered and sins forgiven.
Among the cherished rituals of this day are the Duas (supplications) offered fervently by pilgrims and Muslims worldwide, seeking mercy, guidance, and blessings from the Almighty.
The Duas encapsulate believers’ heartfelt desires and aspirations, resonating with the essence of faith, humility, and hope.
We’ll explore the significance and recommended Duas for the Day of Arafah, illuminating their spiritual power and timeless relevance in the lives of Muslims.
What is the Day of Arafah?
The Day of Arafah is the 9th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijjah. It is a pivotal day during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Pilgrims gather on the plains of Mount Arafah, supplicating and seeking forgiveness from Allah.
This day holds immense significance as it is believed to be when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his Farewell Sermon.
It is a day of reflection, repentance, and increased devotion for Muslims worldwide.
Why is the Day of Arafah so Important?
The Day of Arafah is considered a day of immense spiritual importance. It is believed that the sins of those who sincerely repent on this day are forgiven. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasised the significance of supplication on this day, stating that it is the best day for making dua (supplication).
Muslims who are not performing Hajj are encouraged to fast on this day, as it is a Sunnah (recommended practice) of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is believed to expiate the sins of the past and the coming year.
When is the Day of Arafah in 2024?
In 2024, the Day of Arafah is expected to fall on Monday, June 17th 2024. The exact date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon. Muslims are encouraged to confirm the date with their local Islamic authorities.
The Day of Arafah begins at the break of dawn and ends at sunset. Muslims should make the most of this blessed day by worshipping, supplicating, and seeking forgiveness.
In 2024, the Day of Arafah is expected to fall on Monday, June 17th 2024
The meaning of the word “Arafah” in Islam
The word “Arafah” is derived from the Arabic root word “Arafa,” meaning “to know” or “to recognise.” The name Arafah was believed to be given to the plain because it is where Adam and Eve recognised each other after being separated following their expulsion from Paradise.
In Islamic tradition, the Day of Arafah is associated with knowledge, recognition of one’s sins, and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
It is a day to reflect on one’s relationship with the Creator and to renew one’s commitment to a life of righteousness.
5 Duas for the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is an opportune time for making dua. It is a day when supplications are more likely to be accepted.
Raise your hands to Allah (SWT) and pour your heart into Him.
You must ask for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings. Pray for yourself, your family, and the entire Muslim ummah. Seek His help in overcoming your challenges and attaining your goals.
Remember, dua is a powerful weapon of the believer. It is a direct line of communication with Allah (SWT). Recite duas to express your hopes, fears, and desires. Trust in His mercy and wisdom to answer your prayers in the best way possible.
Here are some recommended duas for the day of Arafah.
Dua 1
English Transliteration: La ilaha illAllah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir.
English Translation: There is no god but Allah. He is One and has no partner with Him. His is the dominion, and His is the praise, and He is omnipotent over all things.
Dua 2
English Transliteration: Allahumma inni as’aluka al-jannah wa a’udhu bika min an-nar.
English Translation: O Allah, I ask You for Paradise and seek refuge in You from the Fire.
Dua 3
English Transliteration: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.
English Translation: Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good and save us from the torment of the Fire.
Dua 4
English Transliteration: Allahumma ‘inni a’udhu bika min sharri ma ‘amiltu wa min sharri ma lam a’mal.
English Translation: O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done and the evil of what I have not done.
Dua 5
English Transliteration: Allahummaghfir li, warhamni, wahdini, wa ‘afini, warzuqni.
English Translation: O Allah, forgive me, have mercy upon me, guide me, grant me wellness, and provide for me.
What to do on the day of Arafah
Day of Arafah offers an opportunity for deep introspection, supplication, and seeking forgiveness. Understanding the significance of the day of Arafat involves recognising its historical and religious importance and knowing how to engage in acts that maximise spiritual benefit.
