Why do Muslims Fast on Arafah Day – Meaning & Importance
Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah) is one of the most holy days in the Islamic calendar. Muslims all over the world attach great importance to it.
On this holy day, millions of non-pilgrimage Muslims decide to fast even though pilgrims are on pilgrimage in the plain of Arafah.
The result of this offering of prayer is immeasurable spiritual gains, and it is the epitome of Islamic faith, submission, gratefulness, and asking forgiveness.
The Day of Arafah fasting is not just a day without eating and drinking; it is a strong chance to think, pray, and get closer to Allah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasized its significance and promised forgiveness of sins.
This is a day that allows one to renew, and so in an era when most people are trying to build a better relationship with Allah, it is another opportunity in the making.
To those who want to know more about such sacred practices, sites providing online classes of the Quran might be a good guide on the spiritual path.
The Meaning of the Day of Arafah
Arafat Day precedes Eid al-Adha. It is the core of the Hajj for the pilgrims. It is obligatory and standing on the plain of Arafah is not part of the Hajj. This gathering symbolizes unity and equality, and acceptance of submission to Allah.
On this same day, the Prophet ﷺ was also preaching the famous Farewell Sermon that talked about justice, brotherhood, and mercy.
To the rest of the world that is not performing Hajj, the day provides a means of engaged spiritual affiliation to pilgrims.
It is not only important because of its rituals but because of its message, which is to examine, repent, and reconnect with the Creator.
The Reason Why Fasting on Arafah is So Profitable
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Fasting on the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim). That demonstrates how great mercy Allah gives to his servants.
Fasting is a meek form of worship. On this day, Muslims do not eat, drink, and worldly distractions with a view to getting closer to Allah. It is a means of soul purification; a means of forgiveness as well as the reward of outstanding rewards of which one can not imagine.
Those who are not present in Hajj can also be honored by fasting on Arafah and so that they can also be able to take part in the blessings that come with this holy period.
The Day of Pardons and Mercy
The Day of Forgiveness is referred to as Arafah. Our Prophet ﷺ said, There is no day upon which Allah liberates more people out of the Hell Fire than the Day of Arafah. Such is the divine mercy available to all believers, repenting his or her lives genuinely, looking forward to the approval of Allah.
Muslims spend this day in dhikr (remembrance), dua (supplication), and Quran recitation. This is an opportunity to think about life and repent, and promise to change.
People who study the Quran online usually have a better understanding of the strength of such days because the Quran shares about the mercies of Allah on many occasions.
Association with Hajj and Unity of the Ummah
Muslims all over the world are united by the Day of Arafah. Millions of people stand at the mountain of Arafah wearing white garments as those at home spiritualize them, bonding with them by fasting and praying.
This sense of unitarianism of purpose and worship is one of the strengths of the international Muslim Ummah.
Fasting by those who are not pilgrims is also suggestive of identification with those who are making Hajj.
It is also a reminder of the path that every Muslim has to follow on the way to self-purification and submission to Allah.
The Way Muslims Spend the Day of Arafah
- The dawn until the evening fasting
- Take additional prayers and dhikr
- Excessive dua on behalf of oneself and the Ummah
- Ask God to forgive and think of personal failures
- Read and contemplate verses in the Quran
- Never be sinful and do more good things
This commemoration aids Muslims to spiritually establish a strong bond with the spirituality of the day, whether or not they are in the plains of Arafah.
Significance of Duas this Day
Day of Arafah is recognized as the day of acceptance of dua. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best supplication is the supplication of the Day of Arafah.” (Tirmidhi).
This is the most appropriate moment when Muslims can give all their hearts to Allah, soliciting protection, tranquility, health, and repentance.
It is urged that the believers request both spiritual and temporal blessings. Duas, which are said, are considered to be acknowledged more easily during that day rather than on other days.
Rejuvenation and Self-Consideration
Spiritual fasting in Arafah is an opportunity to be reborn. It involves Woodward looking at self, abandonment of pride, and repenting to Allah honestly. Muslims clean their hearts on such a day and find peace within and commit to being better people.
Fasting in itself also silences the physical and heightens the spiritual consciousness. It assists the believer in shedding worldly things and lays emphasis on the eternal mission of life.
It is a reminder of the fact that life is temporary.
Being at Arafah reminds the Muslims about the Judgment Day. The pilgrim clothing in white clothes is used to represent shrouds, and the great crowd is used to signify the gathering on the Last Day. Fasting on this day, even among the non-pilgrims, helps people to remind themselves about death, accountability, and the afterlife.
This consideration produces repentance and God-fearing worship. It calls on the believer to be ready to face the next life, righteous and humble. This self-awareness is also nurtured through the continued study of the Quran; this may be done through online Quran classes.
Conclusion
Arafah day does not only belong to the Hajj people. It is coveted by every Muslim. This day’s rewards when one fasts include unmatched rewards, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah. It is a day of reflection, solidarity, and mercy.
Arafah reminds all people, whether a scholar or a seeker, who have only just started to an aware of the connection with god and the spiritual regeneration of each soul.
It is one day in an era of distraction that Muslims can break, look around, and come back to their Lord. Knowing such sacred moments through reliable sources such as an online Quran academy may contribute to the comprehension of its significance and application in everyday life.
