By Rehema Naggujja
Arafah is an Islamic holiday happen on 9th day of month of Zhul_Hajji (12month on Islamic calendar ) and is considered the most important day of the Islamic year. The holiest day and night of Arafah(Night of power).
At dawn of this day, Muslim pilgrims will make their way from Mina to a nearby hillside and plain called Mountain Arafah and the plain of Arafah. It was from this site that prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) gave one of his last sermons in the fin year of his life .
This is the day of repentance and acceptance of supplication .some Muslims holds that part of the Quranic verse announcing that the religion of Islam had been perfected was revealed on this day .
it is believed that everyone will be resurrected and gathered on Mount Arafat to be held accountable for their actions. Many people, on the Day of Arafah, will submit themselves in worship and fast to cleanse their souls to receive the ultimate reward of entering Jannah (Paradise). This day is also the very essence of Hajj.
And here are the six reasons that beautifies the day of Arafah.
- It is the day when the religion of Islam was perfected.
Allah (SWT) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW): ”Today, I have perfected for you your religion, completed upon you My blessing and have approved for you Islam as your religion.” (Qur’an 5:3) - It is the day when the Prophet (SAW) gave his last sermon.
- Prophet Muhammed (SAW) delivered his farewell sermon on Mount Arafah. He reminds us to follow the Qur’an and Sunnah and addressed racism, gender equality and human rights.
- The day Allah (SWT) releases souls from Hell.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafah.” (Muslim) - It is the essence of Hajj.
The ritual of Hajj would not be complete without the blessed journey to Mount Arafah. The Prophet (SAW) said: “Hajj is Arafah.” (Nasa’i) Repenting on the Day of Arafah is a way of renewing your promise to Allah (SWT) and starting afresh. - It is when Allah (SWT) descends down from the sky.
For the people who stay in Arafah, Allah (SWT) descends to the sky and says to His angels: “My slaves have come to me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for my mercy, so if their sins are equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea I will forgive them. So go forth My slaves! Having forgiveness for what and who you have interceded for.” (at-Tabarani) - It is the greatest day of the Islamic Year.
“Fasting on the day of Arafah expiates the sins from the past and coming year.”
(Muslim)
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is another chance for you to reflect and gain closeness to Allah (SWT) without any worldly distractions. But for those of us whom Allah hasn’t planned hajj this year, this is how we can reap the benefits of this blessed month and the day of Arafah.
Fast
one who fasts will sincerely receive forgiveness of his/her sins for the previous year and following year .
Abu Qatada al_Ansari narrated that Muhammad(P.B.U.H) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah , where upon he said “it expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year”
In Sahih Muslim it was narrated from Aisha that Muhammad said ” there is no day in which Allah frees more people from the fore than the day of Arafah. He come close and expresses his fulfilment to the angles, saying ‘ ” what do these people want?”
Make Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
Repeat the specific Dhikr prescribed in the Sunnah especially blessed phrase is “Subhallahil Wabihamdihi Subhallahil Adheem” (Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to him)
Recite, study and listen to the Quran
If every good deed is multiplied then just imagine how many good deeds you are getting by just making an intention to listen to the words of your Rabb?.
Be a people person
Visit your neighbours and ask how they are doing, invite them for iftar, serve what you would eat in an average day. Don’t forget those at home , spent time with your family.
Get in touch with nature
Step outside and witness the fall foliage. Worship is not limited to sitting inside and praying all day. Soak in that beauty all around you and glorify Allah.
After the Day of Arafah is Eid ul-Adha where animal sacrifices will be made following Eid prayers.
Eid Mubarak!!!
