There is no day on which God sets free more souls from the fire than the day of Arafah. Just as Laylat al-Qadr is the most blessed night of the year, similarly, Arafat is the most blessed day of the year. 

The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is known as the Day of Arafah. On this day, pilgrims convene at the mountain plain of Arafah to pray and supplicate to their Lord.

As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Hajj is Arafah,” (Abu Dawud). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said: For pilgrims performing Hajj, the Day of ‘Arafah is the most significant day and is the essence and heart of the pilgrimage.

Significance of Day of Arafah in Quran and Ahadith

The biggest day of the entire year and the biggest day of Hajj, Arafah Day,  which combines acts of worship unlike any other day.

Allah (SWT) refers to this day in Surah al-Maidah of the holy Qur’an. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. Quran | 5:3

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said: For pilgrims performing Hajj, the Day of ‘Arafah is the most significant day and is the essence and heart of the pilgrimage.

Fasting on the Day of Arafah

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year."

— [Sahih Muslim]

Fasting is very virtuous act on day of arafah for non-pilgrim

Fasting is very virtuous act on day of arafah if you are not performing Hajj. Fasting on day of arafah is not mandatory, but a great opportunity for spiritual benefit for non-pilgrims.

The reward of fasting on the day of Arafah is equal to two years of fasting, and the reward of worshipping on the night of Arafah is equal to two years of wake.

Takbir on Day of Arafah

Recite the Takbeer-e-Tashreeq from the 9th-13th Dhul Hijjah.  Begins after Fajr on the 9th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah) and continues after every Fardh prayer until asr on the 13th Dhul Hijjah.

It is greatly suggested for every Muslim adult to recite the Takbeer-e-Tashreeq after prayer from the 9th-13th Dhul Hijjah. Men should recite this out loud, while women should recite this silently:

Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest and all praises are for Allah only.

Astaghfaar on day of Arafah

After praying Fajr Salah in Mina, pilgrims performing Hajj head to the plains of Arafat. They recite istaghfar (asking for forgiveness) and make earnest dua. Upon reaching Mount Arafat, pilgrims observe shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers 2 rakat instead of 4. 

What prayers are special for the Day of Arafah in 2025

Duas for Arafah Day

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ، وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ‏

There is no God Allah, alone, He has no partner, His is the kingdom, and for Him is all praise, and in His hand is all that is good, and He has power over all things.  

اللہ اکبر، اللہ اکبر، لا الہ الا اللہ، اللہ اکبر، و للہ الحمد۔ 

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 13th of Dhul Hijjah.

قُلۡ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ
لَمۡ يَلِدۡ وَلَمۡ يُولَدۡ
وَلَمۡ يَكُن لَّهُۥ كُفُوًا أَحَدُۢ

Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”

أسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ رَبي مِنْ كُلِ ذَنبٍ وَأتُوبُ إلَيهِ

I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.

 «استغفر الله الذی لا اله الا هوال حی القیوم و اطوب الیحی 

I seek the forgiveness of Allah the Almighty, Whom there is no worthy except him, the Living, the Eternal, and I repent unto Him

لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ 

 “There is none worthy of worship except God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah:

that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘urge your dying ones to say La ilaha illallah.” Sunan Ibn Majah 1444

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Islam is based upon five: the testimony of La Ilaha Illallah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, the establishment of the Salat, giving the Zakat, fasting (the month of) Ramadan, and performing Hajj to the House.” Jami At-Tirmidhi 2609

لَآ اِلٰهَ اِلَّآ اَنتَ سُبحٰنَکَ اِنِّی کُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِینَ  

  “There is no god but You (O My Lord!). Glory be to You! Verily, I have been of the wrongdoers."

How to make the most of the 9th Dhul Hijjah in 2025

Thing to do on Day of Arafah

• Fasting on the Day of Arafah
• Worship
• Duas for Day of Arafah
• Give Sadaqah/Charity
• Show Gratitude

If those whom Allah grants success prostrate themselves before Allah on the night of Arafah and continue to praise and glorify Him, then there is every hope that the Almighty Allah will send down His blessings and they will become closer to Allah.

Why this jummah matters more than ever

Best Jummah of the year 2025- falling on the 9^th of Dhul Hijjah, the most sacred day in the entire year. Its most sacred jummah of Dhul Hijjah. Its double the reward according to ahadith.

What does the Last Sermon by Holy Prophet PBUH Teaches us today?

Let us remember the importance of compassion, justice and unity from the last farewell sermon of Holy Prophet PBUH.

Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

This Youm-E-Arafah, let us remember our Palestinian brethren in our prayers and worship! 

This jummah- the most blessed day of the Year- Youm-al –Arafah, every good deed, every act of charity, carries multiple reward. There is no better time to give!

