Arafat Day, a pivotal moment in the Islamic calendar, marks the ninth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. On this day, millions of pilgrims from around the world gather at Mount Arafat, near the holy city of Makkah, to perform the most critical ritual of the Hajj pilgrimage, known as Wuqoof-e-Arafat. This sacred site holds immense significance as the location where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon, known as the Farewell Sermon, over 1,435 years ago.
The day is considered the apex of the Hajj pilgrimage, with pilgrims dedicating the entire day to prayer and supplication. It is also a day when Muslims who are not participating in the Hajj fast voluntarily, seeking forgiveness for their sins and repenting. The Arafat ritual involves pilgrims staying at the sacred site from midday until sunset, facing the Qiblah, the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah, and engaging in prayer. Sheikh Bashir Dahiru-Bauchi, a renowned cleric, highlighted the importance of Arafat Day, stating that it is a day when Allah showcases the pilgrims to angels in their kingdom. According to the cleric, Allah says, “Look at the generation and children of Prophet Adam glorifying my names. You predicted that they would come down to the earth and commit a lot of bloodshed and corruption, and here they are worshipping me, glorifying my names.”
Sheikh Dahiru-Bauchi further emphasized that Arafat Day is an opportunity for those not participating in the Hajj to seek forgiveness from Allah through fasting. He quoted the Prophet as saying, “The sunset will never take place unless it wipes away the sins of the entire participants of the pilgrimage, and non-participants who fast on that day.” This means that Muslims who fast on Arafat Day, whether they are participating in the Hajj or not, will have their sins forgiven, including those of the outgoing and incoming year. Consistently fasting on Arafat Day can ultimately lead to a person dying as a forgiven and pardoned servant of Allah.
Mahmud Muhammad, Personal Assistant on Domestic and Northeast Affairs to the Vice President, urged pilgrims and Muslims worldwide to use Arafat Day as an opportunity to pray for their country, unity, and peaceful coexistence. He also commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for achieving seamless operations during this year’s Hajj, describing every segment of the pilgrimage as unique and laudable. As Muslims around the world come together to observe Arafat Day, the message of unity, forgiveness, and devotion to Allah resonates deeply, reminding us of the significance of this pivotal moment in the Islamic calendar.
