Day of Arafah
16 - June 17, Sunday – Monday
The Significance of the Day
The Day of Arafat is associated with events in the life of the Prophet Muhammad. According to Islamic tradition, it was on this day on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia, during the Prophet's last pilgrimage, that his famous farewell message was delivered. In it, the Prophet said: "Today I have completed your religion for you, and I am pleased that you have accepted Islam as a religion."
For pilgrims who are in Mecca on this day, the Day of Arafat is the culmination of the Hajj. They gather on Mount Arafat, where they pray, ask for forgiveness from Allah, and ask for blessings for themselves and their loved ones. This is a day of repentance and prayer, when believers ask for forgiveness for their sins and seek spiritual purification.
Traditions and rituals
Pilgrimage to Mount Arafat. For Muslims in Mecca, this is the day of the most important rite of Hajj. Pilgrims spend the day on Mount Arafat in prayer and repentance, asking Allah for forgiveness and praying for their sins.
Fasting. For Muslims who do not participate in the Hajj, this day is also important and revered. Fasting is recommended on the Day of Arafat, since the Prophet Muhammad said that fasting on this day helps to wash away the sins of the previous and next year. This is not an obligatory fast, but it is highly desired and revered.
Prayers and repentance. On this day, Muslims all over the world pray, asking Allah for forgiveness, blessings and mercy. It is also a day of spiritual purification and renewal of faith.
Day of Good Deeds. The Day of Arafat is a time for Muslims to show kindness and mercy, help those in need, do good deeds and be grateful for everything that Allah has given.
The preceding holiday is Eid al-Adha. This day is a preparation for the most important Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), which falls on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah. It is associated with the willingness of Muslims to sacrifice for the sake of Allah, as did the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was ready to sacrifice his son in fulfillment of the will of Allah.
Day of Arafah in other years
Day of Arafah in other countries
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brunei
- Burkina Faso
- Chad
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Gambia
- Guinea
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mayotte
- Morocco
- Niger
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- UAE
- Uzbekistan
- Western Sahara
- Yemen