The Rulings on Tarwiyah and Arafah Fasting

Entering the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims are encouraged to increase good deeds, including observing Tarwiyah and Arafah fasts. These fasts hold special significance as they occur during the most virtuous days of the year.

According to fiqh rulings, observing Tarwiyah and Arafah fasts is sunnah muakkad (highly recommended) for Muslims not performing Hajj.

Tarwiyah is observed on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, while Arafah is observed on the 9th, the day before Eid al-Adha.

The virtues of these fasts are mentioned in various hadiths. Intention can be made in the heart, but those who wish to verbalise it may recite:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ تَرْوِيَةَ سُنَّةً لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu shauma tarwiyata sunnatan lillâhi ta’âlâ.

Meaning: “I intend to fast Tarwiyah for Allah the Exalted.”

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ سُنَّةً لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu shauma arafata sunnatan lillâhi ta’âlâ.

Meaning: “I intend to fast Arafah for Allah the Exalted.”

Observing Tarwiyah and Arafah fasts presents a golden opportunity for Muslims to seek Allah’s forgiveness. Understanding the rulings and intentions ensures the worship is performed with sincerity and accepted by Allah.

Can Arafah fast be combined with Ramadan qadha fast?

Most scholars permit combining voluntary fasts with obligatory qadha fasts, provided the primary intention is to make up the missed Ramadan fast.

When is the deadline for the intention of voluntary fasts?

Unlike obligatory fasts, the intention for voluntary fasts can be made in the morning after dawn, provided no food, drink, or actions breaking the fast have occurred since dawn.