Fasting on the Day of Arafah, which is the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, is highly recommended for Muslims who are not performing Hajj. This day is one of the most blessed days in the Islamic calendar, and fasting on this day holds significant spiritual benefits.
1. Expiation of Sins:
Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year." (Sahih Muslim)
Fasting on this day serves as a means of erasing minor sins from the past year and the year to come. It is a profound opportunity for Muslims to purify their records and seek Allah's forgiveness.
2. Spiritual Elevation:
Closeness to Allah: Fasting is an act of worship that brings a person closer to Allah. On the Day of Arafah, when Allah's mercy and forgiveness are abundantly available, fasting enhances a believer's spiritual state and increases their devotion.
Hadith: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم emphasized the virtue of fasting in general by stating, "Every act of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
3. Day of Supplication and Remembrance:
Supplication: The Day of Arafah is a day when supplications (duas) are highly encouraged and are more likely to be accepted by Allah. Fasting on this day, while making sincere duas, amplifies the chances of those prayers being answered.
Dhikr: Engaging in the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) is highly meritorious on this day. Combining fasting with increased dhikr enhances the spiritual experience and draws a person nearer to Allah.
Takbeer: الله أكبر (Allahu Akbar - Allah is the Greatest)
Tahleel: لا إله إلا الله (La ilaha illallah - There is no deity but Allah)
Tahmeed: الØمد لله (Alhamdulillah - All praise is due to Allah)
4. Commendation from Allah:
Hadith: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels, saying, 'What do these people want?'" (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith highlights the immense mercy and forgiveness available on the Day of Arafah. Fasting on this day makes a person more likely to be among those whom Allah frees from the Fire.
How to Observe Fasting on the Day of Arafah
1. Make the Intention (Niyyah):
As with all acts of worship, make a sincere intention to fast on the Day of Arafah to seek Allah's pleasure and forgiveness.
2. Suhoor (Pre-dawn Meal):
Eat a pre-dawn meal (suhoor) before the Fajr prayer to sustain yourself during the fast. Suhoor is a blessed meal and provides physical strength for the day.
3. Perform Acts of Worship:
Engage in increased acts of worship such as reciting the Quran, making dhikr (remembrance of Allah), offering additional prayers (nawafil), and making heartfelt supplications.
4. Avoid Sinful Behavior:
Refrain from any actions that may negate the spiritual benefits of fasting, such as backbiting, lying, or any other sinful behavior.
5. Iftar (Breaking the Fast):
Break your fast at Maghrib time with dates and water, following the Sunnah of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Make a dua before breaking the fast, as it is a time when prayers are accepted.
In conclusion, fasting on the Day of Arafah is a highly recommended practice that offers immense spiritual benefits. It serves as a means of expiating sins, drawing closer to Allah, and increasing one's chances of having prayers accepted. By observing this fast with sincerity and devotion, Muslims can attain great rewards and enhance their spiritual well-being. This practice is a reminder of the mercy and forgiveness of Allah, urging believers to seize this blessed opportunity.