Day of Arafat

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 Arafah.  For that reason, it is visited by pilgrims during the Hajj.
• Standing on top of Mount Arafah completes the Hajj (Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca).  It is believed to be the singular most significant act Muslim pilgrims undertake.
• The day of Arafah was declared by Prophet Muhammad as a day of celebration and feasting.

Day of Arafat Top Events and Things to Do

• 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.

Day of Arafat References and Related Sites