The Day of Arafah is one of the most significant and sacred days in the entire Islamic calendar. It is a day filled with divine mercy, forgiveness, and countless blessings. For Muslims around the world, this day serves as a time of redemption, reflection, and reconnection with Allah (SWT).
What is the Day of ‘Arafah? It is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2025, the Day of ‘Arafah is expected to fall on Thursday, 5th June. This remarkable day holds a special status as it was the day Allah (SWT) perfected His religion and completed His blessings upon the Ummah.
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
— Qur’an | Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)
Let’s explore the deeper meaning, virtues, and practices associated with this spiritually transformative day.
The Historical and Spiritual Significance of the Day of ‘Arafah
A Day Marked by Divine Completion
The Day of ‘Arafah is remembered as the day on which Islam was perfected. Allah revealed the famous verse in Surah al-Ma’idah to His beloved Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him), declaring Islam as the chosen way of life for all believers.
Subhan’Allah, this was a moment of divine approval for the final message to humanity.
Known as Yawm Al-Waqf (The Day of Standing)
This day is also known as Yawm Al-Waqf, meaning the Day of Standing. Why? Because pilgrims stand in the plains of Arafat, humbly turning to their Lord in supplication. This act is the heart of Hajj.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Hajj is Arafah.”
— (Abu Dawud)
When is the Day of ‘Arafah in 2025?
The Day of ‘Arafah 2025 will fall on Thursday, 5th June, insha’Allah. As the Islamic calendar is lunar, the exact date may vary by a day depending on moon sighting. Each year, this sacred day moves earlier by approximately 10 days in the Gregorian calendar.
Why is the Day of ‘Arafah So Important?
There are several reasons why the Day of ‘Arafah holds an unmatched place in the Islamic tradition:
- It was the day Allah (SWT) completed the religion.
- It is the day of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) farewell sermon during his final pilgrimage.
- It is a day of immense forgiveness, mercy, and spiritual opportunity.
- Allah (SWT) frees more people from the Fire on this day than on any other.
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of ‘Arafah.”
— (Muslim)
What Do Pilgrims Do on Hajj on the Day of ‘Arafah?
Pilgrims begin their day in Mina, where they pray Fajr Salah before proceeding to the plain of Arafat. Upon arrival, they:
- Engage in intense dua and istighfar.
- Pray Dhuhr and Asr in shortened form (2 rakats).
- Listen to the sermon (khutbah) delivered at Masjid al-Nimrah.
- Stand from noon until sunset in deep prayer and reflection.
This day is the climax of the Hajj journey, where the entire purpose of the pilgrimage is fulfilled.
“The people of knowledge consider it recommended to fast on the Day of ‘Arafah, except for those at ‘Arafah.”
— (Tirmidhi)
5 Recommended Actions on the Day of ‘Arafah
Even if you’re not on Hajj, you can still gain immense rewards by engaging in these five acts:
1. Fasting
Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah is highly recommended for non-pilgrims. It is a sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and holds great spiritual merit.
“It expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
— (Muslim)
If you’re not performing Hajj, this is the best single day to fast all year.
2. Increase Your Worship
This is a day to fill with Qur’an recitation, salawat, and nafl prayers. Spend your day in dhikr, repeating:
- Tahleel: Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah
- Takbeer: Allahu Akbar
- Tahmeed: Alhamdulillaah
These are powerful forms of remembrance and show gratitude for the gift of Islam.
3. Make Abundant Dua
The Day of ‘Arafah is the best day of the year to make dua.
“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of ‘Arafah.”
— (Muslim)
Ask for forgiveness, guidance, health, and blessings for your loved ones and the Muslim Ummah. Don’t forget to include this powerful dua:
Dua for the Day of ‘Arafah
Arabic: لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ ، وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ ، وهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Transliteration: laa ilaaha ill-allaahu, waḥdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‛alaa kulli shay’in qadeer
Translation: “None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and all praise and He is over all things omnipotent.”
4. Give Sadaqah
Giving charity on the Day of Arafah multiplies your reward. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.”
— (Tirmidhi)
Support the needy, contribute to Islamic causes, and donate generously during the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah.
5. Reflect and Show Gratitude
Take this day to reflect on your deeds over the past year. Ask yourself:
- Have I improved since Ramadan?
- Have I fulfilled the promises I made to Allah?
- Am I closer to my Creator now?
Express gratitude for your blessings and seek to strengthen bonds with your family and friends. Share meals, forgive others, and spread kindness.
Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah
We repeat this action for emphasis because of its extraordinary virtue. Fasting on this day is a sunnah and a spiritual opportunity not to be missed.
“It expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.”
— (Muslim)
However, if you’re on Hajj, you are not expected to fast, as it may weaken you during the long rituals. The focus of the pilgrim should be on dua and devotion, not fasting.
“Allah forgives sins on the Day of ‘Arafah even if they are as much as the foam on the sea.”
— (Tabarani)
Is Fasting Mandatory on the Day of ‘Arafah?
No, fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah is not mandatory. It is highly recommended and beloved to Allah (SWT). All major Islamic schools of thought agree that fasting on this day brings immense reward for non-pilgrims.
You may choose to fast with the intention of following the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and seeking Allah’s mercy.
The Prophet’s Sermon on the Day of ‘Arafah
On the Day of ‘Arafah, during his last pilgrimage, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon. This sermon stressed:
- The equality of all people regardless of race or status.
- The rights of women and the importance of treating them with kindness.
- The prohibition of interest (riba) and unjust practices.
- The sacredness of life, wealth, and honour.
These timeless principles were declared on this sacred day, making it not only a spiritual turning point but also a moral landmark for humanity.
Hadiths Regarding the Day of ‘Arafah
Here are some notable ahadith that highlight the unique status of the Day of ‘Arafah:
“The promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of ‘Arafah, and the witnessing day is Friday.”
— (Tirmidhi)
“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)
“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.”
— (Tabarani)
Final Reflections on the Day of Arafah
Whether you are among the pilgrims performing Hajj or observing the day from your home, the Day of ‘Arafah is a rare gift. It is your opportunity to earn immense reward, reconnect with Allah, and erase the burden of past sins.
This year, Thursday, 5th June 2025, could be a turning point in your spiritual journey. Take advantage of this blessed day to fast, give charity, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to your Creator.
May Allah (SWT) accept our deeds and forgive our sins on this sacred day. Ameen.