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The Day of ‘Arafah is on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar.
It was on this day 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.
Allah (SWT) refers to this day in Surah al-Maidah.
This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.
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 (PBUH) also said:
For pilgrims performing Hajj, the Day of ‘Arafah is the most significant day and is the essence and heart of the pilgrimage.
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 26th May 2026.
As the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the Day of ‘Arafah falls 10 days earlier each year.
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 (PBUH) made his farewell sermon during his final pilgrimage.
For those performing Hajj, the Day of ‘Arafah is the most important day. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Hajj is Arafah,” (Abu Dawud).
The following acts of worship are highly encouraged on the Day of ‘Arafah.
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!
After praying Fajr in Mina, pilgrims performing Hajj head to the plains of Arafat. They recite istaghfar (asking for forgiveness) and make earnest dua. Upon reaching Mount Arafat, pilgrims observe shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers (2 rakat instead of 4).
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.
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 (PBUH) also said:
It expiates for the past and coming years.
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 world 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 ’Arafah.” (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.
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 (PBUH) 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.
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 (PBUH) 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'
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.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 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 reveals before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking?'
The promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of 'Arafah, and the witnessing day is Friday.
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.'
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.'
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Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel 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
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.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
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.
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.