Best Practices for the Day of Arafah: Dhikr, Supplication, and Scriptural Evidence
The Day of Arafah, falling on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, is the most sacred day in the Islamic calendar. On this day, the gates of heaven are opened, prayers are answered, and Allah SWT frees His servants from the fire of Hell. For Muslims not performing Hajj, there are special acts of worship to earn immense rewards.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised the virtue of fasting on the Day of Arafah, stating: ‘Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.’ (Sahih Muslim)
To maximise this blessed day, recommended practices include:
The Prophet (PBUH) taught that the best remembrance (dhikr) is recited on the Day of Arafah, a declaration of the highest monotheism.
Recitation:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Translation:
‘There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without any partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and praise, and He is over all things competent.’
Hadith Evidence:
‘The best supplication is on the Day of Arafah. And the best words I and the prophets before me have said are: “La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulku wa lahu al-hamdu wa huwa ’ala kulli shay’in qadir.”’ (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
Although no specific Quranic chapters are obligatory on this day, scholars recommend reciting surahs emphasizing Tawhid and Allah’s power, such as:
Surah Al-Ikhlas: Affirming monotheism.
Surah Al-Mulk: Seeking protection from the punishment of the grave.
Surah Al-Kahf: Recommended if the Day of Arafah falls on a Friday.
The Day of Arafah is a day of forgiveness. Increase istighfar (seeking forgiveness) for all sins, intentional or unintentional.
Use the time after Asr prayer until Maghrib to offer the most sincere supplications. The Prophet (PBUH) stated that prayers during this time are highly likely to be accepted for those who are fasting.
The Day of Arafah is a golden opportunity for Muslims to ‘harvest’ rewards and erase sins. By increasing dhikr, reciting the Quran, and praying sincerely, we hope to attain Allah’s pleasure. Do not miss this opportunity, as not everyone gets to experience the Day of Arafah every year.