The Evidences Supporting the Virtue of Fasting on the Day of Arafah
Numerous authentic narrations from the Sunnah highlight the significance of fasting on the Day of Arafah for those not performing Hajj. Some of these evidences include:
- It has been reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Three days of each month, and from Ramadan to Ramadan, this is the fasting of the entire year. Fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope it will expiate the sins of the previous year and the following year, and fasting on the Day of Ashura, I hope it will expiate the sins of the previous year.” This Hadith indicates that fasting on the Day of Arafah is more virtuous than fasting on the Day of Ashura, as it offers forgiveness for sins committed in the year before and after it.
- Reported by Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him), when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah, he replied: “It expiates the past year and the coming year.” Some scholars interpret this to mean that Allah (the Exalted) protects those who fast on Arafah from falling into sins and supports them in their endeavors.
- It was narrated that the companion Abdur-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr visited Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) on the Day of Arafah while sprinkling water on her, and he said: “Break your fast.” She replied, “I would break my fast when I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: ‘Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the year that precedes it.’
The Evidences Supporting the Virtue of Fasting on the First Nine Days of Dhul-Hijjah
The Day of Arafah is the ninth of the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah—days that hold immense virtues distinguishing them from others. The merits of fasting during this time have been noted:
- Some of the wives of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the Day of Ashura, and three days of every month: the first Monday of the month and Thursday.”
- The virtue of fasting during these days aligns with the general merit of acts of worship during this period. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days.” They asked, “Not even Jihad?” He replied, “Not even Jihad,” unless a man goes out risking his life and wealth and does not return with anything.
The Evidences Supporting the Dislike of Fasting on the Day of Arafah for Pilgrims
It is regarded as disliked for those performing Hajj to fast on the Day of Arafah due to the exhaustion it entails, as they should instead engage in remembrance and acts of worship. This is supported by various reports:
- According to Lubabah bint al-Harith (may Allah be pleased with her), on the Day of Arafah, some people debated whether the Prophet (peace be upon him) was fasting. Some said he was fasting, while others claimed he wasn’t. She sent him a cup of milk while he was standing on his mount, and he drank it.
- Maimunah bint al-Harith (may Allah be pleased with her) mentioned that the people doubted whether the Prophet (peace be upon him) was fasting on the Day of Arafah, so she sent him milk while he was standing at the location, and he drank it while the people were watching.
- Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked about pilgrims fasting on the Day of Arafah, and he said: “I performed Hajj with the Prophet (peace be upon him), and he did not fast; I performed Hajj with Abu Bakr, and he did not fast; with Umar, and he did not fast; with Uthman, and he did not fast; and I do not fast it, nor do I advise it, nor do I prohibit it.”
The Evidences Highlighting the Virtue of the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is among the most significant days in the sight of Allah (the Exalted). Several evidences affirm the importance and distinctiveness of this day:
- Allah (the Exalted) says: “So they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah during the known days for what He has provided them of animals,” which signifies that those witnessing this day achieve both religious and worldly benefits by fulfilling one of the pillars of Islam, the Hajj, and enjoying the company of fellow Muslims from diverse backgrounds.
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “There is no day when Allah frees more souls from Hellfire than on the Day of Arafah. Indeed, He draws near and boasts about them to the angels, saying: ‘What do these people want?’
- Furthermore, he said: “There are no days more beloved to Allah than the last ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.” When a man asked him, “Are they more virtuous than the days of fighting in the way of Allah?” The Prophet replied, “They are more virtuous than the days of fighting in the way of Allah,” and there is no day more beloved to Allah than the Day of Arafah when He descends to the nearest heaven and boasts to the inhabitants of heaven about the people on earth, saying: ‘Look at My servants who have come from every deep ravine, hoping for My mercy and having not seen My punishment. There is no day when more people are freed from Hellfire than on the Day of Arafah.’
- Additionally, the Prophet (peace be upon him) conveyed that the best supplication is made on the Day of Arafah, stating: “The best supplication is the supplication of the Day of Arafah, and the best that I and the prophets before me have said is: ‘There is no deity except Allah, alone, with no partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and to Him is due all praise, and He has power over all things.’