- Praise Allah (SWT)
Begin your day by praising Allah (SWT). Acknowledge Him by each of His 99 beautiful names. Express gratitude for His infinite mercy and boundless love. Recite His names with sincerity and reverence.
Reflect on the vastness of Allah’s mercy. He holds 99 parts of it with Him, bestowing only one part upon the Earth. Contemplate His limitless grace and generosity. Recognise His power and dominion over all things.
Praise is an act of worship that draws you closer to Allah (SWT). It purifies the heart and fills it with gratitude. Let your praises be a testament to your unwavering faith and devotion.
- Submission to Allah (SWT)
Declare your complete submission to Allah (SWT). Acknowledge that all goodness emanates from Him. Recognise His absolute authority and surrender yourself to His will.
Understand that forgiveness originates solely from Allah’s mercy. It is not a right but a gift bestowed upon those who repent sincerely. Seek His forgiveness with humility and remorse.
Choose Allah (SWT) as your ultimate judge over anyone, even your mother. He is the Most Just and the Most Merciful. Place your trust in His judgement and seek His guidance in all matters.
True repentance can erase a lifetime of sins. It is never too late to turn back to Allah (SWT) and seek His forgiveness. Emulate the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in seeking forgiveness and expressing gratitude, regardless of your stature or accomplishments.
Reflect on the Hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
Let this Hadith be a source of hope and inspiration for you to seek Allah’s forgiveness on this blessed day.
- Gratitude
Express gratitude for every blessing bestowed upon you. Acknowledge the gift of health, family, sustenance, and the opportunity to perform Hajj or observe this sacred day.
Recognise the guidance Allah (SWT) has provided in leading you to Islam. Be thankful for the privilege of performing Hajj and seeking His forgiveness on this blessed day.
Reflect on the countless mercies Allah (SWT) has showered you throughout your life. The blessing of sight alone is immeasurable, as is the ability to breathe, think, and love.
- Reflection on My Past
Seek forgiveness for past sins. Acknowledge each transgression and sincerely repent. Make istighfar (seeking forgiveness) with a contrite heart.
Reflect on your past actions and the impact they may have had on others. Ask Allah (SWT) to forgive your shortcomings and guide you towards righteousness.
The Day of Arafah is an opportunity for a fresh start and a renewed commitment to Allah (SWT). You must resolve to abandon sinful behaviour and strive for self-improvement.
- Supplications for My Present
Request blessings for your current circumstances. Pray for good health, financial stability, and a harmonious family life.
Seek qualities that enhance your devotion as a Muslim. Ask for increased faith, patience, perseverance, and a deeper understanding of Islam.
Pray for the well-being of your community and the entire Muslim ummah. Ask Allah (SWT) to guide and protect them from harm.
- Aspirations for My Future
Detail your future hopes, goals, and aspirations. Ask Allah (SWT) to grant you success in your endeavours and to guide you towards a fulfilling life.
Pray for others who have requested your prayers. Remember them in your supplications and ask Allah (SWT) to fulfil their needs and desires.
Seek Allah’s guidance in choosing a righteous spouse and raising a pious family. Pray for a blessed and prosperous future for your children.
- Protection from the Punishments of the Grave
Seek refuge from the torments of the grave. Ask Allah (SWT) to protect you from the constriction, darkness, and questioning of the angels Munkar and Nakir.
Pray for a peaceful and spacious grave. Seek Allah’s mercy to ease your transition from this world to the next.
The grave is the first stage of the afterlife. Prepare for it by living a righteous life and seeking Allah’s protection from its trials.
- Safeguard Against the Day of Judgement
Seek protection from the trials of the Day of Judgement. Ask Allah (SWT) to shield you from the intense heat, the overwhelming fear, and the scrutiny of your deeds.
Pray for a swift and easy reckoning. Ask Allah (SWT) to grant you a book of good deeds in your right hand and to make you among those saved from the Fire.
The Day of Judgement is a day of ultimate accountability. Prepare for it by fulfilling your obligations to Allah (SWT) and living a life of virtue and piety.
