Fasting on the Day of Arafah: Its Virtues and Rulings in Light of Authentic Prophetic Hadiths
Introduction
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is one of the great acts of worship encouraged by the Prophet ﷺ due to its immense reward and vast forgiveness. It is a blessed day when pilgrims stand on Mount Arafah, and it is recommended for non-pilgrims to fast as an expiation for sins and an elevation in rank. In this article, we will discuss the virtues of fasting on the Day of Arafah, the authentic Prophetic hadiths that highlight its significance, and some related rulings.
The Virtues of Fasting on the Day of Arafah
Several authentic hadiths highlight the virtues of fasting on this day, including:
1. Expiation of Sins for Two Years
Abu Qatadah al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
> **"Fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope from Allah, will expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year."**
(Muslim)
This hadith indicates that fasting on the Day of Arafah wipes out sins for two years—the past and the upcoming—making it a tremendous opportunity for Muslims to purify themselves and start anew.
2. One of the Best Days of the Year
Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-’As (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
> **"There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah). Fasting one of these days is equivalent to fasting for a year, and standing in prayer on one of its nights is like standing on Laylat al-Qadr."**
(Tirmidhi, authenticated by Al-Albani)
The Day of Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, making it one of these highly virtuous ten days, thus multiplying the reward of fasting.
3. Liberation from the Fire
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
> **"There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah."**
(Muslim)
Fasting on this day increases the chances of being saved from Hellfire, especially when combined with sincere supplication and devotion.
Rulings Regarding Fasting on the Day of Arafah
1. Fasting for Non-Pilgrims
It is highly recommended for non-pilgrims to fast on the Day of Arafah, as established in the previous hadiths. However, for pilgrims, it is better not to fast so they can maintain their strength for worship and supplication on Arafah.
Umm al-Fadl bint al-Harith (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
> **"Some people argued near her on the Day of Arafah about whether the Prophet ﷺ was fasting. Some said he was, while others said he was not. So she sent him a cup of milk while he was standing on his camel, and he drank it."**
(Bukhari & Muslim)
This indicates that the Prophet ﷺ did not fast during his pilgrimage, showing that abstaining from fasting is preferable for pilgrims.
2. Fasting if Arafah Falls on Friday or Saturday
If the Day of Arafah coincides with Friday or Saturday, there is no harm in fasting specifically for its virtue, not because it is Friday or Saturday. While there is a general prohibition against singling out Friday for fasting unless one fasts a day before or after it, an exception is made for the Day of Arafah due to its special status.
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
> **"Do not single out the night of Friday for special prayers, and do not single out Friday for fasting unless it coincides with a fast one of you regularly observes."**
(Muslim)
3. Recommended Acts Alongside Fasting
It is recommended to combine fasting with other righteous deeds, such as:
- **Increasing supplications**, as the Prophet ﷺ said:
> **"The best supplication is that of the Day of Arafah."**
(Tirmidhi, authenticated by Al-Albani)
- **Reciting Takbeer and Tahleel**, as Allah says: **"That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days."** (Quran 22:28), referring to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
- **Reading the Quran and giving charity**, as these deeds are multiplied in virtue during these days.
Conclusion
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is a confirmed Sunnah that Muslims should strive to observe due to its immense rewards and forgiveness. Authentic hadiths highlight its great virtue, whether in expiating sins or multiplying good deeds. Therefore, Muslims should seize this opportunity by fasting, supplicating, and engaging in remembrance to attain Allah’s pleasure and mercy.
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.
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