6 Beautiful Reasons to Fast on the Day of Arafah
Over 1,400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted a day so special that its blessings can lead to the forgiveness of our sins. This day, known as the Day of Arafah, falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. It is a day of immense significance and spiritual opportunity, marking the best time of the year to worship Allah and perform righteous deeds. On the Day of Resurrection, we will be gathered on Mount Arafah to account for our actions, making it essential to seize the blessings of this day.
Here are 6 beautiful reasons to fast on Yawm al-Arafah:
1. Expiation for Past and Future Sins
Fasting on the Day of Arafah redeems the sins of both the previous year and the upcoming year. When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about fasting on this day, he said:
“It expiates the sins (minor) of the past year and the coming year.” (Muslim)
This profound opportunity allows us to cleanse ourselves spiritually, paving the way for a fresh start.
2. Completion of Our Religion
A Jew once remarked to Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), “O leader of the believers, there is a verse in your book that you recite, and had it been revealed to us, we would have taken that day as a day of celebration.” Umar asked, “Which verse is it?” The Jew replied:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Quran 5:3)
Umar responded, “I know the day and place on which this verse was revealed to the Prophet (PBUH). It was while he was standing on the Day of Arafah on Friday.” Fasting on the Day of Arafah honors the holiness of the day when our religion was perfected. Remember to recite this verse on the Day of Arafah as a tribute.
3. Freedom from Hellfire
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the day of Arafah. He comes close to those standing on Arafah and then boasts about them to the angels, saying, ‘What do these people want?’” (Tirmidhi)
This day offers a unique chance for believers to be saved from Hellfire through sincere devotion and supplication.
4. Abundant Forgiveness
The Day of Arafah is a day of immense forgiveness, even for those with countless sins. As the Prophet (PBUH) explained:
“As for you staying till the evening in Arafah, then Allah descends to the sky of the Dunya and He boasts about you to the Angels, and says: ‘My slaves have come to Me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for My mercy. So if your sins were equivalent to the amount of sand, or the drops of rain, or like the foam on the sea, I will forgive them. So go forth, My slaves, with forgiveness and for those you have interceded for.” (Tabarani)
This powerful promise of forgiveness makes fasting on this day even more significant.
5. Allah’s Pride in His Servants
Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“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 slaves who have come unkempt and dusty.’” (Ahmad)
Allah’s pride in His devoted servants on this day highlights the immense value and love He has for those who worship Him sincerely.
6. A Day of Worship
The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of worship during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, including the Day of Arafah:
“There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshiped in them than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah.” (Tirmidhi)
On this day, we are encouraged to remember and worship Allah abundantly. It is Sunnah to recite the Tahleel (Laa ilaaha il-lal-lah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), and Tasbeeh (Subhanallah) as often as possible.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is a profound act of worship that brings immense spiritual rewards. Let us make the most of this blessed day by fasting, seeking forgiveness, and drawing closer to Allah.
