Is it permissible to fast Arafah alone without Tarwiyah? Here’s the ruling, intention, and procedure
Tarwiyah and Arafah fasts are voluntary acts of worship performed consecutively on the 8th and 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah. Particularly, the virtue of Arafah fast is so great that Muslims are eager to observe it. So, is it permissible to fast only on Arafah without Tarwiyah?
Before discussing the ruling, readers should understand the virtues of Arafah fast. According to the book ‘55 Benefits Related to Arafah Day’ by Muhammad Shalih al-Munajjid, fasting on Arafah can expiate the sins of two years for a Muslim.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: ‘Fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope from Allah will expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year.’ (Sahih Muslim, no. 1162)
This year, following the government’s decree that 1 Dhu al-Hijjah falls on Monday, 18 May 2026, the Arafah fast will be observed on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, with Tarwiyah on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Ruling on Fasting Arafah without Tarwiyah
According to the book ‘Acts of Worship in Dhu al-Hijjah’ by Hanif Luthfi, LC, MA, while the evidence for Arafah fasting is sound, the basis for Tarwiyah fasting is weak. The hadith in question states: ‘Whoever fasts ten days, each day is like fasting a month. Fasting on Tarwiyah is equivalent to fasting a year, and fasting on Arafah is like fasting two years.’
Ibn al-Jawzi explicitly stated this hadith is not authentic, as one of the narrators, at-Thibbi, is considered a liar.
Imam al-Shawkani also said: ‘This hadith is narrated by Ibn Adi from Aisha as marfu’. It is not authentic, as the chain includes al-Kalbi, a liar.’ (al-Fawaid al-Majmu’ah, 1/45)
Since the foundational hadith for Tarwiyah fasting is weak, there is no obligation to observe it before Arafah. Even if the hadith were authentic, both fasts would only be recommended. Ultimately, Muslims may fast Arafah without Tarwiyah. Allah knows best.
Intention for Arafah Fast on 26 May 2026
Intention is crucial in Islamic law. Every act of worship requires intention to be valid and rewarded. So important is this that Imam Bukhari placed the hadith on intention first in his Sahih. According to the NU Hadith website: ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say, “Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will be rewarded according to their intention. Whoever emigrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, their emigration is for what they intended.”’
The intention is in the heart, and verbalising it is not required, though some scholars consider it recommended. For readers wishing to recite the intention for Arafah fast, according to the book ‘The Power of Voluntary Fasting: The Key to Success in This World and the Hereafter’ by H. Amirulloh Syarbini and Hj. Lis Nur’aeni Afgani, the phrase is: ‘Nawaitu shauma ’arafah sunnatan lillaahi ta’aalaa.’ In Latin script: ‘Nawaitu shauma ’arafah sunnatan lillaahi ta’aalaa.’ Meaning: ‘I intend to fast Arafah as a voluntary act for Allah Almighty.’
Procedure for Arafah Fast on 26 May 2026
There is nothing specific about the procedure for Arafah fast. It begins at dawn and ends at sunset, as stated in the Quran: ‘Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread. Then complete the fast until nightfall.’ (Quran 2:187)
Thus, the pillars of Arafah fast are two: first, intending from the night until before dawn; second, abstaining from things that invalidate the fast from dawn until sunset.
Its recommended practices include: eating suhur (pre-dawn meal) close to dawn; increasing supplications during the fast, as the prayers of a fasting person are answered, and Arafah is a particularly auspicious time to seek Allah’s mercy; breaking the fast promptly at sunset; consuming fresh dates (rutab) if available, or dried dates (tamr) or water if not; and reciting a supplication after breaking the fast as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).