By Dada Ahmed.
(C) Google.
(C). NAHCON.
(C) Arab news.
In the golden sands of Makkah, under the vast Arabian sky, there exists a day unlike any other, a day when the hearts of millions of Muslims rise in unison towards their Creator. This is the Day of Arafat, the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a day soaked in spirituality, draped in mercy, and crowned with forgiveness. For Muslims around the world, especially the pilgrims in Makkah, Arafat represents the peak of Hajj and the soul of submission.
Every year, Arafat Day is observed on the day preceding Eid al-Adh.
In the Islamic world, the significance of Arafat Day never wavers. On this day, pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat, a wide expanse just outside Makkah, in what is often described as a rehearsal for the Day of Judgment. Dressed in simple white garments, they stand, sit, and pray,some in tears, and humility, asking Allah for forgiveness, mercy, and guidance.
But why Arafat? What makes this place and time so extraordinary? History has it was on the Plain of Arafat that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his legendary Farewell Sermon, summarizing the essence of Islam: equality, justice, mercy, and faith. It was also the place where Allah perfected the religion of Islam, as mentioned in the Qur’an: “This day, I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you, Islam as your religion.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3).
On Arafat Day, the pilgrims are engaged in one of the most critical rites of Hajj: Wuquf,the standing at Arafat. It begins after noon prayer and continues until sunset. In this sacred time, pilgrims raise their hands to the heavens, tears flowing freely, hearts trembling in awe. There are no rituals, no slaughter, no circuits, just the soul meeting its Lord in intimate prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Hajj is Arafah,” underscoring that standing on Arafat is the essence of the pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, Muslims who are not performing Hajj also partake in this sacred day. They fast, seeking the immense reward promised by the Prophet: “Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim). It is a time for reflection, charity, supplication, and recommitting oneself to the path of righteousness. Whether at Arafat or miles away, the believer’s heart turns to Allah with hope and longing.
The Prophet,May Peace be on Him,said,”The best dua is the dua on the Day of Arafat.”
He enjoined pilgrims to say this prayer:”There is no deity worthy of workship except Allah,alone without partner. To Him belongs all praise and He has power over all things.”
The benefits of this prayer are enormous.
Whoever says this prayer 100 times in a day will have the reward equivalent to freeing 10 slaves, 100 good deeds will be recorded for him and 100 of his sins erased among other benefits.
Therefore, Arafat Day
is not just about rituals, it is about transformation. It teaches humility, reminding the pilgrims and the believers of their dependence on Allah’s mercy. It tears down the walls of pride and raises the soul towards the light of taqwa (God-consciousness). On this Day, the devil is said to be most humiliated, for he sees the forgiveness that Allah bestows on His servants in abundance.
Imagine standing among two million people, yet feeling as if you are the only one speaking to Allah. The sun begins to set, and a gentle breeze carries the whispers of a million prayers. That is the majesty of Arafat, a divine gathering, a summit of souls, a moment of eternal nearness. It is as if the gates of heaven open wide, and angels descend to record every word of repentance.
For pilgrims, the spiritual high of Arafat changes their lives forever. They emerge from that sacred plain not just with dust on their faces, but with light in their hearts. It marks the turning point of Hajj, from striving to submission, from struggle to serenity. From Arafat, the pilgrims move on to Muzdalifah, then Mina, but the spirit of Arafah stays with them forever.
Even those not in Makkah can feel its pull. On Arafat Day, mosques around the world are filled with worshippers whose hearts beat in unison with the pilgrims in Makkah. It’s a day that transcends borders, unites the ummah, and revives the faith of the forgotten heart.
The basic fact is that, when Arafat comes, whether a Muslim stands on that sacred plain or in a small prayer space at home, he or she must remember that he or she is not alone. Indeed,millions are with him or she in the midst of Angels and Allah, Most Merciful, is listening.
Therefore, Muslims, irrespective of where they are on Arat Day are urged to make the most use of the Day,for the Day of Arafat is not just a day, it is a divine appointment with.Almighty Allah for forgiveness of sin, blessing and protection among other benefits.
Meanwhile,Sources from NAHCON indicates that Nigerian pilgrims have arrived at the sacred plains of Arafah, where they will observe the pivotal Day of Arafah today.
The commission described Arafat Day as a profound connection with Allah SWT, reflection, unity, and divine mercy and wished all pilgrims a successful and rewarding Hajj, inshallah.
According to Arab news,more than 2 million pilgrims complete their journey to Mount Arafat for second day of Hajj.
Ahmed, who attended 1995 and 2019 Hajj, publishes The Reporters.
