What is the Day of Arafah?
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the day the pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafat outside Makkah, and the day before Eid al-Adha. For Muslims who are not on Hajj it is a day of fasting, du'a and seeking forgiveness.
When is the Day of Arafah in 2027?
By the Umm al-Qura calendar it is expected on Saturday, 15 May 2027, with Eid al-Adha on Sunday, 16 May 2027. Moon sighting can move it by a day.
What is the reward for fasting on Arafah?
The Prophet ﷺ said he hoped it would wipe out the sins of the year before and the year after (Sahih Muslim 1162).
Is fasting on Arafah obligatory?
No. It is a strongly recommended sunnah for those not on Hajj. There is no sin in leaving it and nothing to make up.
Which day should I fast if my country and Saudi Arabia differ?
Scholars hold two views: the 9th by your local moon sighting, or the day the pilgrims stand at Arafat. Follow your local mosque or trusted scholar, and never fast on your Eid day.
What is the best du'a on the Day of Arafah?
The Prophet ﷺ named the best words of the day as: lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamd, wa huwa ʿalā kulli shayʾin qadīr (at-Tirmidhi 3585, graded hasan by al-Albani).
When is the best time for du'a on Arafah?
The whole day. Many scholars encourage giving the afternoon, from ʿAsr to sunset, special attention, as that is when the Prophet ﷺ stood in du'a at Arafat.
Is there a special prayer for the Day of Arafah?
No. There is no special salah for Arafah. The day is for fasting, du'a, dhikr, takbir and the obligatory prayers on time.
When does the takbir start?
The takbir after obligatory prayers starts at Fajr on the Day of Arafah and ends after ʿAsr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. The general takbir can be said at any time from the start of Dhul Hijjah.
Can a woman on her period benefit from Arafah?
Yes. She does not fast or pray, but she can make du'a, dhikr and takbir, give charity and listen to the Qur'an. ʿAʾishah stood at Arafah while on her period (Sahih al-Bukhari 305).
Do pilgrims fast on Arafah?
No. The Sunnah for pilgrims is not to fast at Arafat, so they have strength for du'a. The Prophet ﷺ drank milk in front of the people there (Sahih al-Bukhari 1988).
What happens if a pilgrim misses Arafah?
They have missed the Hajj. The standing at Arafah is its main pillar and cannot be made up with a sacrifice. Any moment inside Arafat between midday on the 9th and dawn on the 10th counts.
Can I cut my hair and nails before Eid al-Adha?
If you are offering a sacrifice, the Prophet ﷺ said not to take anything from your hair or skin from the start of Dhul Hijjah until it is sacrificed (Sahih Muslim 1977).
Why is it called Arafah?
The word comes from the root meaning “to know” or “to recognise”. Early scholars gave several explanations, but none of them is from an authentic hadith of the Prophet ﷺ.
Which verse was revealed on the Day of Arafah?
“Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your way of life” (al-Maʾidah 5:3), revealed while the Prophet ﷺ stood at Arafah on a Friday (Sahih al-Bukhari 45).
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