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, knowledge that benefits him, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Muslim)

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Due to the increasing intensity of the heat, the need for clean drinking water in Gaza has increased even more. With your support, Al-Khidmat is fulfilling its duty to provide water and food to oppressed Palestinian families and children through every possible means. Continue to cooperate with Al-Khidmat to help families deprived of water and food in Gaza with your donations. Donate now! 

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FAQs

Common questions about the 9th Dhul Hijjah answered

When is the Day of ‘Arafah 2025?

This year, it is expected to fall on Thursday 5th June 2025.

Is fasting mandatory on day of Arafah?

Fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended (Sunnah) but not mandatory (fard or wajib) for non-pilgrims (those not performing Hajj). The Prophet ﷺ did not fast on the Day of Arafah while on Hajj, and it is better for pilgrims to remain strong for the rituals of the day.

Why fasting on Arafah is important?

Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha) is considered highly important and virtuous in Islam for several reasons.

Can we fast only on day of Arafah?

Fasting the first 9 days is encouraged, there's no condition that you must fast all of them. If you're not performing Hajj, you can fast only on the Day of Arafah and still gain its immense reward.

What is the shortest time for Hajj?

The rites of Hajj can be performed in 4 or 5 days which involves the day of `Arafah, the day of Nahr (10th of dhul Hijjah), and another 2 or 3 days which are 11, 12 and 13th of dhul Hijjah. This is the minimum number of days during which one can perform the rites of Hajj.

Best Charity to Donate to Palestine?

Alkhidmat Foundation is a commendable choice for donations to Palestine. They have a strong presence on the ground, working closely with local partners. Their operations in Gaza focus on delivering essential supplies, funds, and food to those most in need. Alkhidmat is known for its dedicated relief efforts and transparency. I'd highly recommend donating to them if you want your contribution to make a tangible difference in Palestine.

Is Qurbani compulsory in Hajj?

Qurbani is obligatory for those performing Hajj al-Tamattu and Hajj al-Qiran. For those performing Hajj al-Ifrad, Qurbani is recommended.

What Are the 7 Steps of Hajj?

Step 1 – Enter Makkah and Perform the First Rituals. Intention and Ihram

Step 2 – Mina, City of Tents

Step 3 – Day of Arafah

Step 4 – Muzdalifah

Step 5 – Rami al-Jamarat (Stoning the Devil)

Step 6 – Eid al-Adha and Nahr (Animal Sacrifices)

Step 7 – Farewell Tawaf

Is it permissible to fast on 10^th day of Dhul Hijjah?

it is prohibited (haram) to fast on the 10th Dhul Hijjah, which is the day of Eid al-Adha. If you are not able to fast the full 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, then try to ensure to fast on the 9th Dhul Hijjah at a minimum, which is the Day of Arafah.

What are the 4 conditions of Hajj?

These conditions also determine whether a person enters the obligation to perform Hajj. Illustration of pilgrims at the Prophet's Mosque, Saudi Arabia. The mandatory Hajj requirements are Islam, puberty, reason, independence, and ability.

What is the minimum number of days for Hajj?

How many days is Hajj? The Hajj pilgrimage is performed over five to six days, from the 8th to 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. When the new crescent moon is sighted, Eid al-Adha begins, which lasts for four days.

What is plain of Arafat?

A significant site in islam located near Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Why Arafat is significant?

It is believed that Holy Prophet PBUH delivered his farewell sermon during final pilgrimage.

Religious significance of Arafat plain?

It is the essential part of hajj. Pilgrims gather here on day of Arafah 9^th Dhul Hijjah every year. Hajj is not valid without it!

What is Muzdalifah?

Open area located between Mina and Arafat near Mecca, in Saudi Arabia.

What pilgrims do in Muzdalifah?

After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, offer combined prayer of Magrib and Isha, and stay there overnight.  They also collect pebbles to be used for stoning of the Devil ritual in Mina in following days.

Is it must to stay at Muzdalifah?

To stay at Muzdalifah is a mandatory (wajib) part of Hajj.

What is Mina?

A significant site near mecca where stoning of Devil practice happens which is part of pilgrimage.

What pilgrims do on day of Arafah?

Stand at Arafat- wuquf- The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Hajj is Arafah” (Tirmidhi) — meaning Hajj is not valid without this standing.

Khutbah- at masjid namirah

Dhuhr & Asr Prayer

Dua and Zikr- Allah answers prayers generously on this day

Departure to Muzdalifah after sun set

What is stoning of Devil?

It’s a ritual practice by pilgrims during the last days of hajj starting from 10^th day of dhul hijjah over the course of three to four days. This ritual also known as Ramy-al-jamarat.

How many pebbles pilgrims throw over the course?

49 or 70 stones over the course of three to four days.