Every year, as the sun rises over the barren plains outside Mecca, a remarkable scene unfolds. Millions of Muslims, dressed in simple white garments, gather on the plain of Arafah—silent, prayerful, and united in purpose. This is the Day of Arafat, the spiritual climax of the Hajj pilgrimage and one of the holiest days in Islam.
But this day isn’t only for those standing on Mount Arafat. Around the world, Muslims who are not on pilgrimage mark the Day of Arafat with fasting, prayer, and reflection. It’s a day filled with meaning, rooted in deep spiritual history and practice. Whether you’re curious about its origin, what people do on this day, or what makes it so spiritually powerful, this guide will walk you through it—from its name and significance to the rituals and the heartfelt prayers that define it.
When is Arafat Day 2025?
Arafat Day 2025 is on Thursday, 5 June 2025, according to the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It is observed on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic year. Arafat Day is the day before Eid al-Adha and marks the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage, when millions of pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat to seek forgiveness and pray.
What Is the Meaning of Arafat?
Arafat Day is named after Mount Arafat, a significant site near Mecca, not far from the Kaaba. The mountain and its surrounding plain are called Arafah or Arafat, where pilgrims gather during the Hajj pilgrimage on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah.
According to Lane’s Lexicon, Mount Arafat is described by the historian Burckhardt as a granite hill about a mile to a mile and a half in circumference, with sloping sides and a height of nearly 200 feet above the surrounding plain.
The name Arafat carries several possible meanings rooted in Islamic tradition and Arabic language:
- Some scholars say it was named because Adam and Eve recognized one another (تَعَارَفَا) there after being sent down from Paradise.
- Others explain that when Angel Gabriel taught Prophet Abraham the Hajj rites, he asked him, “Have you understood (أَعَرَفْتَ)?”, to which Abraham replied, “I have understood (عَرَفْتُ).”
- Another opinion links it to the Arabic root ‘urifa, meaning “to be perfumed” or “sanctified,” highlighting the spiritual significance of the place.
- It may also be called Arafat because people recognize each other (يَتَعَارَفُونَ) there, or due to the worshippers making themselves known to God through prayer and repentance (نِتَعَرُّفِ العِبَادِ).
While the name Arafat is directly connected to the rites of Hajj, its blessings are not limited to pilgrims in Mecca.
Read: History of Hajj
What to Do on the Day of Arafat?
The best act on the Day of Arafah is to be present at Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage, as it is the most sacred part of the pilgrimage. However, for Muslims who are not performing Hajj, there are still many meaningful acts of worship to do from home.
Here are some of the best things to do on the Day of Arafah:
- Fasting
- Making Du‘a (Supplication)
- Reciting the Quran
- Increasing Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Repeating phrases like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illAllah, and Allahu Akbar brings great reward.
The Day of Arafah is a powerful opportunity for spiritual growth, whether you’re on the plains of Arafat or in your own home.
Read: What Is Ihram in Islam?
Virtues of the Day of Arafat
The Day of Arafah is one of the most sacred and spiritually rewarding days in Islam. It marks a moment of immense mercy, forgiveness, and freedom from Hellfire. Below are the key virtues of this blessed day:
1. Arafat Day as Part of the Ten Best Days of the Year
The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah) falls within the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which are the best days of the year for good deeds. Allah swears by them in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Fajr: 2), and the Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” (Bukhari)
2. One of the Greatest Days of the Year is Arafat
This day is comparable to Laylat al-Qadr due to its unmatched blessings. It holds a powerful spiritual weight for those who seek closeness to Allah through worship, repentance, and good deeds.
3. Arafah Is the Core of Hajj
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Hajj is Arafah.” [Sahih Sunan an-Nasa’i]
This means that standing at Arafah is the most essential pillar of Hajj, without which the pilgrimage is not valid.
4. Completion of Islam Occurred on Arafat Day
On the Day of Arafah, during the Prophet’s Farewell Pilgrimage, Allah revealed the verse:
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5:3)
This moment was so significant that a Jewish man told Umar (RA) that had this verse been revealed to them, they would have taken that day as a festival as mentioned in [Sahih Al-Bukhari].
