Summary
| Arafat Day 2024 Date (Arfa ka roza kab hai) | 9th Dhul Hijjah, 15th June 2024 in Saudia Arabia 16th June 2024 in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh |
| Best Time For Dua on Arafah | Between Asr and Maghrib (especially the last hour) |
| Best Dua for Arafat Day | لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ، وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ |
| Things to do on Arafat Day | – Fasting (click here for details of Arfa Roza) – Zikr – Dua – Tilawat e Quran |
I performed Hajj in 2022 for the first time in my life, and it was an overwhelming experience.
While the whole Hajj journey was like a dream for me, 9th Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, was the highlight of my whole Hajj journey.
I still get goosebumps thinking about that day. If someone asks me to describe Arafat Day in one word, I’d say the word “intense”.
From the moment you enter your camps in Arafat till sunset, it is a day of intense duas, crying, screaming, and just letting out every ounce of energy in your body to seek the forgiveness and pleasure of Allah SWT.
But once when this day ends, you experience unimaginable satisfaction, sukoon, and a renewed sense of spirituality. It is as a Hadith says that you’re like a newborn baby with no sins.
So, I’m this article, I’ll share my experiences from the Day of Arafat and try to give you a sense of what this amazing day looks like as a pilgrim.
In addition, I’ll also share the things you should do on Arafat Day even if you’re not performing Hajj.
Let’s get started.
What is Arafat Day (Arafah)?
Arafat Day, or Youm ul Arafah, holds immense significance in the Islamic calendar. It marks the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and the day before Eid al-Adha. The day is named after the plain of Arafat or Mount Arafat, located near Mecca, where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his final Hajj sermon, Khutba Hajjatul Wida.
As Prophet ﷺ is mentioned in Abu Dawood saying, “Hajj is Arafah,” underscoring the day’s importance in the completion of Hajj.
When Is Arafat Day 2024 Date (Youm e Arfa)?
Arafat Day falls on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is the most blessed day in The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah (Ashra e Zil Hajj)
In 2024, Arafat Day will be observed on Saturday, 15 June in Saudi Arabia.
Here is the expected date of Arafat Day in other countries with large Muslim populations
- Pakistan – 16 June
- India – 16 June
- Bangladesh – 16 June
- Indonesia – 15 June
- UAE – 15 June
The exact date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon, a tradition followed in Islam to determine the start of lunar months.
It is also important to remember that most scholars agree people should observe Arafat Day according to their region’s moon sighting, as the lunar Arafat Day date may differ in different regions. For example, Arafat Day in Pakistan may be observed one day after Saudi Arabia or UAE because of differences in moonsighting.
This is because the virtues of Arafat Day are bound to 9th Dhul Hijjah, not the presence of pilgrims in the Arafat plains, as some people believe.
Here’s more on this topic by renowned scholar Sheikh Assim (English)
Another prominent scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani explains why you should observe Arafah fast according to your local moonsighting (Urdu)
Is Arafat Day A Public Holiday?
Arafat Day (9th Zil Hajj) is a public holiday in many Muslim countries around the world because it’s a day of fasting, dua, zikr, and prayers.
In Saudi Arabia, the day of Arafah is a holiday because the Saudi government is busy managing the millions of Hajj pilgrims.
In countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, Arafat Day is a public holiday because it’s not only a day of great importance in Islam but also because the next day is Eid ul Azha when Muslims sacrifice animals (Qurbani) for the sake of Allah SWT.
So a holiday on Arafat Day gives people a chance to visit the cattle markets (usually on the outskirts of the cities) to purchase their sacrificial animals.
Here are some of the countries where Arafat Day is a public holiday for all government and private institutions.
- Afghanistan
- Bahrain
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Morocco
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
Several non-muslim countries allow Muslims to observe a holiday on Arafat Day because of its importance.
Why Is Arafat Day Important In Hajj?
On Arafat Day, millions of Muslims gather on the plain of Arafat to participate in the most crucial ritual of Hajj, the standing (Wuquf). They spend the day in prayer, repentance, and supplication, recalling the farewell sermon of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
As per the Quran, 2:198, “But when you depart from ‘Arafat, remember Allah at al- Mash’ar al-Haram. And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray.”
