The Day of Arafah is the most special day of the Islamic calendar. There are many reasons for this. On this day (and in this place), the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) delivered his Farewell Khutbah, enjoining certain things upon his followers. On this day, Allah completed the religion upon His servants. This is the day when Allah frees the most people from Hell-fire out of His Mercy. This article will explore the miracles and special aspects of this miraculous day (and place—the plains of Arafat).
Is it not a miracle of Allah to show His Mercy through releasing people from Hell-fire? Aisha (r.a.) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of ‘Arafat. And on that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His Pride remarks to the angels, ‘What is the desire of these (servants of mine)?” (Muslim)
Allah takes pride in His servants seeking forgiveness from Him and begging Him for mercy. Allah loves to be asked and this is the day that is full of asking, full of heartfelt tears of longing and begging for needs to be fulfilled. Allah is the Rich and we are the poor, and Allah loves to give.
We learn from another hadith: “No day is better to Allah than the day of Arafat. Allah descends to the lowest heaven and He boasts to the inhabitants of the heavens about the inhabitants of the earth, saying: ‘Look at My servants, appearing disheveled and dusty. They came from every mountain pass hoping for My mercy. They do not see My punishment, yet they do not see that on no day are more saved from Hellfire than the day of Arafat.’” (Sahih Ibn Hibban)
The last address of any prominent leader to his people is a big deal. Photographers and journalists come from all over the country to note down his or her words. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) chose the Day of Arafah for his last address, his Farewell Sermon.
“O People, lend me an attentive ear…” He told them to pay attention and then told them to take the message to those who were not present at the time.
“Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion…” He warned us against Shaytan and his tactics.
“O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust.” He told us to honor, value and the protect each other’s lives and property.
“Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds.” He told us to remember that we will meet Allah. This instills fear and accountability in the heart of a believer who seeks to please Allah.
“Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.” He reminded the men to treat their women wives kindly and with justice and mercy. He wanted to reinforce the importance of harmony in the husband-wife relationship.
“O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your daily Salah (prayers), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.” He reminded the Muslims about their basic Islamic duties that are the bare minimum to be considered Muslim. This is important since he had a large audience, many of whom may have been Bedouin Arabs, or old people, or people who didn’t have much knowledge about Islam.
“An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by taqwa (piety) and good action.” Here, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) cut at the root of racism. He reminded people who used to be tribalistic and had racist tendencies that everyone is equal in the sight of Allah and the only thing that makes one Muslim better than the other is Taqwa and ‘amal (good action) and both are judged only by Allah.
“O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.” The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) ended his address by reminding the people of the ultimate sources of guidance and solace—the Book of Allah and his sunnah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).
There were so many gems the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) left the ummah with on that day.
When our father Adam (A) and our mother Hawwa’ (Eve) were asked to leave Paradise, they landed on earth but they were separated. When they finally reunited, it was at Arafah. Allah’s Mercy manifested on them in this place, making it historically special and significant.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Hajj is Arafah” (the core of Hajj is arafah). Likewise, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Du’a is ibadah.” (the core of worship is du’a).
The day of Arafah is the day of du’a and asking Allah for forgiveness. It is the day of acknowledging our weakness and seeing Allah, the Most Strong, the Able. It is the day of repenting from our mistakes and misdeeds and seeing Allah, the Most Merciful. The best of worship on the best day of the year. Allahu Akbar! Blessings upon blessings!
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is no day in the year in which the shaytan is more humiliated and in more despair than he is on this day—the Day of Arafah.”
We are in a state of perpetual battle against shaytan. He always seeks to sabotage our relationship with Allah and to take us away from Him. Allah gave us many tools with which to fight shaytan—a stronger connection with Him through salah, du’a, and the morning and evening adhkar, but on this day, Allah gives us a boost. It is an opportunity for us to fill up our spiritual arsenal in the fight against shaytan. The more we beg Allah, the more we drag ourselves to Allah against all odds—against our circumstances, the voice of shaytan in our head telling us we’re too far gone, the more shaytan despairs. We have the ability, by the Mercy of Allah, to spoil all the plans shaytan has made this whole year, to come back fresh and renewed with fresh resolve.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said in a powerful hadith: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive to do that which will benefit you and seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless.” (Muslim)
This hadith reminds us to strive hard for the sake of Allah and to remember Allah, Al-Qawiyy’ (The Strong One) and how He has the power to remove all obstacles that come between us and Him. May Allah allow us to go to Hajj soon if we have not been able to go. Ameen.
Those at Hajj are reaping the rewards of being in a blessed gathering, worshipping Allah around the clock, and strengthening their resolve before they return to their lives. They will be standing on the plains of Arafat, beseeching Allah for His Mercy. But what about us? What will we do? Luckily, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) has left us with guidance regarding what to do.
1. Fasting
Abu Qatadah reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about fasting the day of Arafat and he said, “It will expiate the sins of the previous and upcoming years.” Then, the Prophet was asked about fasting the day of Ashura, and he said, “It will expiate the sins of the past year.” (Sahih Muslim)
2. Sunnah du’a to make
‘Amr ibn Shu’ayb reported: The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best supplication is that which is made on the day of Arafat. The best of it is what was said by myself and the prophets before me: ‘Laa ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.’ There is no God but Allah alone, without any partners, unto Him belong the dominion and all praise and He has power over all things.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi)
3. Make a du’a list
The pilgrims at Hajj make du’a all day until Maghrib at ‘Arafah. We don’t have to do the same, but if we want to get in the spirit of Hajj or teach our young ones about what Hajj is like, this is a nice activity to do as a family.
4. Pray the Nafl (voluntary) prayers
Praying Duha salah as the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to in units of 2 rak’ahs (going up to 8 rak’ahs) is a great way to add extra worship to your day of worship. Make every moment count!
May Allah, the Creator of miracles, facilitate all types of miracles in our lives through which we find ourselves surrounded by ease and tremendous blessings. May Allah (SWT) allow us to fast and make du’a to Him on the Day of ‘Arafah and may He accept from us. May Allah forgive us for our shortcomings and May He continue to bring us closer to Him in khair and aafiyah. Ameen.
