Dars Material
9th Dhul-Hijjah is known as the Day of Arafah. A day of great significance for Muslims, particularly for those performing Hajj. On this day, pilgrims gather in the plain of Arafat, near Mecca, to perform the key ritual of standing (wuquf) at Arafat, as the Holy Prophet is reported to have said: “This is the station of standing, and all of Arafat is a station of standing.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-manasik, Hadith 3010).
For Muslims who are not on Hajj, the Day of Arafah is also important. It is recommended to fast on this day, as the Holy Prophetsa stated that it expiates sins from the previous year and the coming year. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab as-siyam, Hadith 1162b) The day is marked by prayers, supplications, and seeking forgiveness from Allah. It falls in the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah which is known for the days in which worship is most beloved to Allah. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab as-siyam, Hadith 1728)
With all the blessings God gives us, another crucial blessing is the ability to seek forgiveness. It is out of the sheer mercy of Allah that the desire to seek forgiveness is instilled in our hearts, fueling our supplications. Therefore, know that when you seek forgiveness, it is Allah who has placed that desire in your heart.
Additionally, we are provided with specific days during which Allah has informed us He is most forgiving. As Muslims, we believe that Allah is always forgiving, as His mercy encompasses everything and is not limited to any specific place or time.
Hazrat Aishara Sadiqa reported that Allah’s Messengersa said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from Hell than the Day of Arafah. He draws close to them and then proudly speaks of them to the angels, saying: ‘What do these people desire?’” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-hajj, Hadith 1348)