Arefe Day: How to Value One of Zilhijjah’s Most Virtuous Days?
Arefe Day, which falls within the first ten virtuous days of the month of Zilhijjah, holds a special significance for Muslims. What are the ways to benefit from spiritual abundance through the recommended worship and prayers performed on this blessed day?
According to a narration from Ibn Abbas (r.a.), the Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
“There is no deed that Allah loves more, in terms of righteous deeds done in any other days – referring to the first ten days of Zilhijjah – than the righteous deeds done in these days.”
– Do not even acts of striving (jihad) in the way of Allah surpass this? they asked.
“(Yes), even striving in the way of Allah is superior. But the striving of one who exerts his wealth and life, and does not return [as a martyr] is even greater,” he replied. (Bukhari, Ideyn 11; Abu Dawud, Sawm 61; Tirmidhi, Sawm 52; Ibn Majah, Siyam 39)
What is Arefe Day?
The day before Eid al-Adha (the 9th day of the month of Zilhijjah) is called “Arefe.” Muslims who are going for Hajj perform the ritual of standing in Arafat, which is one of the pillars of Hajj, on this day. Therefore, it is called “Arefe Day.”
Arefe Day is a time for supplication and entreaty. Allah Almighty loves being supplicated to and seeking forgiveness. The Prophet (s.a.w.) indicated that Allah Almighty releases more servants from Hell on this day than any other, giving glad tidings to the Muslim Ummah.
This glad tiding demonstrates the virtue of Arefe Day. Some scholars have even held the view that “Arefe Day is the most virtuous of days.”
Prayers and Worship to be Performed on Arefe Day
The first nine days of Zilhijjah are among the important and virtuous days in Islam. Fasting is recommended (Sunnah) during these days – except for those performing the standing in Arafat during Hajj.
The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
“There is no more valuable deed than the righteous deeds done in these ten days.” (Abu Dawud, Sawm, 61 [2437-2438]) and spent the first nine days of Zilhijjah fasting.
Arefe Day, which is the ninth day of Zilhijjah, holds a special significance. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said about the fast on this day:
“I hope that the fast observed on the Day of ‘Arafa will be an expiation for the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Muslim, Siyam, 196-197 [1162])
Furthermore, it is obligatory for every Muslim, male and female, to recite the Takbirat al-Tasriq (Takbir of Sacrifice) once after each obligatory prayer from the morning prayer on Arefe Day until the afternoon prayer on the fourth day of Eid.
Fasting
It is Sunnah to fast on Arefe Day. Those who have not gone for Hajj can fast on this blessed day. However, it is not appropriate for those present in Arafat for the Hajj rite to fast. (Nasai, Hajj; Ibn Majah, Siyam, 1732)
According to a narration from Abu Katada (r.a.), when the virtue of fasting on Arefe Day was asked from the Prophet (s.a.w.), he said:
“The fast observed on the Day of ‘Arafa expiates for the sins of [the past] year and [the coming] year.” (Muslim, Siyam, 196–197)
Making Supplications
Righteous scholars have recommended reciting the following supplication on Arefe Day:
The Prophet (s.a.w.) used to recite the following most often on Arefe Day:
لَا اِلٰهَ اِلاَّ اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ. لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ بِيَدِهِ الْخَيْرُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
“La ilahe illellahü vahdehü la şerike leh, Lehül mülkü ve lehül hamdü biyedihil hâyrû vehüve alâ külli şey’in kadîr.”
“There is no god but Allah, alone, without any partner. His is the sovereignty and to Him belongs all praise. All good is in His hand, and He is able to do all things.”
Reciting the Takbirat al-Tasriq
From the morning prayer on Arefe Day until the afternoon prayer on the fourth day of Eid, the Takbirat al-Tasriq is recited once after each obligatory prayer, whether performed alone or in congregation:
اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَرُ اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَرُ لۤا اِلاَّهَ اِلاَّ اللّٰهُ وَاللّٰهُ اَكْبَرُ اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَرُ وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ
“Allahu akbar Allahu ekber. Lâ ilâhe İllallahu vallahu ekber. Allahu ekber wa lillâhil hamd.” This Takbir is obligatory for every Muslim, male and female, imam and congregation, resident or visitor.
The meaning of the Takbir is:
“Allah is greater than everything, Allah is greater than everything. There is no god but Allah, Allah is greater than everything. Allah is greater than everything, all praise belongs to Allah.”
Visiting Graves
Righteous scholars have not neglected visiting graves on Arefe Day or Eid days.
The Prophet (s.a.w.) both visited graves himself and encouraged his Ummah in this regard. As he said:
“…Whoever wants to visit the graves, let him visit [them]. For visiting graves reminds us of the Hereafter.” (Tirmidhi, Janaza, 60)
Giving Charity
The needy should be looked after and made happy during these blessed days.
In the Age of Prophethood, Eids were celebrated with spending, generosity, and charity. The true joy of Eid was possible by bringing hope to sad hearts.
According to a narration from Abu Huraira (r.a.), the Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
“Whoever gives charity from his lawful earning even a date’s worth – and Allah does not accept anything but that which is lawful – then Allah accepts it and increases it for him as much as a mountain.”
Seeking Forgiveness and Making Supplications
The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
“Allah Almighty releases more servants from Hell on the Day of ‘Arafa than any other day.” (Muslim, Hajj 436)
Amr bin Shu’ayb (r.a.) narrated from his father, who narrated from his grandfather that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
“The most favored supplications are those made on Arefe Day.”
Reflecting
Arefe Day is a virtuous period of time to be spent in reflection. Muslims who perform the Hajj rite stand in Arafat. Arafat reminds one of the Day of Judgment and the reckoning; one should reflect on being resurrected from the grave, gathering, and being held accountable.
Furthermore, remembering the trial of Ibrahim (a.s.) and Ismail (a.s.) with sacrifice and preparing for this atmosphere of submission is also among the behaviors appropriate to the spirit of Arefe Day.