Arafat Day (9 Dhul Hijj):

The Day of Arafah (or Arafat) is the ninth day of the Islamic lunar month — July 19 this year. It’s on the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul- Hijjah and is also on the second day of Hajj.

Muslims view this as the best day of the year. The day is the culminating event for Muslims on pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia who gather at the mountain plain of Arafah to pray, and supplicate for forgiveness. Pilgrimage is the fifth pillar of Islam, so the Day of Arafah holds much weight for Muslims.

The Day of Arafah is known as the day where if sought after, millions of Muslims’ sins are forgiven by Allah. Arafah is known as the day Allah perfected the religion of Islam. It is also momentous because it was the day an important verse of the Qur’an, Surah al Maa’idah 5:3, was revealed.

Should Muslims not making Hajj observe the Day of ‘Arafah? Yes. While Pilgrims do not fast on the Day of ‘Arafah, Muslims who are not making Hajj are strongly urged (in Islamic Law, fiqh, it is codified as mustaḥabb, highly desirable) to fast this day. The Prophet, God’s blessings and peace upon him, said of this act of worship, that is, fasting the Day of ‘Arafah for those not present at Hajj: “It atones for the sins of the preceding and coming year” (Muslim).