When is the Day of Arafah 2026? Check the Schedule and Its Virtues

Knowing the exact date of the Day of Arafah is important for Muslims who are not performing Hajj, especially to prepare for the Sunnah fast of Arafah. Day of Arafah 2026: Date 26 May. Based on the Hijri calendar issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kementerian Agama, Kemenag RI) and the ruling of the Saudi Arabian Supreme Court, Eid al-Adha, 10 Zulhijjah 1447 H, falls on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. Considering that the Day of Arafah falls exactly one day before Eid al-Adha, the schedule is already certain. The Day of Arafah or 9 Zulhijjah 1447 H will fall on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. On that date, millions of Hajj pilgrims from around the world will gather to perform the wuquf at the Plain of Arafah, the central pillar of Hajj. Merits of Fasting on the Day of Arafah For Muslims who are not performing the pilgrimage, the Day of Arafah is a field of reward through the practice of fasting on Arafah. This exhortation has a great privilege that has been explained directly by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Here are the various merits of observing the Day of Arafah: - Fasting on the Day of Arafah can expiate minor sins for two years, namely the year that has passed and the year to come. - Known as one of the most virtuous and mustajab times to supplicate to Allah (SWT). - It is a day when Allah (SWT) most abundantly frees His servants from the threat and punishment of the Fire. - It is a historic moment when the Qur’anic verse (Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 3) regarding the completion of the religion of Islam was revealed. In addition to fasting, Muslims are highly encouraged to increase other acts of worship, such as seeking forgiveness (istighfar), remembrance (dhikr), recitation of the Qur’an, and giving charity. This is the intention for the Arafah fast (9 Zulhijjah) نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ هٰذَا اليَوْمِ عَنْ أَدَاءِعَرَفَةَ سُنَّةً لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى. Nawaitu shauma hâdzal yaumi ’an adâ’i arafata sunnatan lillâhi ta’âlâ. Translation: “I intend to fast this day as a sunnah for Arafah today for Allah the Exalted.” (kny/jbr)