What is the significance of the Day of ‘Arafāh?
The Day of ‘ArafÄh is one of the holiest days in Islam. It is the Day when pilgrims from all around the world meet at Mina, stand on Mount Arafat and offer their prayers to Allah together before they disperse back to their homes.
The Day of ‘ArafÄh is also known as Day of Gathering or Day of Congregation. It occurs during Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the last month in the Islamic calendar. This Day has a great significance in Islam because it symbolizes Muslims asking for forgiveness and repentance and turning back to Allah again after months spent indulging themselves in sins (nawÄfil). The Day of ‘ArafÄh reminds Muslims that human beings cannot achieve success in this life without the help of Allah, and that is why they should beg for mercy from Him. ArafÄh also symbolizes Muslims returning to Allah again after being away from their families during the Hajj season.
Muslims must gather on the Day of ‘Arafah at Mount Arafat (which lies between Mina and Muzdalifah) – a place identified with an event in Prophet Muhammad’s life. After spending Tashriq days worshipping, they come here, remembering Allah and seeking forgiveness for their wrongdoings throughout the year. This Day is regarded as one when God comes closer to His servants than any other day of the entire year.
Pilgrims spend all Day here confessing their sins, asking forgiveness from Allah and making amends. Day of Arafat is one of the most important days in Islam as it is on this Day, Muslims can achieve salvation by doing righteous deeds, saying prayers, and seeking repentance for their sins.
A pilgrim must accomplish one of the things while on the Day of Arafah makes arrangements for freeing slaves. Prophet Muhammad forbade people from possessing others. Therefore Muslims are encouraged to free their fellow brothers or sisters from enslavement if they can afford to do so; those who cannot fast two consecutive months instead. This Day has been mentioned in Quran several times: 2: “The Day of Arafah” And remember We made the House (Kaaba at Makkah) a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take you (people) the Maqam (place, square) of Ibraheem as a place on which Allah has permitted to His Prophet and the Pious Caliphs–and make Maqam on that Day (of Arafah exclusively dedicated to Allah’s remembrance)”
(Quran: Chapter 2: Al-Baqarah, Verse 127) Also mentioned in: “And keep up prayer and command what is and forbid what is evil; and He it is Who makes you successors in the land. Are some of you opposed to others? Then he whom Allah chooses from among you will be an enemy to those opposed to him. But if you are patient, it will be better for both of you. Therefore, be Allah Has chosen from among you as Caliphs and has made them successors in the earth; then whoever rebels against the command of his Caliph…so strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.” (Quran: Chapter 48: At-Taubah, Verse 24).
Give Qurbani in the name of ALLAH.
