For non-pilgrims, it is strongly advised (mustahabb) to fast on the Day of Arafah to gain the Arafah fasting reward. According to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad {PBUH}, its greatest benefit is the forgiveness of small sins for two years: the year before and the year after.
Arafah fasting reward
Depending on the moon’s visibility, the Day of ‘Arafah, which falls on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, is predicted to occur on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. In the Islamic calendar, it is one of the most significant days.
On the Day of ‘Arafah, Allah (SWT) completed His religion, recognized Islam as a way of life, and bestowed bounties upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)! Insha’Allah.
This day is mentioned by Allah (SWT) in Surah al-Maidah of the Holy Qur’an.
Yawm Al-Waqf, or the Day of Standing, is another name for the Day of ‘Arafah because pilgrims stand in front of their Lord for extended periods of time, pleading for His Divine Mercy. The Arafah fasting reward is substantial; make an effort to accept it.
Principal Spiritual Benefits & Arafah fasting reward
- Expiation of Two Years of Sins: When asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah, the Prophet Muhammad {PBUH} said, “It expiates for the past and coming years.” (Muslim Sahih).
- Freedom from Hellfire: More servants are set free from the Hellfire on this day than on any other day of the year.
- Enhanced Mercy and Forgiveness: Believers can approach Eid with a revitalized spiritual condition since sins are forgiven.
Important Decisions
- Fasting is strongly advised (mustahabb) for non-pilgrims to get the Arafah fasting reward.
- For pilgrims: It is Sunnah not to fast during the Hajj in the plains of Arafah because the physical strain might make it difficult for them to carry out their rites and prayers.
What are the Day of ‘Arafah’s virtues?
For Muslims, the Arafah fasting reward is a very fortunate day with great spiritual importance.
We should make an effort to dedicate ourselves to Allah, turn to Him in prayer, and enhance our good acts, such as reading the Holy Qur’an and Salawat (salutations) upon the Prophet (PBUH), to maximize the benefits of the Day of ‘Arafah.
It’s also a moment to ask for forgiveness and to deepen our relationships with loved ones.
On the Day of ‘Arafah, we can get enormous benefits, forgiveness of our sins, and a closer relationship with God by fasting and engaging in acts of worship.
Reasons to make the most of this lucky day by fasting
You should fast on this fortunate day to gain the Arafah fasting reward for the following six reasons:
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It is the Islamic Year’s best day.
“The sins of the past and the upcoming year are atoned for by fasting on the day of Arafah.” (Muslim)
One of the best ways to worship Allah (SWT) is to fast. Another opportunity to contemplate and deepen your relationship with Allah (SWT), free from outside distraction,s is to fast on the Day of Arafah.
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The Islamic faith was completed on this day
“Today, I have perfected for you your religion, completed upon you My blessing and have approved for you Islam as your religion,” Allah (SWT) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). (Qur’an 5:3)
One method to commemorate this significant event is by fasting to get the Arafah fasting reward.
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It is the core of the Hajj
Without the auspicious travel to Mount Arafah, the Hajj rite would not be complete. “Hajj is Arafah,” said the Prophet (SAW). NASA’i You might renew your vow to Allah (SWT) and begin over by repenting on the Day of Arafah.
Shaytaan, who lured you to commit previous misdeeds, is vanquished by fasting on the Day of Arafah and confessing your transgressions.
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The Prophet (SAW) delivered his final sermon on this day
On Mount Arafah, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gave his parting speech. In addition to addressing racism, gender equality, and human rights, he encourages us to adhere to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
We can recall the words of the Prophet (SAW) by fasting.
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The day that souls are freed from Hell by Allah (SWT)
“There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafah,” said the Prophet (SAW). (Muslim)
You can concentrate on your prayers and ask for pardon and protection from Hellfire by fasting.
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It occurs when Allah (SWT) descends from the heavens
Allah (SWT) says to His angels, “My slaves have come to me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for my mercy, so if their sins are equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea, I will forgive them,” in reference to the residents of Arafah. So, my slaves, go forth! Forgive yourself for the things and people you have prayed for. (at Tabarani)
Dua on the Day of ‘Arafah
Virtues of Dhul Hijjah on the day of ‘Arafah, Muslims are urged to say the following Dua:
(لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ ، وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ ، وهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ)
Translation: (laa ilaaha ill-allaahu, waḥdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‛alaa kulli shay’in qadeer.)
Translation: Only Allah alone, without a companion, has the right to be worshipped. All glory and sovereignty go to Him, and He is all-powerful.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated:
“La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lahla hul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa ala kulli shayin qadeer” [Hadith | Tirmidhi] are the best words that I and the prophets before me have stated. The best prayer is made on the Day of ‘Arafah.
Is it accurate to say that two years of sins are forgiven by fasting on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, or “Arafah”?
Indeed, this is accurate. A narrative on the benefits of particular fasts has been reported by Imam Muslim (rahimahullah). This narrative contains the following words:
On the day of ‘Arafah, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was questioned about fasting. “(Fasting will) expiate the sins of the past and future year,” he retorted. (Hadith: 1162, Sahih Muslim)
Minor sins are mentioned in the aforementioned Hadith and other Hadiths of a similar type. For a person’s main misdeeds to be forgiven, they must make sincere tawbah. (See Al Minhaj of Imam Nawawi, Hadith: 2738).
Allah Ta’ala is the most knowledgeable.