Arafat Day Fasting: Virtues, Rewards, and How to Fast on This Day

Arafat Day fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual acts a Muslim can commit beyond Ramadan. It’s a chance to wash away two years of sins, connect deeply with Allah, and be part of one of the holiest days in Islam.

In this article, you’ll discover the goodness, advantages, and step-by-step guide on how to best utilize this holy day.

What Is the Day of Arafat in Islam?

The Day of Arafat is significant in Islam, particularly for Muslims who want to learn about why Arafat day fasting is important. The Day of Arafat takes place on the 9th day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar, only one day ahead of Eid al-Adha.

This sacred day is the ultimate of Hajj, as tens of millions of pilgrims meet on the Arafat plain to witness one of the most important pilgrims’ rituals, standing in supplication, reflection, and prayer.

Even for others who are not performing Hajj, fasting on the day of Arafat is a very fulfilling act of devotion. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized its benefits by stating that fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous as well as the coming year.

This offers a golden opportunity for Muslims around the world to purify their hearts and reaffirm their intentions by fasting.

Explore the beauty of the sacred months with our Sacred Months in Islam program offered by Scholars from Al-Azhar, Egypt!

Virtues of Fasting on the Day of Arafah

Arafat day fasting is one of the most religiously satisfying acts a Muslim can perform besides Ramadan. It’s a way to attain Allah’s forgiveness, multiply your good deeds, and draw closer to Allah.

The Day Allah Swore By in the Qur’an

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“By the witnessing day [Friday] and by the witnessed day [the Day of Arafah].” (Surah Al-Buruj, 85:3)

The majority of scholars explained “the witnessed day” as the Day of Arafah in this surah. It is a religious reference illustrating how greatly blessed this day in Islam is such that Arafat day fasting a chance for piety every believer cannot help but seize.

A Hadith Guaranteeing Forgiveness Within Two Years

One of the most well-known Arafat day fasting hadiths is narrated by Abu Qatadah (رضي الله عنه), who reported the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim, 1162)

There are more than 10 importance of fasting in Islam, imagine being pardoned for sins committed over a period of two years, simply by fasting one day. Such is the reward reserved for non-pilgrims, making Arafat day fasting more significant for non-Haj pilgrims.

The Day Islam Was Perfected

Another intense virtue of the Day of Arafah is that it is the day Islam was perfected. Allah revealed:

“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)

This blessed event gives added significance to Arafat day fasting as Muslims reflect on the beauty, completeness, and Godly mercy embedded in their faith.

A Day of Freedom from the Hellfire

The Prophet ﷺ also stated:

“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Hellfire than the Day of Arafah.” (Sahih Muslim)

This makes fasting on the day of Arafat not only a worship but also a plea for safety and mercy. Fasting, dua, and asking for forgiveness on this sacred day get one access to spiritual rebirth and salvation.

Who Should Fast on the Day of Arafat?

Arafat day fasting is an excellent Sunnah for all Muslims except those on Hajj. While pilgrims have some rituals to carry out during the day, non-pilgrims are blessed to fast and gain tremendous spiritual rewards.

Arafat day fasting has been recommended by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for non-pilgrims. According to Abu Qatadah (رضي الله عنه), he ﷺ said:

“Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim, 1162)

The Quran about fasting states its importance for Muslims. Fasting is for all others except the pilgrims, for whom it is not advised to fast as they need all their strength to be used up by the difficult rituals, especially standing at Arafat (Wuquf), which constitutes the essence of pilgrimage.

So, if you’re not in Makkah doing Hajj, Arafat day fasting is for you—whether you’re a student, working professional, stay-at-home parent, or just someone who’s trying to get closer to Allah. It’s a simple but powerful way to renew your connection with your religion.

How to Fast on the Day of Arafat

Arafat Day fasting is a simple yet powerful act of worship that anybody can perform, no complex rituals, just pure intention and commitment. This is how to maximize your fast on this holy day:

1. Define a Clear Intention

Similarly to any act of devotion, begin your Arafat day fasting with a clear intention. You need not say it verbally; simply resolve in your heart the previous evening or before dawn (Fajr) that you are fasting for Allah to earn His reward on this sacred day.

2. Eat Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)

Begin your Arafat day fasting with a healthy suhoor, preferably consumed prior to Fajr. Although not mandatory, suhoor is a Sunnah and contains barakah (blessings). Even a water sip will suffice as suhoor if time is tight.

3. Do Not Waste Time

While fasting, involve yourself in acts of worship such as prayer, dhikr (mentioning of Allah), reading the Qur’an, and doing sincere dua. Since Arafat Day fasting has enormous spiritual rewards, try to refrain from distractions, disputes, or anything that may compromise your fast.

4. Do Much Dua Especially before Maghrib

The Day of Arafah, which is known as the Day Dua, is most likely to be accepted. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)

Even though you are not present physically at the plains of Arafat, Arafat day fasting enables you to join spiritually. Use spare time before Maghrib to make personal, sincere duas for forgiveness, righteousness, and anything you desire in this world and the Hereafter.

5. Break Your Fast with Gratitude

At sunset (Maghrib), break your Arafat day fasting with dates and water, as practiced by the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Spare a moment to thank Allah for granting you the opportunity to fast and witness this holy day.

With the help of Ulum Al-Azhar Academy, you can learn Quran recitation with tajweed. You can easily join the private tutoring at Private Tadarus Al-Quran & Recitation with Ijazah, where you learn and practice Quran recitation with a professional and expert Quran tutor from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.

Conclusion

Arafat Day fasting is a golden opportunity for every Muslim to be forgiven, draw closer to Allah, and commemorate one of the most sacred days in Islam. With its unmatched spiritual rewards and the potential of having two years of sins erased, this simple act of devotion carries significant weight.

Don’t let the blessings slip away, make the intention, fast sincerely, and have this day draw you closer to Jannah

Book a Free Consultation session and start learning!  

FAQs

1. What is Arafat day fasting?

Arafat day fasting is the voluntary fast observed on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, offering forgiveness for sins of the previous and coming year.

2. Who should fast on the Day of Arafat?

All Muslims not performing Hajj are encouraged to fast on Arafat Day to gain its spiritual rewards.

3. Is Arafat day fasting mandatory?

No, Arafat day fasting is highly recommended (Sunnah), but not obligatory.

4. What are the benefits of Arafat day fasting?

It expiates sins for two years and brings immense spiritual reward and closeness to Allah.

5. Can women fast on the Day of Arafat?

Yes, women can observe Arafat day fasting if they are not menstruating or postpartum.

6. What should I do in addition to fasting?

Along with Arafat day fasting, engage in prayer, dua, dhikr, and reading Qur’an for maximum reward.

7. Can I fast if I missed suhoor?

Yes, you can still fast even if you missed suhoor, as long as you made the intention before Fajr.