The Day of ‘Arafah

can feed a family for a month
can provide 20 people in Gaza with two ready-to-eat meals per day
can provide specialised nutrition to four malnourished people in Sudan
Enter Amount

What is the Day of ‘Arafah?

The Day of ‘Arafah is on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar. This year the Day of ‘Arafah is expected to fall on Saturday 15th June 2024.

It was on this day that Allah (SWT) perfected His religion, completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and approved Islam as a way of life! Subhan’Allah.

Allah (SWT) refers to this day in Surah al-Maidah of the Holy Qur’an.

This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.

Quran | 5:3

The Day of ‘Arafah is also known as Yawm Al-Waqf (the Day of Standing), referring to the fact that pilgrims stand in front of their Lord for long periods of time, asking for His Divine Mercy.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said:

There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ‘Arafah), and then He reveals before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.

Hadith | Muslim

For pilgrims performing Hajj, the Day of ‘Arafah is the most significant day and is the essence and heart of the pilgrimage.

When is the Day of ‘Arafah 2024?

The Day of ‘Arafah is on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. This year, it is expected to fall on Saturday 15th June 2024.

As the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar calendar, the Day of ‘Arafah falls 10 days earlier each year. 

Why is the Day of ‘Arafah so important?

The Day of ‘Arafah is a very important day for Muslims, as it is a day of immense divine forgiveness, mercy and blessings. 

It is a day of redemption for Muslims and an opportunity for purification and seeking Allah’s pleasure. Many of us may have fallen short in our pledges made during Ramadan to improve our character and behaviour and to become closer to Allah (SWT). 

The Day of ‘Arafah offers another opportunity to cleanse our hearts and remember our purpose and destination. 

‘Arafah is also the day in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made his farewell sermon during his final pilgrimage and bore witness that Allah (SWT) perfected His religion, completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and approved Islam as a way of life! Subhan’Allah.

For those performing Hajj, the Day of ‘Arafah is the most important day. As the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Hajj is Arafat” (Abu Dawud).

What are 5 recommended actions for the Day of ’Arafah?

The following acts of worship are highly encouraged on the Day of ‘Arafah.

  1. Fasting: It is highly recommended to fast the Day of ‘Arafah if one is not performing Hajj. Fasting on this day is Sunnah and expiates sins of the previous year and the coming year. It is a powerful way to gain blessings and become closer to Allah (SWT).  
  2. Increase acts of worship: As the most virtuous day of the year for Muslims, it’s important to increase our good deeds in order to gain the blessings of the day. Whether we are performing Hajj or at home this year, we should devote ourselves to Dhikr and seeking nearness to Allah. The best acts of Dhikr on this day include offering Nafl (optional) prayers, reading Qur’an and sending Salawat (salutations) upon the Prophet (peace be upon him).
  3. Make lots of dua: The Day of ‘Arafah is a day of acceptance of dua and Allah showers His mercy and forgiveness to those who turn to Him. Make abundant heartfelt duas for yourselves, your family and for the Muslim ummah, that Allah forgives our sins, fulfils our needs, and allows us to become closer to Him. It is also Sunnah to recite the Tahleel (Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillaah) frequently on the Day of ‘Arafah, and on the days of Eid – 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah. 
  4. Give sadaqah: It’s important to remember our brothers and sisters in need across the globe on this blessed day. Giving sadaqah is one of the most virtuous acts of worship, and giving sadaqah on this holy day can help us gain blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire” (Hadith | Timidhi). 
  5. Reflect and show gratitude: The Day of ‘Arafah is a time for introspection and reflection. We should aim to reflect upon our actions during the past year, seek to rectify our shortcomings, and ask for forgiveness for our sins. The Day of ‘Arafah is also a blessed time to reflect on the blessings that Allah (SWT) has provided us with, and to thank Him. Many Muslims celebrate the day by strengthening ties with family and friends, exchanging greetings and sharing food.

Give your Zakat and Sadaqah during the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah and reap the rewards of this blessed month. Don’t forget though to give your qurbani in time for Eid!

What do pilgrims do on Hajj on the Day of ‘Arafah?

After praying Fajr Salah in Mina, pilgrims performing Hajj head to the Plains of Arafat. They recite istaghfar (asking for forgiveness) and make supplications, marking the Day of ‘Arafah when we ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness for our sins. Upon reaching the plains of Mount Arafat, pilgrims observe shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers (two rakat instead of four).

On this day there is a sermon delivered from Masjid al-Nimra on Mount Arafat. If you are performing Hajj, remember to listen to the khutbah if possible. Your group may also facilitate a translation of this sermon in English.

Pilgrims stand on the Plains of Arafat and make lots of Dua, asking Allah (SWT) for forgiveness.

Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah

For those who are unable to perform Hajj, it is highly recommended to fast on the Day of ‘Arafah. There is great reward in doing so, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:

 

It expiates for the past and coming years.

Hadith | Muslim

Allah forgives sins on the Day of ‘Arafah even if they are many, and we should not underestimate the immense mercy of Allah.

