The Day of ‘Arafah, observed on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, is one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar. In 2025, the Day of ‘Arafah is expected to fall on Thursday, 5th June.
It was on this blessed day that Allah (SWT) perfected the religion of Islam, completed His divine favours upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and approved Islam as the true path for mankind:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”
(Qur’an | 5:3)
Also known as Yawm al-Waqf (The Day of Standing), the Day of ‘Arafah refers to the momentous standing of pilgrims at Mount Arafat, where they spend the day in supplication, humility, and prayer, seeking Allah’s boundless mercy.
WHY IS THE DAY OF ‘ARAFAH IMPORTANT?
The Day of ‘Arafah is a day of immense forgiveness, mercy, and blessings. It offers a golden opportunity to seek redemption and return to Allah with a purified heart.
It was also the day that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon during his last pilgrimage — a momentous and historical event for the Muslim ummah.
For those performing Hajj, the Day of ‘Arafah is the pinnacle of the pilgrimage, as confirmed by the Prophet (PBUH):
“Hajj is Arafah.”
(Abu Dawud)
WHEN IS THE DAY OF ‘ARAFAH IN 2025?
The Day of ‘Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah — the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2025, this day is expected on Thursday, 5th June. As the lunar calendar shifts each year, the date moves earlier by about 10 days annually.
5 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ACTIONS ON THE DAY OF ‘ARAFAH
1. FASTING
Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah is sunnah and comes with immense reward for non-pilgrims. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.”
(Muslim)
2. INCREASE WORSHIP
Engage in abundant acts of worship including nafl (voluntary) prayers, reciting the Qur’an, dhikr, and salawatupon the Prophet (PBUH).
3. MAKE ABUNDANT DUA
The Day of ‘Arafah is a day when duas are accepted, and Allah boasts of His servants to the angels. Ask for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for yourself and the ummah. Frequently recite:
Tahleel – “La ilaha illallah”
Takbeer – “Allahu Akbar”
Tahmeed – “Alhamdulillah”
4. GIVE SADAQAH
Support those in need with your charity and zakat, especially on this day. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.”
(Tirmidhi)
5. REFLECT AND SHOW GRATITUDE
Reflect on the past year, make sincere repentance, and express gratitude for Allah’s countless blessings. Strengthen ties with family and friends by sharing food and greetings.
WHAT DO PILGRIMS DO ON THE DAY OF ‘ARAFAH?
After Fajr in Mina, pilgrims head to Mount Arafat, where they spend the day in prayer and supplication. At Masjid al-Nimrah, a sermon is delivered, which pilgrims listen to before praying shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers (2 rak‘ahs each).
This standing at Arafat is the core ritual of Hajj, where forgiveness is sought with great humility.
FASTING ON THE DAY OF ‘ARAFAH
While fasting is highly recommended for non-pilgrims, it is generally not observed by those performing Hajj due to the demands of the day.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the Day of ‘Arafah.”
(Muslim)
He also said:
“If your sins were as much as the foam of the sea, I would forgive them on this day.”
(Tabarani)
IS FASTING MANDATORY ON THE DAY OF ‘ARAFAH?
Fasting is not obligatory, but it is strongly recommended for those not at Hajj. All Islamic schools of thought agree on its virtue. The spiritual benefits of fasting on this day extend beyond the 24 hours and can influence the entire year to come.
THE BEST DUA TO RECITE ON THE DAY OF ‘ARAFAH
Dua:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Transliteration:
Laa ilaaha ill-allaahu, waḥdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‛alaa kulli shay’in qadeerTranslation:
“There is no deity except Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs the dominion and praise, and He is over all things capable.”
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The best dua is the dua on the Day of ‘Arafah…”
(Muslim)
HADITH ABOUT THE VIRTUES OF THE DAY OF ‘ARAFAH
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the virtue of this day in several hadith:
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of ‘Arafah.”
(Muslim)
“The promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of ‘Arafah, and the witnessing day is Friday.”
(Tirmidhi)
“Allah expresses His pride to His angels at the time of ‘Isha’ on the Day of ‘Arafah, about the people of ‘Arafah. He says, ‘Look at My servants who have come to Me disheveled and dusty.’”
(Ahmad)
FINAL REFLECTION
The Day of ‘Arafah is a tremendous opportunity to realign with our purpose, humble ourselves before Allah (SWT), and take a step forward in our journey of faith. Whether you are among the blessed pilgrims or observing from home, seize this day with fasting, prayer, remembrance, and heartfelt dua.
Don’t forget:
✔ Give your qurbani before Eid
✔ Offer your zakat and sadaqah during Dhul Hijjah
✔ Recite dhikr frequently
May Allah accept all our deeds and forgive our sins. Ameen.
