Which is More Important: Observing the Fast of Arafah or Making Up for Missed Ramadan Fasts? Here's an Explanation.
As Eid al-Adha approaches, Muslims begin preparing to welcome this special occasion with a pure heart and soul. One of the things that can be done is to perform Sunnah practices such as fasting on Arafah Day.
The Arafah fast is a Sunnah fast performed on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, one day before Eid al-Adha. Although it is not obligatory, this practice has many virtues for Muslims who wish to do it.
However, many people still wonder about the procedures, intentions, and legal aspects of its implementation. Therefore, it is important to understand the Arafah fast so that the worship can be carried out properly. Let’s look at a complete explanation!
The Intention for the Arafah Fast
Before performing the Arafah fast, Muslims need to recite the intention as a form of sincerity in worship. The intention for the Arafah fast is as follows:
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ سُنَّةً لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى
Nawaitu shauma ’arafata sunnatan lillāhi ta’ālā.
Meaning: “I intend to fast the Sunnah of Arafah for the sake of Allah Ta’ala.”
Which Should Be Prioritized, the Arafah Fast or Making Up for Missed Ramadan Fasts?
Even though Ramadan has ended, Muslims who still have outstanding fasts are encouraged to make up for them immediately. In Islam, making up for Ramadan fasts is more prioritized because it is obligatory, while the Arafah fast is Sunnah. Therefore, many scholars argue that a person should prioritize making up for Ramadan fasts before performing other Sunnah fasts such as Arafah.
On the other hand, some scholars argue that a person may still perform the Arafah fast even if they have outstanding Ramadan fasts and it is not considered sinful, given that this fast only comes once a year.
This is based on the importance of prioritizing obligations in worship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“My servants do not draw closer to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory for them.” (HR. Bukhari)
Thus, Muslims can prioritize making up for Ramadan fasts if they still have enough time to make up for them. However, Sunnah fasts such as the Arafah fast may also be performed, as long as the obligatory fast is made up at another time.
The Virtues of the Arafah Fast
The Arafah fast is a Sunnah practice that has many virtues. Although it is not obligatory, Allah SWT promises special rewards and glory for Muslims who perform it.
Some of the virtues of the Arafah fast are as follows:
- Sins Are Erased
One of the greatest virtues of the Arafah fast is that Allah SWT will forgive and erase the sins of Muslims who have passed. The sins that will be erased are minor sins, such as negligence in speech, attitude, or actions on a daily basis.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Fasting on Arafah can erase the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (HR. Muslim)
- Receiving Rewards and Glory from Allah SWT
Fasting is a special act of worship whose reward is given directly by Allah SWT. Because it is done with sincerity and patience, the Arafah fast becomes one of the most beloved acts of worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied for him except fasting. Indeed, fasting is for Me and I will reward it.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).
- Being the Best Time to Offer Prayers
Arafah Day is known as one of the most auspicious times to pray. Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayers, remembrance of Allah, and supplications with a sincere and earnest heart.
With this, God willing, the prayers offered will be answered in the best and most blessed way.
- Receiving Blessings on the First 10 Days of Dhu al-Hijjah
The Arafah fast is performed at a very auspicious time in Islam, namely during the first 10 days of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. During this time, Sunnah practices such as this have great virtues and various unexpected blessings come from unforeseen directions.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“There are no days on which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” (HR. Bukhari).
- Training Patience and Self-Control
The practice of fasting on Arafah can be a moment of self-reflection that teaches Muslims to be able to control their anger, as well as maintain behavior and speech so as not to harm themselves or others.
These values are an important part of efforts to form better morals and strengthen the character of a Muslim in everyday life.
Thus, this is a review of the procedures, intentions, and virtues of the Arafah fast that Muslims should understand. Hopefully, this information is useful, detikers!