A detailed Hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad describes the importance of Arafat day
عَنْ جَابِرٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أَفْضَلُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ أَيَّامِ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ هُنَّ أَفْضَلُ أَمْ عِدَّتُهُنَّ جِهَادًا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ قَالَ هُنَّ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ عِدَّتِهِنَّ جِهَادًا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَمَا مِنْ يَوْمٍ أَفْضَلُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ يَنْزِلُ اللَّهُ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا فَيُبَاهِي بِأَهْلِ الْأَرْضِ أَهْلَ السَّمَاءِ فَيَقُولُ انْظُرُوا إِلَى عِبَادِي شُعْثًا غُبْرًا ضَاحِينَ جَاءُوا مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ يَرْجُونَ رَحْمَتِي وَلَمْ يَرَوْا عَذَابِي فَلَمْ يُرَ يَوْمٌ أَكْثَرُ عِتْقًا مِنَ النَّارِ مِنْ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ
3853 صحيح ابن حبان كتاب الحج ذكر رجاء العتق من النار
Hazrat Jabir reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “No days are better to Allah than the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.” A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, are they better or time spent waging jihad in the way of Allah?” The Prophet said, “They are better than time spent waging jihad in the way of Allah. No day is better to Allah than the day of Arafat. Allah descends to the lowest heaven and He boasts to the inhabitants of the heavens about the inhabitants of the earth, saying: Look at My servants, appearing disheveled and dusty. They came from every mountain pass hoping for My mercy. They do not see My punishment, yet they do not see that on no day are more saved from Hellfire than the day of Arafat.”
In short, Arafat is the heart of Hajj because this is when the pilgrims completely submit themselves to Allah SWT under open sky to seek His mercy. This is why most scholars agree that if a person only spends a few moments in the plains of Arafat on 9th Dhul Hijjah, his Hajj would be valid (with a few conditions).
What Is Maidan e Arafat?
Maidan e Arafat, also known as the plain of Arafat, is a vast desert plain located about 20 kilometers east of central Mecca. As per the Quran, 22:27, “And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.”
This site is where millions of Hajj pilgrims gather to perform the Wuquf, the most critical ritual of Hajj, signifying unity, equality, and submission to Allah (SWT).
However, the Saudi government has developed Arafat into a modern city area with wide roads and complexes. On the day of Arafah, thousands of luxurious tents are set up in Arafat where pilgrims start arriving on the night of 8th Dhul Hijjah and stay till the sunset of 9th Dhul Hijjah.
But they’ve left a small portion of the original Arafat plains because of its symbolic importance as it includes the Jabl e Rehmat, the mountain where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his final Hajj sermon.
Maidan e Arafat Location
The Maidan e Arafat is situated near Mecca in the western Saudi Arabian province of Makkah. It encompasses Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Rahmah, where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stood to deliver his final sermon.
Here’s the exact location of Arafat Ground (Maidan e Arafat) on Google Maps.
What Is Mount Arafat (Jable Rehmat)?
Mount Arafat, also known as Jable Rehmat (Mountain of Mercy), is a granite hill rising from the plain of Arafat. It’s a significant landmark within the Maidan e Arafat, marking the place where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his last sermon.
What Happens On The Day Of Arafat?
9th Dhul Hijjah begins after the sunset of 8th Dhul Hijjah. However, the virtues of Arafah begin as soon as the Zuhr prayer time starts on 9th Dhul Hijjah.
Because of the large crowd, many Hajj Pilgrims are transported from their Mina camps to Arafat, one night before the 9th Dhul Hijjah. However, most pilgrims start moving to Arafat after offering Fajr Namaz in Mina.
Arafat Day is marked by intense prayer, supplication, and reflection. Pilgrims spend the day standing in the plain of Arafat, reciting prayers and asking for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, a ritual known as Wuquf.
Many also engage in the recitation of the Holy Quran, seek repentance for their sins (Istighfar), and make Du’a for themselves and their loved ones. The significance of this day in Hajj is so profound that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said,
مَا مِنْ يَوْمٍ أَكْثَرَ مِنْ أَنْ يُعْتِقَ اللَّهُ فِيهِ عَبْدًا مِنَ النَّارِ مِنْ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ
“There is no day when Allah sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of Arafat” (Muslim, 1348).
The other significant part of Arafat Day is the official Hajj sermon (khutba) delivered by the Imam of Hajj in Masjid e Nimra, located inside Arafat.
Pilgrims and Muslims worldwide listen to the Hajj Khutba live on TV channels, radio, and online broadcasting services.
What To Do On The Day Of Arafat?
Once the day of Arafah arrives, you must be ready to make the most of these priceless moments and seek Allah SWT mercy and pleasure in the following ways. Apart from remaining in the state of Wudu as long as possible, do the following.
Arafat Day Fasting
The Day of Arafat holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims, both for Hajj pilgrims and those not on the pilgrimage. One of the key observances on this day is fasting, which carries great merit and reward.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was reported to have said, “Fasting on the Day of Arafat absolves the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year.” This Hadith highlights the profound impact fasting on this day can have on a person’s spiritual journey, offering them a chance at redemption and renewal.
To learn more about this topic, read our detailed article on Arafat Day fasting.
Arafat Day Niyat
Niyat, or the intention, is the first step to any act of worship in Islam. On Arafat Day, the pilgrims make their Niyat for the Wuquf, intending to stand in the plain of Arafat for the sake of Allah and seek His pleasure.
