The Day of Arafah (Arabic: Yawm al-Rabbi) is an Islamic special day that falls on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. It’s the twenty-first day of Ramadan, the Islamic month of Ramadan and the climax of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Many scholars believe that Day of Arafah was originally created by a prophet who was a great prophet, and his words were meant to be preserved and not translated into scripture, therefore it was created as a special religious day. In fact, Muslims consider any other religion’s sacred days sacred, as long as those other religions aren’t practicing witchcraft.
When The Day of Arafah 2021?
The Day of Arafah was created by a scholar named Muqaddimah b. al-Araf, and he explained the creation of Day of Arafah to his master, ‘O Allah, make me your messenger and a shield over my people against their enemy; fulfill my desire in your own self to be a spreader of Islam in conquering nations whom you have threatened with evil, and that they be obedient to your will and your religion.’ (Treatise on the Day of Arafah, page xvi.)
- Year > 2021
- Date > 18 & 19 July
- Weekday > Sunday & Monday
History of the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah was started by Muqaddimah, when he went to Mecca to carry out his intent. Once at the mosque, he stood before the mosque and prayed to Allah, reciting the quraish (Koran) with his hands while narrating the stories of the companions of prophet Muhammad (SAW), and being answered by the holy congregation. The sound of voices of hundreds of arafas or monks resounded in the area and this was the signal for all the monks gathered in prayer. When the leader of the pilgrims got down from his horse, all the areas gathered around him and repeated the call for prayer, till the heaven and earth replied in Amen.
The Day of Arafah is considered to expiate the past sins of a Muslim by all Muslim pilgrims, who are also called “alama Rabbina” or “emirs”. Muslims believe that by performing the action of visiting the mausoleum every day, they are purifying themselves and purifying the past, in which they were wronged by the unbelievers, who did not believe in Allah. By doing this, they say that all the past sins will be purged and they will be enlightened with the knowledge of right conduct and how to deal with others rightly.
The Day of Arafah’ Activities
The Day of Arafah also highlights the theme that forgiveness is a key component of Islam. All Muslims, when doing harm, karam, darbars and any other kind of worshiping Allah, have to make sure that they show the utmost modesty. This shows the world and their oppressors that the Muslim way of life is to always forgive others, so that their blessings may spread all over the world.
God’s power is so powerful that even if someone is committing a sin against him or her, or the religion of Islam, the believers still have to pray for them and ask for forgiveness, so that their deeds may benefit all believers.
The Day of Arafah Observance
Every year, thousands of Muslims from all parts of Pakistan, India, Kashmir and other South Asian countries to come to the city of Mecca to partake in the annual Day of Arafah. During the Day of Arafah, all Muslims around the world fast until they reach the masjid (mosque) at Al-Balad, the biggest mosque in Islam. They then proceed to Al-abad, another mosque and continue the fast. This is one of the three most important annual pilgrimages in the Islamic calendar. The third and final destination of Al-abad is the holy city of Mecca, which is located two hundred and sixty-five kilometres away from Arafat by car.
During the Day of Arafah, all Muslims who are able to reach Al-Balad and Al-abad, must take part in the fasting ritual. The purpose of this is to wash away all sins from past wrongdoings and to invite the divine presence. Once all sins are washed away, the journey to Al Islamabad will be completed and the believers will be able to say goodbye to their loved ones, before welcoming them back to the earth, after performing dharma (pleasure prayer) for each other on the coming year.
The ninth day of Ramadan is known as Dhul-Haj or the night of judgement. It is believed by followers of Islamic holidays that the Night of Arafah will herald the end of Ramadan and the start of a new Muslim calendar. The Night of judgement is also called the Night of Power and it is considered a time when the will of Allah is most manifest. In Islamic belief, the coming of caliphs, the leaders of mosques will herald the coming of a new Islamic calendar, following the caliph’s death.
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