Which Fast Is More Meritorious: Tarwiyah or Arafah? Here Is the Explanation
Entering the first ten days of Dzulhijjah 1447 H, Muslims around the world begin to prepare for intensified sunnah worship. Of the many sunnah deeds, two are most frequently discussed: Tarwiyah fasting and Arafah fasting, both observed in the month of Dzulhijjah. However, many people wonder which is more virtuous between the two practices. To avoid misunderstanding, here is a complete explanation, covering the differences and the virtues of both fasts.
What is Tarwiyah fast?
Tarwiyah fasting is a sunnah observed on the 8th of Dzulhijjah, the day before Arafah fast and two days before Eid al-Adha. The word ‘Tarwiyah’ comes from the Arabic ‘ar-rawi’, meaning to carry water or to reflect, and it is also the tradition of the Hajj pilgrims of old who prepared water rations before heading to Arafah.
The phrase: “صوم يوم التروية كفارة سنة وصوم يوم عرفة كفارة سنتين” translates as: ‘The Tarwiyah fast is the expiation of one year; the Arafah fast is the expiation of two years’ (Hadith: Abus Syekh Al-Ishfahani and Ibnu Najar).
Additionally, there are three reasons why the 8th of Dzulhijjah is known as Tarwiyah fasting:
The reflection of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) on the reward when Allah commanded him to build the Ka’bah.
The contemplation of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) after he dreamt of sacrificing his son.
The pilgrims’ reflection on the supplications they wish to offer on the day of Arafah.
Tarwiyah fasting is a muakkad sunnah that is highly recommended for Muslims who are not performing the Hajj. Besides earning great reward, it is also a form of spiritual preparation for Eid al-Adha.
What is Arafah fast?
The sunnah fasting that is highly encouraged (muakkad sunnah) is observed specifically on the 9th of Dzulhijjah. It is named Arafah fast because it coincides with the moment when the Hajj pilgrims perform the peak rite of Hajj, the standing at Arafah. This fast is also prescribed for Muslims who are not performing Hajj.
Moreover, the Arafah fast is reinforced by the Prophet Muhammad’s hadith: ‘Fasting on the day of Arafah, I hope that Allah will expiate sins of the year before and the year after’ (Hadith: Muslim).
Which is more virtuous: Tarwiyah or Arafah?
Tarwiyah fasting is observed on the 8th of Dzulhijjah. Although some scholars consider its virtue to be weaker than other fasts, it remains part of the good deeds during the first ten days of Dzulhijjah. Because Tarwiyah fasting forms part of good deeds on honorable days, Muslims are encouraged to perform it as a way to enhance worship as Eid al-Adha approaches.
Legally, Tarwiyah fasting is considered a voluntary act and its merit is lower than that of Arafah. Many scholars still advise performing it as an additional act in the month of Dzulhijjah. This fast is often seen as spiritual preparation before observing the Arafah fast the following day.
On the other hand, Arafah fasting on the 9th of Dzulhijjah has stronger basis. Its virtue is described in a sound hadith transmitted by Muslim, in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) states that the Arafah fast can erase sins for two years, the year before and the year to come. Supported by strong hadith, the Arafah fast is regarded as a highly recommended sunnah (sunnah muakkadah) in Islam.
Compared with Arafah, Arafah fasting is indeed better than Tarwiyah fasting. This can be seen from the strength of the argument, the quality of the hadith, and the magnitude of the promised reward. Nevertheless, both fasts are recommended to be observed in sequence on 8 and 9 Dzulhijjah. Many scholars advise Muslims to perform both acts to perfect the sunnah worship ahead of Eid al-Adha.
Tarwiyah and Arafah fasting timetable 2026
Quoted from the website of Nasional Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS), here are the details of the Tarwiyah and Arafah fasting timetable for 2026 that can guide the public:
1 Dzulhijjah: Monday, 18 May 2026
2 Dzulhijjah: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
3 Dzulhijjah: Wednesday, 20 May 2026
4 Dzulhijjah: Thursday, 21 May 2026
5 Dzulhijjah: Friday, 22 May 2026
6 Dzulhijjah: Saturday, 23 May 2026
7 Dzulhijjah: Sunday, 24 May 2026
8 Dzulhijjah (Tarwiyah fast): Monday, 25 May 2026
9 Dzulhijjah (Arafah fast): Tuesday, 26 May 2026