AT least 1.5 million Muslims from all over the world have gathered on the plains of Arafah in Saudi Arabia for one of the most important Hajj rites today.
Among these are 65,000 Nigerians who, despite the grueling economic situation at home, flew to the Holy Land for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Muslims from all over the world will climb the rocky, 70-metre (230-feet) hill, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gave his farewell sermon sermon.
The Day of ‘Arafah is on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. Following the sighting of the moon, this year the Day of ‘Arafah falls (today) Saturday 15th June 2024.
The Day of ‘Arafah is a very important day for Muslims, as it is a day of immense divine forgiveness, mercy and blessings.
It is a day of redemption for Muslims and an opportunity for purification and seeking Allah’s pleasure. Many of us may have fallen short in our pledges made during Ramadan to improve our character and behaviour and to become closer to Allah (SWT).
The Day of ‘Arafah offers another opportunity to cleanse our hearts and remember our purpose and destination.
‘Arafah is also the day in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made his farewell sermon during his final pilgrimage and bore witness that Allah (SWT) perfected His religion, completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and approved Islam as a way of life! Subhan’Allah.
For those performing Hajj, the Day of ‘Arafah is the most important day. As the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Hajj is Arafat” (Abu Dawud).
The desert heat is expected to hit 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
But Kabiru Inuwa, a 50-year-old Nigerian pilgrim, was not put off by the Gulf kingdom’s scorching sun.
The Hajj is “very important for me as a Muslim”, he said. “Every muslim will be proud to be here today”.
The following acts of worship are highly encouraged on the Day of ‘Arafah.
Fasting: It is highly recommended to fast on the Day of ‘Arafah if one is not performing Hajj. Fasting on this day is Sunnah and expiates sins of the previous year and the coming year. It is a powerful way to gain blessings and become closer to Allah (SWT).
Increase acts of worship: As the most virtuous day of the year for Muslims, it’s important to increase our good deeds in order to gain the blessings of the day. Whether we are performing Hajj or at home this year, we should devote ourselves to Dhikr and seeking nearness to Allah. The best acts of Dhikr on this day include offering Nafl (optional) prayers, reading Qur’an and sending Salawat (salutations) upon the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Make lots of Dua: The Day of ‘Arafah is a day of acceptance of Dua and Allah showers His mercy and forgiveness to those who turn to Him. Make abundant heartfelt Duas for yourselves, your family and for the Muslim Ummah, that Allah forgives our sins, fulfils our needs, and allows us to become closer to Him. It is also Sunnah to recite the Tahleel (Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillaah) frequently on the Day of ‘Arafah, and on the days of Eid – 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
Give Sadaqah: It’s important to remember our brothers and sisters in need across the globe on this blessed day. Giving Sadaqah is one of the most virtuous acts of worship, and giving Sadaqah on this holy day can help us gain blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire” (Hadith | Timidhi).
Reflect and show gratitude: The Day of ‘Arafah is a time for introspection and reflection. We should aim to reflect upon our actions during the past year, seek to rectify our shortcomings, and ask for forgiveness for our sins. The Day of ‘Arafah is also a blessed time to reflect on the blessings that Allah (SWT) has provided us with, and to thank Him. Many Muslims celebrate the day by strengthening ties with family and friends, exchanging greetings and sharing food.