FASTING THE DAY OF ’ARAFAH:
The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is the Day of ’Arafah, since it is on this Day the pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of ’Arafah, praying and supplicating to their Lord. In fact, one hadeeth says that ‘Hajj is Arafah’. This means Arafah is the sum and substance of Hajj.
It is mustahabb (highly recommended) for those who are not pilgrims to fast on this day, since the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on the day of ’Arafah, so he said,
“It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Related by Muslim Hadith no. 1162)
Likewise, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said,
‘There is no day on which Allaah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ’Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ’Arafah), and then He revels before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.”(Related by Muslim, Hadith no. 1348)
Imam at-Tirmidhee – rahimahullaah – said, “The People of Knowledge consider it recommended to fast on the day of ’Arafah, except for those at ’Arafah.” (Tirmidhee: 3/377)
———————
