The Day of Arafah: The Best Day of the Year
The Day of Arafah, falling on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, is described by scholars as the best day of the entire year. While pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafah for the most essential pillar of Hajj, Muslims around the world—including here in the UK—can share in the blessings through fasting and worship.
What is the Day of Arafah?
Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is the day before Eid ul-Adha. On this day, pilgrims performing Hajj gather at the plain of Arafah near Makkah from noon until sunset, standing in supplication to Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Hajj is Arafah." (Tirmidhi)
This emphasises that standing at Arafah is the essential pillar of Hajj—without it, the pilgrimage is invalid.
Why is Arafah the Best Day?
Allah Perfected the Religion
On this day, the famous verse was revealed:
"This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion." (Quran 5:3)
This verse was revealed during the Prophet's Farewell Hajj while he stood at Arafah—making it the day Islam was completed as a religion.
Allah Frees People from the Fire
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah. He draws near and then boasts to the angels, saying: 'What do these people want?'" (Muslim)
Imagine—on this single day, Allah releases more souls from Hell than on any other day of the year.
The Best Day for Dua
On Arafah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"The best dua is the dua on the Day of Arafah, and the best thing that I and the Prophets before me have said is: La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir."
(There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and praise, and He is over all things capable.)
The Reward of Fasting on Arafah
For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah carries an extraordinary reward. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Fasting the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year." (Muslim)
This is remarkable—a single day's fast can erase two years' worth of minor sins. Note that this refers to minor sins; major sins require sincere repentance (tawbah).
Who Should Fast?
- Non-pilgrims: All Muslims not performing Hajj are encouraged to fast
- Pilgrims: Those on Hajj should NOT fast, as they need strength for the rituals and the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not fast while at Arafah
How UK Muslims Observe the Day of Arafah
1. Fasting
Most Muslims in the UK who are able will fast on this day. With varying daylight hours:
- Summer Arafahs may mean 18+ hour fasts
- Winter Arafahs are much shorter
Regardless of length, the reward remains immense.
2. Abundant Dua
The Day of Arafah is one of the best times for supplication. Make a list of everything you want to ask Allah:
- Personal needs and goals
- Family and health
- Community and Ummah
- Forgiveness and guidance
Spend time, especially in the afternoon, making heartfelt dua.
3. Dhikr and Takbeer
From the Fajr of Arafah until the Asr of the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims recite the takbeer:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd
(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.)
This is called Takbeer at-Tashreeq and should be said after every obligatory prayer during these days.
4. Good Deeds
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days for good deeds. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." (Bukhari)
Increase your:
- Charity
- Quran recitation
- Kindness to others
- Extra prayers
- Seeking forgiveness
5. Preparing for Eid
The Day of Arafah is also a day of preparation—Eid ul-Adha follows the very next day. UK Muslims prepare by:
- Arranging Qurbani (sacrifice)
- Planning Eid prayers at the mosque
- Preparing gifts and festivities
- Reaching out to family and friends
Combining Fasting with Work
For UK Muslims balancing work on the Day of Arafah:
- Take the day off if possible—it's worth it
- If working: Keep making dhikr and dua throughout the day
- Lunch break: Use it for extra worship rather than socialising
- Evening: Once you break your fast, continue with night worship
Finding Mosques for Eid
After the Day of Arafah comes Eid! Many UK mosques hold multiple Eid prayers to accommodate the community. Our mosque directory can help you find:
- Eid prayer times and locations
- Mosques with women's facilities
- Large venues for Eid gatherings
A Day Not to Miss
The Day of Arafah comes once a year. It's a day when:
- The religion was perfected
- Sins of two years can be forgiven
- Duas are especially accepted
- Allah frees people from the Fire
For UK Muslims who may never get the opportunity to perform Hajj, observing Arafah properly is a way to share in the blessings of this incredible day.
Make the intention. Plan your day. Fast if you're able. And spend every moment in worship and supplication.
Looking for a mosque for Eid prayers? Browse our UK Mosque Directory to find a masjid near you.