Just making the intention (niyat) for Arafah is enough. There’s no specific dua or verse to recite on this occasion. So, you can simply ask Allah SWT to give you the true blessings and virtues of this day, help you perform the actions that please Him, and avoid sins.
Make Excessive Dua In Wuquf e Arafah
Wuquf, the standing on Arafat, is a time for making excessive Dua. Pilgrims raise their hands and pour out their hearts in supplication, seeking forgiveness for past sins and guidance for the future. Dua is the essence of Arafat Day so spend as much time as possible in dua.
Since the purpose of Arafah is to show your weakness to Allah SWT and seek His mercy, scholars recommend making Dua loudly while weeping and crying. Do not feel ashamed to scream and cry on this day, as this is what you’ve come here to do.
This is the way of the Sahaba, as they used to scream, wail, cry, and make duas loudly on the Arafat day.
If tears don’t come to your eyes or you don’t feel like crying, make a crying face as this was also the way of the Sahaba and something Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recommended in a hadith.
ابْكُوا فَإِنْ لَمْ تَجِدُوا بُكَاءً فَتَبَاكَوْ (3328 المحدث الألباني)
Translation: Weep! If you do not find yourself weeping, then feign weeping.
Best Dua for Arafat Day – Arafat Dua in Arabic
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The best of dua is the dua on the day of Arafat” (Tirmidhi, 3585). Although there are numerous Duas that can be recited, one of the most common is the Dua of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
Arabic Dua of Arafah
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ، وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
English Translation
“There is no deity but Allah, alone, without a partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and to Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death, and He has power over all things.” (Tirmidhi, 3383)
Transliteration
“La Ilaha Illallah, Wah Dahu La Shareeka Lah, Lahul Mulku, Walahul Hamdu, Wa Hua Ala Kulli Shaee In Qadeer”
The Best Time To Make Dua On Arafat Day
The entire day of Arafat, starting from Zuhr, is considered a blessed time for Dua. However, the best time is believed to be in the late afternoon, an hour before the sunset. This period, known as the time of “the acceptance of Dua,” is when Allah’s mercy is at its peak.
The Best Place For Hajis To Make Dua On Arafah
The entire plain of Arafat is a place of blessing and acceptance of Dua, but many pilgrims strive to make their prayers near Mount Arafat, as this is where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stood to deliver his final sermon.
However, due to the huge crowds around Mount Arafat, and the scorching heat in Mecca, it is better for pilgrims to find an isolated spot under the shadow of a tree near their camps in Arafat.
Make Excessive Zikr Of Allah SWT On Arafah
Apart from making Dua, Arafat Day is also a time for excessive Zikr, the remembrance of Allah. Pilgrims engage in Tasbeeh (glorifying Allah), Tahmeed (praising Allah), Tahleel (declaring Allah’s Oneness), and Takbeer (magnifying Allah).
Here are some zikr and tasbeehat you can read.
1- سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ وَ بِحَمْدِهِ ، سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ الْعَظِيمِ
(Glory be to Allah, and Praise, Glory be to Allah, the Supreme)
2- سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ ، والْحَمْدُللّهِ ، وَ لا اِلهَ اِلَّا اللّهُ ، وَ اللّهُ اَكْبَرُ ، وَ لا حَوْلَ وَ لا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللّهِ
(Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, There is no might or any power Except with Allah)
3- لا اِلهَ اِلَّا اللّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَ هُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
(There is No God But Allah Alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the raise, and He is Able to do all things)
4- سُبْحـانَ اللهِ وَبِحَمْـدِهِ عَدَدَ خَلْـقِه ، وَرِضـا نَفْسِـه ، وَزِنَـةَ عَـرْشِـه ، وَمِـدادَ كَلِمـاتِـه
Translation: Glory is to Allah and praise is to Him, by the multitude of his creation, by His Pleasure, by the weight of His Throne, and by the extent of His Words.
5- اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ عَلَى نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ
Translation: O Allah, send prayers/blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad.
6- اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّى لاَ إِلهَ إِلاَ أَنْتَ ، خَلَقْتَنِى وَ أنَا عَبْدُكَ وَ أنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ ما اسْتَطَعْتُ ، أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِ مَا صَنَعْت ، أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَىَّ وَ أبُوءُ بِذَنْبى فَاغْفِرْ لِى فإِنَّهُ لاَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Translation: O Allah! You are my Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but You. You created me and I am Your slave, and I am faithful to my covenant and my promise as much as I can. I seek refuge with You from all the evil I have done. I acknowledge before You all the blessings You have bestowed upon me, and I confess to You all my sins. So I entreat You to forgive my sins, for nobody can forgive sins except You.
