Arafah Day: List of 7 Important Things Muslims Should Do

Arafah Day: List of 7 Important Things Muslims Should Do

  • The Day of ‘Arafah is one of the most sacred days in Islam, offering believers a chance to seek forgiveness, mercy, and immense spiritual reward
  • Falling on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, it is a day of fasting, prayer, and remembrance for Muslims around the world
  • Whether on pilgrimage or at home, there are many meaningful ways to make the most of this blessed occasion

The Day of ‘Arafah, which falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, is one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar. It is a day of immense mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual reward.

Whether you are performing Hajj or observing from home, there are many ways to make the most of this blessed occasion.

Arafah Day: List of 7 important things Muslims should do
Arafah Day: List of 7 important things Muslims should do. HAIDAR HAMDANI/AFP via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Here’s a simple guide to seven important things Muslims should do on Arafah Day.

Prepare the night before Arafah Day

The night before is a valuable opportunity to set your intentions. Make a sincere plan to fast, engage in Du’a (supplication), Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), or acts of charity. Preparing your heart and mind ensures you approach the day with focus and purpose.

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Fasting on Arafah Day

Fasting on this day is a highly recommended sunnah. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” [Muslim]

For those not performing Hajj, fasting is a powerful way to seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.

Make Duas (Supplications)

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of ‘Arafah…” [Tirmidhi]

One of the most recommended duas is:

“None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, without a partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and all praise and He is over all things omnipotent.”

Engage in dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

Increase your remembrance of Allah through Nafl (optional) prayers, Qur’an recitation, and sending Salawat upon the Prophet (PBUH). Recite Tahleel (Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillaah), and Tasbeeh (Subhanallaah) as much as possible.

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Perform takbir after prayers

In the Hanafi madhab, it is wajib (required) to recite the takbir after each obligatory prayer from Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah until Asr on the 13th:

“Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no god but Allah. And Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.”

Prepare for Qurbani (Sacrifice)

Qurbani is performed between the 10th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah, ideally on the first day of Eid al-Adha. It is obligatory in the Hanafi madhab for every sane adult Muslim with wealth above the nisab threshold. Donating your Qurbani ensures you fulfil this act of worship and share blessings with others.

Seek forgiveness and wake before Fajr

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah.” [Muslim]

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Wake before Fajr to eat Suhoor, pray Tahajjud, and make heartfelt duas during the last third of the night. This is a time when prayers are especially accepted.

The Day of ‘Arafah is a chance to renew your faith, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah. Whether through fasting, Dhikr, or Qurbani, every act of worship carries immense reward. As the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Hajj is ‘Arafah.” [Nasa’i]

Make the most of this blessed day by combining intention, worship, and charity.

Arafah Day: List of 7 important things Muslims should do
Arafah Day: List of 7 important things Muslims should do. Photo credit: HAIDAR HAMDANI/AFP via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Nigerian pilgrim passes away in Arafat

Legit.ng earlier reported that a Nigerian pilgrim has reportedly passed away on the plain of Arafat. The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, disclosed this to newsmen shortly after the national prayer organized by the commission.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is an AFP-certified journalist with a wealth of experience spanning over 5 years. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Nasarawa State University (2023). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022). He is a 2025 CRA Grantee, 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow. Email: basitjamiu1st@gmail.com and basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.

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