When Is the Day of Arafah 2025?
The Day of Arafah is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH, falling on Thursday, 5 June 2025. It is the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage and one of the greatest days in the Islamic calendar for all Muslims โ whether performing Hajj or not.
Why Is the Day of Arafah So Important?
The Prophet ๏ทบ said: "There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah. He comes close and then boasts about them to the angels, saying: 'What do these people want?'" (Muslim)
On this day, the religion of Islam was perfected, as Allah ๏ทป revealed the verse: "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion." (Quran 5:3)
The Virtue of Fasting on Day of Arafah
For Muslims who are NOT performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah is one of the most rewarding voluntary fasts of the year. The Prophet ๏ทบ said:
"Fasting on the Day of Arafah is an expiation for two years: the year before and the year after." (Muslim)
Fast Date: Thursday, 5 June 2025 (from Fajr to Maghrib, like a regular fast)
Note: Pilgrims performing Hajj should NOT fast on the Day of Arafah โ they need their energy for the standing at Arafah (Wuquf).
What Happens at Arafah During Hajj?
The standing at Arafah (Wuquf) is the central pillar of Hajj. The Prophet ๏ทบ said: "Hajj is Arafah." If a pilgrim misses the standing at Arafah, their Hajj is invalid.
Pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafah (a vast area outside Mecca) from after Dhuhr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah until after sunset. There, they engage in Dua, Dhikr, Quran recitation, and supplication โ one of the most spiritually powerful gatherings on earth, with millions raising their hands to Allah simultaneously.
Best Duas for the Day of Arafah
The best dua on the Day of Arafah is:
ููุง ุฅููููู ุฅููููุง ุงูููู ููุญูุฏููู ููุง ุดูุฑูููู ููููุ ูููู ุงููู ููููู ูููููู ุงููุญูู ูุฏูุ ูููููู ุนูููู ููููู ุดูููุกู ููุฏููุฑู
Lฤ ilฤha illallฤhu waแธฅdahu lฤ sharฤซka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-แธฅamdu wa huwa 'alฤ kulli shay'in qadฤซr
"There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. His is the dominion and all praise belongs to Him, and He has power over all things." (Tirmidhi โ Hasan)
Additionally, ask for forgiveness, guidance, good health, righteous children, ease of affairs in this life and the next, and freedom from the Hellfire.
How to Spend the Day of Arafah (For Non-Pilgrims)
| Time | Recommended Act |
|---|---|
| Fajr | Make intention to fast, pray Fajr |
| Morning | Recite Takbeer abundantly: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd |
| Dhuhr | Pray Dhuhr, increase Dhikr and Istighfar |
| Asr | Read Quran, make dua for your family and Ummah |
| Maghrib | Break fast with dua and dates, pray Maghrib |
| Isha | Pray Isha and prepare for Eid tomorrow |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fast on Day of Arafah if I am performing Hajj?
No โ pilgrims should not fast on the Day of Arafah. They need their strength for the physically demanding Hajj rituals, and the standing at Arafah is itself an immense act of worship superseding the voluntary fast.
What is the difference between Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha?
The Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah) is the day before Eid al-Adha (10 Dhul Hijjah). Arafah is primarily a day of worship and fasting, while Eid al-Adha is a day of prayer, celebration, and Qurbani (sacrifice). Fasting is prohibited on Eid al-Adha itself.
