Day of Arafah Begins

Day of Arafat History

The Day of Arafah, also known as the Observance, is an important Islamic event marked by the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This day embodies the essence of Hajj, as it is the day when pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafah to seek Allah's mercy, engage in prayers, and reflect upon their actions. The Observance holds a special significance, as it is believed that on this day, Allah forgives the sins of individuals, helping them get closer to spiritual enlightenment and purity.

Although the Day of Arafah has its roots in the Islamic tradition, its message of seeking forgiveness, unity, and self-reflection transcends cultural boundaries, making it relevant for people in India as well. The spiritual aspects of the Observance encourage empathy, compassion, and understanding among different communities. As India is home to a diverse population that includes various religious and ethnic groups, the Day of Arafah can serve as a reminder of the importance of harmony and tolerance.

In India, the Day of Arafah is observed in harmony with the Islamic calendar. The 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the lunar calendar, marks the Observance. Muslims in India usually fast on this day, following the example set by Prophet Muhammad, as it is believed that fasting can absolve an individual's sins from the preceding and following years. Prayers, supplications, and reflection are essential components of the day. Although India is vast and culturally diverse, the significance of the Day of Arafah is celebrated with deep spiritual devotion, emphasizing the importance of human connection, forgiveness, and empathy. The Day of Arafah is observed on June 27th this year.

Day of Arafat Facts

• It is common Muslim belief that the Prophet Muhammad said that fasting on the day of Arafah forgives all the minor sins of the past year and coming year.
• The Prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon standing on Mount Arafat. For that reason, it is visited by pilgrims during the Hajj.
• The Day of Arafah and the Hajj pilgrimage have inspired numerous works of Indian literature, including a famous 16th-century travelogue, the Humayun-nama by Gulbadan Begum, sister of Mughal emperor Humayun.
• In India, there is a rich history of Sufism – a mystical branch of Islam that has attracted followers for centuries.

In the News and Trending in India for Day of Arafah Begins

Top things to do in India for start of the Day of Arafat

• Buy gifts for children. As for him who gives (gifts) and guards against evil and accepts the best, we will facilitate for him the easy end (Quran, 92:5). According to Islamic tradition, those that spend on their children on this day are rewarded by God very generously. As a result, many Muslim parents buy toys and other gifts for their children on the day of Arafah.
• At sunset, pilgrims head to Muzdalifah to spend the night. There, it's customary to collect pebbles for the Stoning of the Devil (Rami al-Jamarat) ritual that happens later in the city of Mina.
• Muslims in India visit local mosques to offer prayers on the Day of Arafah. Some of the prominent mosques in India where Muslims gather for prayers are Jama Masjid in Delhi, Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, and Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai.
• Many Muslims in India practice the concept of Zakat (charity) on this day by offering food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy and less fortunate.