Day of Arafah

The Day of Arafah is an Islamic observance on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat near Mecca, while Muslims worldwide mark the day with fasting and prayer.

• Central day of the Hajj pilgrimage at the Plain of Arafat
• Pilgrims spend the afternoon in prayer and reflection (wuquf)
• Non-pilgrims fast for forgiveness of sins
• Site of the Prophet Muhammad's Farewell Sermon
• Precedes the festival of Eid al-Adha

What it is

The Day of Arafah is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, especially for those undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage. On this day, pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat, a vast expanse outside Mecca, to stand in prayer, seek forgiveness, and reflect on their lives. This collective act of devotion, known as 'standing before God' (wuquf), is considered the spiritual peak of Hajj. For Muslims not on pilgrimage, the day is marked by fasting and increased supplication, connecting them in spirit to the pilgrims at Arafat.

Where it comes from

The Day of Arafah is rooted in the final pilgrimage of the Prophet Muhammad, who delivered his Farewell Sermon from Mount Arafat. Many Muslims believe that a key Quranic verse, announcing the completion of the message of Islam, was revealed on this day. Over time, the gathering at Arafat became an essential rite of Hajj, and the day itself grew in importance for Muslims everywhere as a time for repentance and prayer.

How it is celebrated

Pilgrims arrive at Arafat before noon, spending the afternoon in prayer, contemplation, and listening to sermons near Mount Arafat. The ritual of standing in vigil, or wuquf, is central; missing it invalidates the pilgrimage. At Masjid al-Namirah, pilgrims combine the midday and afternoon prayers. For those not in Mecca, fasting is highly recommended, believed to bring forgiveness for sins of the previous and coming year. Many gather in mosques to recite special prayers, reflecting on the themes of mercy and repentance that define the day.

Joining in

If you visit Mecca during Hajj, the Day of Arafah is spent on the Plain of Arafat, among vast crowds of pilgrims in quiet devotion. Non-pilgrims can observe the day by fasting and joining communal prayers at mosques. While the main gathering is at Arafat, the spirit of the day is shared by Muslims worldwide, making it a time of unity, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Day of Arafah, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Day of Arafah on WikipediaEncyclopedia
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