“Oh, my Lord, what has he found who has lost you? What has he lost who has found you?”
Close your eyes and imagine this. You’re standing on a desolate hill with no civilization or sign of life for miles. You are hungry, thirsty, and the sun’s rays are shining down on your head, the heat is unbearable. Your ihram clings to you as tears fall from your eyes, your hands that are raised in dua shaking slightly as your lips whisper supplications only meant for your Lord to hear. Many would not put themselves in this environment, but you cannot bear to go anywhere. This is your time with your Lord to be vulnerable, to beseech, and to reconnect.
This is the scene that many witness on the Day of Arafah – the day of Dhul Hijjah which, among the sacred days, is most sacred, filled with divine mercy. The day when our hearts are moved, our sins are erased, and the skies seem to lean closer to the earth. This the Day of Arafah. This day is one where our soul ascends. Millions of pilgrims gather together on the plains of Arafah and, along with those at home, they raise their hands to the heavens, all seeking the same closeness to their Lord, all moved by the same hope for forgiveness.
The Day of Arafah falls on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, the day before Eid ul-Adha. It is the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, when millions of Muslims gather on the plains of Arafah just outside of Makkah, fulfilling the central rite of the pilgrimage. The Prophet (SAW) has said in a hadith, “The Hajj is Arafat. The Hajj is Arafat. The Hajj is Arafat.” (Jami at-Tirmidhi, 2975)
The Prophet (SAW) saying this three times isn’t meant to be taken as an exaggeration. He is emphasizing the reality of this day. Whoever does not stand at Arafah on this day has missed the Hajj. That’s how important this day is, and making the most of it.
But what about those who are not able to perform the Hajj? Yawm al-Arafah still remains as a day of spiritual opportunity! It is the greatest day of the year for you to fast, make dua, and gain closeness to Allah (SWT).
On this day, Allah (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven, in a way befitting His Majesty, and proudly speaks to the angels about His servants gathered on the plain of Arafah.
“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the Day of Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on Arafah), and then He reveals before His angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking?’” (Sahih Muslim)
Scholars explain that the mercy of this day spills over to all believers who turn to Allah (SWT) sincerely, wherever they may be. It is a day when shayatin are humiliated. A day when lifetime burdens are lifted. A day when hearts are mended again.
If you are not able to perform Hajj this year, take it upon yourself to fast. The Prophet (SAW) says in a hadith, “It will expiate the sins of the previous and upcoming years.” (Sahih Muslim, 1162)
Two years of forgiveness for one sincere day of fasting. What mercy is this that Allah (SWT) grants us so much and for so little? But remember, it’s not about skipping your meals and not drinking any water. This also reminds that, although we are not in the ihram of Hajj, standing with millions of pilgrims, we are with them in spirit and, thus, we have to humble ourselves before our Creator.
Many will ask what is a believer even meant to recite on the Day of Arafah. Our Prophet (SAW) has taught us all a beautiful supplication in which we repeatedly say, “There is no god but Allah alone, without a partner. To Him belongs the dominion and the praise, and He is capable over all things.” (At-Tirmidhi)
The beauty of dua in Islam is that you don’t need to have perfect words for it. You don’t even need to raise your hands. Sometimes, just one tear sliding down your cheek is far more eloquent than a dua. This day is for everyone.
Some of our scholars highlight that the Day of Arafah is meant to remind us of the Day of Judgment. People are gathered together in plain clothes in large numbers, standing for hours with nothing but hope and fear, seeking mercy knowing that accountability is looming, looking towards a mount just as we will be looking at a scale, anticipating our deeds, and with Allah (SWT) watching every soul closely as time will have run out.
But right now, you still have time to make things right.
On the Day of Arafah, the Ummah rises. Some in white garments under the Arabian sun. Others in quiet corners of the earth, whispering into the unseen. But, together, we move toward one Lord, one mercy, one hope.
Oh Allah (SWT), we beseech You, in Your Mercy and Glory, to accept our dua, forgive our sins, and allow us to witness many more Days of Arafah with hearts that yearn and tongues that glorify You, Ameen!