“As for you staying till the evening in ‘Arafah, then Allah descends to the sky of the Dunya and He boasts about you to the Angels, and says: ‘My slaves have come to Me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for My mercy, so if your sins were equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea I will forgive them. So go forth My slaves! Having forgiveness and for what or who you have interceded for.” (Tabarani)

However, pilgrims who are performing Hajj do not generally fast as they are travellers, and fasting would be difficult for them. The main focus for them on this day is dua.

“The people of knowledge consider it recommended to fast on the Day of ’Arafah, except for those at ‘Arafat’.” (Tirmidhi)

Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah is a great way of earning Allah’s pleasure. In order to gain maximum benefit, as well as refraining from food and drink, we should aim to refrain preoccupying our thoughts with anything other than Allah, and to contemplate on His glory and mercy while seeking His grace of forgiveness.

Is fasting mandatory on the Day of ‘Arafah?

Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for those who are not performing Hajj, according to all Madhabs (schools of thought).

It is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to fast on the Day of ‘Arafah, on which Allah loves to forgive his servants. 

The blessings of fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah can benefit Muslims for the whole year.

Dua for Day of ‘Arafah

Muslims are encouraged to recite the following dua on the day of ‘Arafah:

Dua: لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ ، وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ ، وهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ 

Transliteration: laa ilaaha ill-allaahu, waḥdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‛alaa kulli shay’in qadeer

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

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of ‘Arafah, and the best words that I and the prophets before me have said are ‘La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lahla hul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa ala kulli shayin qadeer’

Hadith | Tirmidhi

It is also Sunnah to recite the Tahleel (Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillaah) frequently on the Day of ‘Arafah, and on the days of Eid- 11th, 12th 13th of Dhul Hijjah. 

As a day in which Allah loves to forgive those who turn to him, remember to also turn to Allah with sincerity and ask for forgiveness for past sins. 

What are the virtues of the Day of ‘Arafah?

The Day of ‘Arafah is an extremely blessed day and holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims. 

In order to maximise the rewards of the Day of ‘Arafah, we should strive to devote ourselves to Allah, turn to Him in supplication and increase our good deeds such as reciting the Holy Qur’an and Salawat (salutations) upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is also a time for seeking forgiveness and for strengthening our ties with family and friends. 

Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah and performing acts of worship can help us earn great rewards, forgiveness of our sins and to gain Divine nearness.

What are some merits of the Day of ’Arafah?

Increasing acts of worship can be beneficial to maximise the rewards of this blessed day. Here are a few reasons why this is such a significant day:

  • It’s the day when Islam was perfected: As mentioned, Allah said in the Qur’an: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion,” (Qur’an 5:3).
  • Expiation and forgiveness of sins: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah expiates sins for the previous and coming year (Muslim). This is a chance for you to gain closeness to Allah (SWT) and reflect on your actions. It’s also the day when Allah descends down from the sky in a way befitting of Him and says to His angels: “My slaves have come to Me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for My mercy, if your sins were equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea I will forgive them. So go forth My slaves! Having forgiveness and for what or who you have interceded for,” (Tabarani).
  • It’s the day where Allah frees more souls from Hell: The Prophet (SAW) said: “There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafah,” (Muslim). Fasting and increasing in your good deeds on this day will be a way for you to increase in your du’as and seek protection from the Hellfire.

Day of ‘Arafah Hadith

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made several references to the importance of the Day of ‘Arafah and the virtues and rewards of the holy day:

There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ‘Arafah), and then He boasts before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.

Hadith | Muslim

Other Hadiths on the Day of ‘Arafah

The promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of ‘Arafah, and the witnessing day is Friday.

Hadith | Tirmidhi

As for you staying till the evening in ‘Arafah, then Allah descends to the sky of the Dunya and He boasts about you to the Angels, and says: ‘My slaves have come to Me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for My mercy, so if your sins were equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea I will forgive them. So go forth My slaves! Having forgiveness and for what or who you have interceded for.’

Hadith | Tabarani

Allah expresses His pride to His angels at the time of ‘Isha’ on the Day of ‘Arafah, about the people of ‘Arafah. He says, ‘Look at My slaves who have come unkempt and dusty.’

Hadith | Ahmad

  • Scholar Verified

We ensure our content is reviewed and verified by qualified scholars to provide you with the most accurate information. This webpage was last reviewed by Sheikh Saalim Al-Azhaari.

Page last reviewed: 20th May 2024.

Qurbani resources

Give qurbani 2024Prophetic qurbani 2024Quality Assured qurbaniWhat is qurbani?Who is qurbani compulsory on?Qurbani rulesDuas for qurbaniQurbani meat at Islamic ReliefQurbani rules for a familyQurbani rules for husband and wifeDhul Hijjah – The 10 best daysThe Day of ‘ArafahFasting in Dhul HijjahDuas for Dhul HijjahEid al-Adha 2024What is Eid qurbani?Sunnah acts for Eid al-AdhaCan I cut my hair and nails before qurbani?Prophet Adam (AS) and the first sacrificeProphet Ibrahim (AS) and his sacrificeSadaqah sacrifice

new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Nadeem Azhar

General Counsel

Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.

He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.

Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.

Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.

Adnan Hafiz

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.