السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
ربي اشرح لي صدري و يسر لي أمري واحلل عقدة من لساني يفقه قولي
ربي زدني علما وارزقني فهما
9th Dhul-Hijjah: The first orange hues of sunlight have barely streakedacross the horizon, but the streets below are already crowded. Over 2 million pilgrims chant the Talbiyahas they make their way to the Mount of Mercy, where theywill devote the day to acts of worship, supplication, prayers and seeking of Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness till dusk.
The Day of Arafah constitutes the second day of a five-day long pilgrimage to fulfill the obligation of the final fundamental Pillar of Islam. Its significance is rooted in Islamic history because of its many merits:
- Allah’s Oath- The Day of Arafah is among the significant few upon which Allah (SWT) swore an oath. He says in the Quran, “And [by] the witness and what is witnessed,” (85:3). The scholars have stated this verse points to the Day of Arafah.
- The Covenant–This day marks the covenant Allah (SWT) took from the progeny of Adam (AS), as mentioned in the Quran, “…Am I not your Lord?” They said, “Yes, we have testified…”[Quran 7:172]
- Perfection of Religion-The Day of Arafah commemorates the finality of divine revelation, “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” [Quran 5:3]
- The Farewell Sermon- Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) delivered the Farewell Sermon on this day, in the valley of Arafah. He reminded the Muslims of the principles of Shariah and that Taqwa alone was the deciding factor of supremacy over another Muslim in the eyes of Allah (SWT).
- Integral Component of Hajj- The stay at Arafah is doubtlessly the most significant aspect of Hajj. Without it, Hajj would be incomplete. This fact is emphasized by the Prophet’s Hadith, “’Hajj is Arafat.” [Nisai, Book 24, Hadith 3019]
- Liberation from Hell-Fire- According to a Hadith narrated by Aisha (RA, “There is no day when God sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of Arafah…” [Sahih Muslim, Book 7, Hadith 3126] The Hadith goes on to mention that Allah (SWT) professes His pride in His creation present at Arafah to His angels.
- Fasting as an expiation of Sins- While fasting on the Day of Arafah has been deemed Makrooh (undesirable) for pilgrims, it is Mustahabb (recommended) for non-pilgrims. The reward for fasting, as mentioned in a Hadith, is “forgiving (the sins) of the year after it, and the year before it.”[Tirmidhi, Book 3, Hadith 749]
Making the most of this Blessed Day
The Day of Arafah is an important day for pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike.Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said,“There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshiped in them than the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah….” [Tirmidhi, Book 3, Hadith 758]
Following are some tips to maximize our Ibadah and earn Allah’s forgiveness and mercy:
- Ikhlas (Sincerity)- This is the key to acceptance for any act. As long as our intention is purely for the sake of Allah (SWT), we will reap the ultimate reward of what we have sown, both in this world as well as the Hereafter.
- Supererogatory Prayers and Acts- Performing such acts of worship in addition to the Wajib acts will increase our Emaan and surely bring us closer to Allah (SWT).
- Quran Recitation- Devote a portion of your day to recite, ponder and reflect the verses and meaning of the Noble Quran.
- Engaging in
- Takbeer
- Tahlil
- Tahmed
- Tasbeeh
- Giving Charity- Give as much charity as you can on this day.
- Fasting- This is exclusively for non-pilgrims.
تقبلاللهمناومنكم
“May Allah accept from us and from you.”
References
- https://quran.com
- https://sunnah.com
- https://islamqa.info/en/98334
- https://islamqa.info/en/7284
- https://islamqa.info/en/41633
- http://www.muslimink.com/hajj/296-importance-of-arafat-hajj
- https://www.themuslimahguide.com/a-productive-arafah/
بارك الله فيكم
وجزاكم الله خيرا
سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك أشهد أن لا إله إلا أنت استغفرك و أتوب إليك
والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Written by: Mariam Kamran
TEAM IR
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