Dhul Hijjah: What Does the Day of Arafah Represent?

The Day of Arafah, observed on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, is one of the most spiritually significant days in the Islamic calendar. This pivotal day during the Hajj pilgrimage marks a time of deep reflection, prayer, and supplication for millions of Muslims worldwide. For pilgrims, standing on the plains of Arafat is the culmination of their spiritual journey, while for Muslims everywhere, it represents a day of immense mercy, forgiveness, and renewal of faith. Understanding what the Day of Arafah represents and the recommended acts of worship can help Muslims maximize the spiritual benefits and blessings of this sacred day.

The Significance of Yawmul ‘Arafah in Hajj and Beyond

Yawmul ‘Arafah, the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, is considered the most important day of the entire Hajj pilgrimage. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized its significance by stating:

“الحج عرفة”
“Hajj is ‘Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)

This highlights that the essence of Hajj lies in the standing on the plains of Arafat. If one misses ‘Arafah, their Hajj is not complete or valid. On this day, all pilgrims – women, men, old, young, rich, poor, of every race, color, and nationality – journey to the desert plains of ‘Arafah. They begin this sacred journey from Mina after the dawn prayers and remain until sunset.

As they make their way to the plains of ‘Arafah, they continuously recite the Talbiyah:

“لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكُ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ”
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner.” (Muslim)

The powerful meaning of these words captures the purpose of the entire journey: to serve Allah and worship Him alone. Pilgrims spend their day at Arafah praying and making dua (supplication) to Allah. All the hujjaj (pilgrims) gather in one place with the same goal, creating an entire plain filled with worshippers dressed in simple white clothes. It is a day of deep reflection and connection with Allah.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“ثُمَّ أَفِيضُوا مِنْ حَيْثُ أَفَاضَ النَّاسُ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ”
“Then when you pour down from Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed you, even though before this, you went astray.” (Surat al-Baqara 2:198)

This verse shows that no one is exempt from Allah’s mercy on this day – His forgiveness is for everyone who seeks it. It is a profound and humbling experience for all those who witness ‘Arafah on Hajj.

Historical and Spiritual Connections

The word ‘Arafah comes from the root word meaning ‘to know’ or ‘to be introduced.’ It is the place where Adam (AS) and Hawa’ (AS) were reunited after being sent down from Jannah, and after they had repented to Allah. Thus, it was the first-ever meeting place on earth for any human. Every year, people gather on ‘Arafah to repent to Allah, just as our greatest grandparents did. ‘Arafah also symbolizes the renewal of Muslims’ relationship with God.

Even more poignant is the fact that this is the place where all humanity will be gathered for the start of the Day of Judgment. When the pilgrims stand before Allah on Yawmul Arafah, they inevitably remember that the next time they return may well be on Yawmul Qiyamah, when there will no longer be an opportunity for tawbah (repentance).

There is no shade on the plains of ‘Arafah – although there are tents now for shelter. Elders who went on Hajj decades ago recall standing before Allah, seeking His mercy, disheveled in dust and tears, under the burning heat of the desert sun. They report that it felt as if they were already experiencing Al-Qiyamah. Though the physical conditions have improved, the significance of ‘Arafah, the reconnection with Allah, remains unchanged. The day is not only for those on pilgrimage but is special for every Muslim, even if they are in the farthest part of the globe.

Virtues and Rewards of the Day of Arafah

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the immense blessings of this day:

1. Best Day for Du’a (Supplication)
   

   “خَيْرُ الدُّعَاءِ دُعَاءُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ”
   “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)

2. Expiation of Sins
   

   “صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ يُكَفِّرُ السَّنَةَ الْمَاضِيَةَ وَالْبَاقِيَةَ”
   “Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah absolves the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year.” (Muslim)

3. Salvation from Hellfire
   

   “مَا مِنْ يَوْمٍ أَكْثَرَ مِنْ أَنْ يُعْتِقَ اللَّهُ فِيهِ عَبْدًا مِنْ النَّارِ مِنْ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ”
   “There is no day in which Allah saves more people from the fire than the Day of ‘Arafah.” (Muslim, Nasa’i, Ibn Majah)

4. Forgiveness for All
   

   “وَأَنَّ يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ يَغْفِرُ اللهُ فِيهِ الْعِبَادَ جَمِيعًا مَنْ قَامَ عَلَى عَرَفَةَ وَمَنْ لَمْ يَقُمْ”
   “Anyone who has an atom’s weight of faith in their heart will be forgiven by Allah on this day, whether or not they actually stand at ‘Arafah.” (Abu Dawud)

We also remember that ‘Arafah is the day when Allah revealed the following verse:

“الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا”
“Today, I have perfected your religion for you, and have completed My blessing upon you, and chosen Islam as Dīn (religion and a way of life) for you.” (Al-Maidah 5:3)

Just as Ramadan and its last ten nights were honored with the first revelation of the Qur’an, so Dhul Hijjah and its first ten days were honored with the final revelation. The Day of ‘Arafah was the last time Angel Jibril (AS) came to earth as a messenger to the Prophets. It was also the day and place where our beloved Prophet ﷺ delivered his farewell sermon during his last Hajj, addressing thousands of Muslims. His message was both beautiful and bittersweet, heralding the short time left of his presence on earth.

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.” (Part of the Farewell Sermon)

The Prophet’s farewell acts as a reminder that none of us knows how long we have been on this earth. Just as all the hujjaj must arrive at ‘Arafah before it is too late, we too must make the most of this day before the sun sets – and make the most of our lives before they too slip away.

The Prophet ﷺ ended his sermon by saying:

“All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”

May we live up to the hope and trust that the Prophet ﷺ had in us. May Allah accept everyone’s deeds and prayers on this day, from the hujjaj and all Muslims around the world. Ameen.