5. A Day of Forgiveness and Freedom from Hellfire
The Prophet ﷺ highlights the forgiveness in Arafat Day, saying:
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Hellfire than the Day of Arafah.” (Muslim)
Allah draws near to His servants, praises them to the angels, and grants forgiveness in abundance.
Ruling and Benefits of Arafat Day Fasting
Fasting on the Day of Arafah holds immense spiritual value and reward, with two different rulings for pilgrims and non-pilgrims:
Fasting on Arafat Day Is Recommended for Non-Pilgrims
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah, and he said:
“It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim)
Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) explained that this means the minor sins of two years are forgiven—the year before and the year after. If there are no minor sins, it is hoped that it lightens major sins or raises the person’s rank.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) sometimes did not fast on the Day of Arafah, which indicates that it is a recommended Sunnah, not a compulsory obligation.
Fasting in Arafat is Not Recommended for Pilgrims
It is not recommended to fast on the Day of Arafah for those performing Hajj, so they can maintain their strength and fully focus on their worship during this spiritually demanding day.
Arafat Fasting is a Symbol of Obedience to Allah
Fasting on the Day of Arafah reflects submission and obedience to Allah as follows:
- Those not on Hajj fast, abstaining from food to worship Allah.
- Those on Hajj do not fast, also obeying Allah and His Messenger by following the Prophet’s example.
This contrast beautifully illustrates the divine balance of worship—fasting before feasting, abstaining before sacrificing—all for the sake of Allah.
Read: What are the types of Hajj?
What Is the Best Duaa to Say on the Day of Arafat?
Muslims should prepare their duaa (supplication) for the Day of Arafah in advance to make the most of this spiritually powerful occasion. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) states the virtue of Arafat timing for making supplication, saying:
“The best du‘a is the du‘a on the Day of Arafah. And the best of what I and the prophets before me have said is:
‘There is no god but Allah, Alone, without a partner.’”
(Sunan at-Tirmidhi)
This profound statement not only declares the oneness of Allah but also reflects deep sincerity and submission—qualities that make du‘a more accepted.
In the Qur’an, Allah gives us an excellent example of a comprehensive supplication during the days of Hajj:
“Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’ Those will have a share of what they have earned, and Allah is swift in account.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201–202)
This du‘a combines the needs of both worldly life and the Hereafter, and it’s a beautiful reminder of the balance a believer should seek.
Although there are many recommended prophetic and Quranic du‘as, Muslims are encouraged to ask Allah freely for all their needs—whether for themselves, their families, the Ummah, or humanity. No du‘a is too small, and nothing is too big for Allah to grant.
What Surah to Read on Arafat Day?
There is no specific Surah (Quranic chapter) from the Qur’an prescribed to be read on the Day of Arafah. Muslims may recite any part of the Qur’an for its general reward and blessings.
However, it’s important to note that du‘a (supplication) takes priority on the Day of Arafah due to the emphasis of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Still, reading the Qur’an remains a noble act and adds to the overall spiritual reward of this sacred day.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Day of Arafat offers insight into how Muslims seek spiritual growth and forgiveness—whether through pilgrimage or personal worship at home. It is one of the clearest examples of how Islam encourages self-reflection, discipline, and connection with Almighty One God.
- What it means: Named after Mount Arafat near Mecca, it’s where pilgrims gather in worship and remembrance.
- Why it matters: It is one of the most significant days in Islam, marking the spiritual peak of the Hajj pilgrimage.
- What Muslims do: Those not on Hajj are recommended to fast the day, make personal prayers (duaa), and read the Quran.
- Spiritual highlight: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) called it the best day for supplication and declared its rewards immense.
- Inclusivity: While centered on the Hajj, the day is meaningful for all Muslims—no matter where they are.
For you also, dear reader, you still have a chance to share the same reward by becoming a Muslim, so that you become like a newborn. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice; our team is here to help you. Just start a conversation now!
