Allah has created the days, and out of all these days, He subhanahu wa ta’ala has favoured the best day which is the day of ‘Arafah (the 9th day of Dzul-Hijjah). What makes this day so special? Consider the following hadith:
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📚 ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said that a Jew mentioned to him: “O the chief of believers! There is an ayah in your Holy Book which is read by all of you (Muslims), and had it been revealed to us, we would have taken that day (on which it was revealed) as a day of celebration.”
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‘Umar asked: “Which ayah is it?”
The Jew replied (by reciting the following ayah): “Today I have completed your religion for you, perfected My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.” [Surah Al-Maidah 5:3]
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‘Umar replied: “I know the day and place in which this ayah was revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) It was Friday and the Prophet (ﷺ) was standing at ‘Arafah (i.e. the Day of Hajj).” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 45]
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So if Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala values that day, if even a Jewish man valued that day, then we as Muslims should too as well. How do we value it? Consider the following hadith:
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📚 Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Arafah, and he ﷺ said: “It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year.” [Sahih Muslim 1162]
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The day of ‘Arafah is indeed an opportunity for us all. So seize that moment by fasting on that day. If we’re unable to fast on that day, then at least have the intention to fast, because perhaps Allah will still reward us for fasting on the day of ‘Arafah due to our sincere and truthful intention.
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The day of Arafah for the year 1442/2021 will be on this coming Monday, in shaa Allah. May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala help us to fully utilize the day of ‘Arafah with good deeds that are pleasing to Him, ameen.
#DayofArafah
