Fasting on The Day of Arafah

The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace upon him, was asked about fasting on The Day of ‘Arafah. (He, prayers and peace upon him, replied): Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah is an expiation of last year’s and next year’s sins.’ [Collected by Muslim/#1162]

What is ‘Arafah?

Arafah is a well-known place related to the rites of Ḥajj, and standing at ‘Arafah is a pillar of Hajj (i.e. it is something that the pilgrim must do). The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Hajj is ‘Arafah.’

What is The Day of ‘Arafah?

The Day of ‘Arafah is the ninth of Thul Ḥijjah according to the Islamic calendar. It has been named The Day of ‘Arafah because it is the day when all pilgrims stand at ‘Arafah.

If a Muslim is performing Ḥajj, does he or she fast The Day of ‘Arafah?:

Ṣaliḥ al-Fawzan wrote: Prophetic guidance teaches us that it is not recommended for a pilgrim standing at ‘Arafah (i.e. performing Ḥajj) to fast. This is because the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace upon him, did not fast while standing at ‘Arafah. The reason that he, prayers and peace upon him, did not fast is so that he would have strength to stand and supplicate whilst at ‘Arafah.

So, it is not from the way of the Prophet for a pilgrim to fast on The Day of ‘Arafah. Rather, from his way is not to fast on that day (i.e. if one is a pilgrim performing Ḥajj).

When is The Day of ‘Arafah?:

As mentioned in the beginning of this article, The Day of ‘Arafah is the ninth day of Thul ‘Ḥijjah according to the Islamic calendar.

May Allah, The Most High, grant all of the pilgrims a successful and accepted Ḥajj, and may He, The Most High, grant those who haven’t been given the opportunity to make Ḥajj the chance to do so in the near future. Indeed, He is the One able to answer our supplications.