Recite The Holy Quran
Reciting the Holy Quran is another virtuous act performed by the pilgrims. It’s an opportunity to draw closer to Allah, gain wisdom, and attain tranquility.
What surah to recite on the day of Arafat? [H4]
While any part of the Quran can be recited, many choose to recite Surah Al-Baqara, particularly the verses related to Hajj, and Surah Al-Ikhlas, which emphasizes the Oneness of Allah.
Perform Nafil Namaz
Pilgrims also engage in Nafil Namaz, or voluntary prayers, during the day. While these prayers aren’t obligatory, they represent an act of devotion and are highly recommended on this special day.
After Wuquf: Move to Muzdalifah
As sunset approaches, pilgrims leave Arafat for Muzdalifah without offering the Maghrib (sunset) prayer. It’s a tradition based on the Prophet’s ﷺ practice, symbolizing the journey from repentance and purification in Arafat to gathering strength in Muzdalifah. The Quranic verse, 2:198, provides guidance for this phase of Hajj: “Then depart from the place from where [all] the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Youm e Arfa Ki Fazilat, Dua, Ehmiyat, Aur Aamaal (Urdu & Hindi)
Youm e Arfa yani Arafat ka din Islami saal kay mubarak tareen dino main se aik hai. Is din Hujjaj Ikram lakho ki tadad main Arafat kay maidan main jama hotay hain aur Hajj ka rukn e azam Wuquf e Arafa ada kartay hain.
Is liye jo log hajj nahi bhi kar rahay unko bhi chahye ke woh is din ko intihaee ehtimam ke sath guzaray, is main khoob ibadat aur zikr o azkaar karain, aur apni aur tamam ummat ke liye dua mangay.
Arfa Ka Din Konsa Hai 2024
Arfa ka din 9th Zil Hajj ko hota hai jo is saal Pakistan aur India main 16 June 2024 ko ha. Is din Roza rakhne ki itni fazilat hai ke Rasoolullah ﷺ ne farmaya ke Arfa ka roza rakhne walay ke guzishta aur ainda saal kay gunah muaaf ho jatay hain.
Is liye is rozay ka khaas ehtimam karna chahye.
Arafat Ka Maidan
Arafat ka maidan Mecca mukarrama main waqae hai jahan laakho Haji youm e arfa kay din khulay asman ke neechay apne rab se girgira kar duae mangtay hain
Arfa Ki Dua
Youm e Arfa dua ke liye behtreen moqa aur waqt hai. Is din jo jo khwahish dil main ho apne rab ke samnay mangni chahye. Khaas tor par apne gunaho pe nadamat ke sath toba karni chahye.
Yom e Arfa main Rasulullah ﷺ se sirf aik dua sahi hadith se sabit hai. Woh ye hai.
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ، وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Is dua ka ehtimam to karna hi chahye kyu ke is main Allah ki baraee bayan ki gaee hai. Is main koi cheez mangi nahi gaee, sirf Allah ki tareef hai takay Allah Taala khush hokar apni shaan ke mutabiq khud hi sab kuch ata farma day
Lekin is ke alawa bhi apne tamam jaiz dunyavi maqasid ke liye Arafat ke din khoob duae maingni chahye kyu ke ye qubuliyat e dua ka behtreen moqa hai, khaas tor pe maghrib se aik ghanta pehle.
Arfa Kay Rozay Ki Tafseel Key Liye Yahan Click Karain
Arfa Ke Din Ke Aamaal
Arfa ke din ki koi makhsoos ibadat nahi blakay nawafil, zikr o azkaar aur dua ka ehtimam karna chahye. Kuch amaal aye hai jo ap kar sakte hain
- Arfa ke din roza rakhay (ghair Haji)
- Pura din ba wazu rehne ki koshish karain
- Mumkin ho to Zuhr se pehle Salatul Tasbeeh ki namaz parh lain
- Namaz e Zuhr ke baad 2 rakat salatul toba aur Salatul Hajat parh lain
- Is kay baad 100 martaba Durood e Ibrahimi ya koi doosra durood sharif parhay
- Is ke baad kalima tayyiba La Ilaha Illallah 100 martaba parh lain
- Is ke baad quran e kareem ki tilawat karain (surah rahman, yaseen, ya jo surah dil chahay)
- Is ke baad jitni dair mumkin ho khoob girgira kar Allah Taala se dua mangay
- Apne gunaho ka aitraf karain aur dunya o akhirat ki aafyat aur khair mangay
- Thak jae to kuch dair aram kar lain lekin uske baad dubara dua main lag jae.
- Khaas tor par Maghrib 1 ghanta pehle mutawajja ho jae aur khoob dua karain kyu ke ye qubuliyat ka waqt hai
- Maghrib kay waqt tak dua o ibadat karain aur phir Roza iftaar karain.