Today’s Hadith is about: Fasting on Arafah
Hadith on Fasting when it’s the day of Arafat
The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafa. He said, “It expiates the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” [ Muslim ]
What do we learn from this Hadith?
The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and it is the day of forgiveness for the pilgrims, who are present in Arafat (during Hajj), as well as for those who fast the Day of Arafah all over the world. This fasting is mustahab (recommended) for those who are not on Hajj.
For the person that is performing hajj, it is not from the Sunnah for him or her to fast on this day, because the Prophet (pbuh) did not fast on this day when he was in Arafat. In fact, it is narrated that he forbade fasting on the Day of Arafah when present in Arafat. The Hajjis presence in Arafat is itself a very pleasing act to Allah (swt). Regarding them, Allah says to His angels, “Look at my slaves, how dishevelled and dusty they came to me, I do call you as witnesses upon me that I forgive them (their bad deeds).” [Ahmad]
Of course not everyone has the ability to go on Hajj, and certainly not every year, but this blessed day of Arafah is one of the greatest gifts of Allah that all of mankind can take benefit from. On this day, Allah grants fasting Muslims forgiveness for their minor sins from the past year and the upcoming year and Allah raises their rank in Paradise.
Muslims should celebrate the day of Arafah by restraining themselves from committing sins and iniquities in order that Allah swt may forgive them. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “On this day (of Arafah) whomsoever holds his hearing, sight, and tongue (from committing sins), he will be forgiven by Allah.” [Ahmad]
All Muslims should constantly recite the Tahlil (La ilaha ilalAllah), Tasbeeh (Subhanallah) and Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) on this blessed day. It is also recommended to do as much dua (supplication) as possible on this day, since “there is no other day on which Allah frees a larger number of His slaves from the Fire of Hell than the Day of Arafah.” [Sahih Muslim]
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The best supplication is on the day of Arafat, and the best remembrance that I and the prophets before me (made) is: “There is no god but Allah, the only true God, who has no partner. To Him belongs the kingdom (of the universe) and to Him all praises are due. And He has the power to do every thing.” [Tirmidhi]
Dua of Arafat:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٍ
Laa ilaaha ill-allaahu, waḥdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‛alaa kulli shay’in qadeer
All our Brothers and Sisters, please try to maximise the benefits on this gracious day that comes once a year. And remember it by fasting, increasing dhikr, dua and istighfar.
Please share this hadith with your friends and family.
