The ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, according to the religious calendar recognised where you live.

What to do on the Day of Arafah

Guidance for pilgrims and non-pilgrims on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, distinguishing established practice from unsupported claims.

Ruling at a glance

Standing at Arafah is a pillar of Hajj. Fasting is recommended for non-pilgrims; pilgrims standing there follow the Sunnah by not fasting so they can devote strength to supplication.

For non-pilgrims

Fast if you can without harm.
Maintain obligatory worship and increase remembrance, praise, supplication and repentance.
No particular supplication, gathering or unestablished ritual is required.

For pilgrims

Be present at Arafah within the prescribed time. Combine and shorten Dhuhr and Asr with the imam where possible.
Face the qibla and devote time to supplication and remembrance until sunset. Do not crowd around the Mount of Mercy.
After sunset, proceed peacefully to Muzdalifah.

Beneficial actions

✓ Affirm Allah’s oneness, remember Him and supplicate.
✓ Fast if you are not a pilgrim.
✓ Repent and restore people’s rights.
✓ Give charity and maintain family ties.

Important reminders

! A pilgrim standing at Arafah should preserve strength for the rites by following the guidance not to fast.
! Do not circulate unsupported claims that a particular supplication is obligatory or guaranteed a specific answer.
! The expiation of two years concerns minor sins, alongside avoiding major sins and repenting from them.

Evidence and sources · English renderings of the meaning

For fasting the Day of Arafah, I hope Allah will expiate the year before it and the year after it.

Sahih Muslim ↗

The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah; the best of what I and the prophets before me said is: there is no god but Allah alone, without partner…

Graded Hasan through supporting reports by a number of hadith scholars ↗