Ask Allah (SWT) to grant you a book of good deeds in your right hand and to make you among those saved from the Fire
- Prayers for the Hereafter
Desire and pray for the best in the afterlife. Ask Allah (SWT) to grant you entry into Paradise, to reunite you with your loved ones, and to shower you with His eternal blessings.
Pray for a high rank in Paradise and the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness to attain eternal happiness and tranquillity.
The hereafter is everlasting. You must strive to earn Allah’s pleasure in this world so that you may enjoy His rewards in the next.
- Recitation of 40 Rabbana’s
Conclude your supplications with the 40 Rabbana prayers. These are a collection of supplications found throughout the Quran, each beginning with the Arabic word “Rabbana,” meaning “Our Lord.” These prayers cover many topics, including seeking forgiveness, guidance, protection, and blessings.
You must Seek inspiration from their supplications and offer them with sincerity and devotion. Ask Allah (SWT) to accept your prayers and to grant you His infinite mercy and blessings.
The Rabbana prayers encompass a wide range of needs and desires. They are a comprehensive guide for seeking Allah’s help and guidance in all aspects of life.
Why Fasting on Arafah is Essential?
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is a highly recommended worship act for those not performing Hajj. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and holds immense rewards.
Fasting on this day expiates the sins of the past and the coming year. It is a means of purification and spiritual renewal. It demonstrates your commitment to Allah (SWT) and willingness to sacrifice for His sake.
Prepare for your fast by eating a pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) and breaking your fast at sunset (Iftar) with dates and water, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did.
Engage in worship throughout the day, such as reciting the Quran, making dua, and giving charity.
Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink. It is about cultivating self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and a deeper connection with Allah (SWT).
Let your fast be a means of attaining spiritual growth and closeness to your Creator.
Recite the Quran on the Day of Arafah
Devote ample time to recite the Quran on the Day of Arafat. Read with understanding and reflection. Let the words of Allah (SWT) penetrate your heart and guide your actions.
The Quran is a source of guidance, solace, and inspiration. It provides answers to life’s challenges and illuminates the path to righteousness. Immerse yourself in its verses and seek wisdom from its teachings.
Reflect on the stories of the prophets and their unwavering faith in Allah (SWT). Learn from their trials and tribulations.
Let their examples inspire you to strengthen your relationship with your Creator.
The Quran is a miracle from Allah (SWT). It is a timeless treasure that holds the key to success in this world and the hereafter.
Make it a central part of your life, and let its teachings guide you towards a life of virtue and fulfilment.
Hadiths regarding the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah holds immense significance in Islam, as evidenced by numerous hadiths (sayings) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
These hadiths emphasise the importance of this day and the blessings it entails for those who observe it with sincerity and devotion.
- “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?'” (Sahih Muslim)
- “Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past and coming year.” (Muslim)
- “Hajj is Arafah.” (Abu Dawud)
- “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)
- “On this day, Allah descends to the nearest heaven and boasts of His servants to the angels, saying, ‘Look at My servants who have come from far and wide, with dishevelled hair and dusty faces, seeking My mercy.'” (Ahmad)
These hadiths highlight the spiritual significance of the Day of Arafah and the rewards that await those who engage in acts of worship and supplication on this blessed day.
Reflect on these hadiths and let them inspire you to make the most of the Day of Arafah. Seek forgiveness, express gratitude, and pray for Allah’s mercy and blessings.
Remember, the Day of Arafah is a golden opportunity to draw closer to Allah (SWT) and to purify your heart and soul. Don’t miss out on the blessings this day has to offer.
Summary – Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is a day of immense significance in Islam. It is a day of forgiveness, mercy, and answered prayers. Muslims are encouraged to fast, make dua, recite the Quran, and engage in other acts of worship on this day.
The Day of Arafah is also a day of reflection and introspection. It is a time to assess one’s relationship with Allah (SWT) and to renew one’s commitment to a life of righteousness.
