May 26
Wuqoof-e-Arafat
Tuesday 9 Dhul Hijjah, 1447
May 26
Tuesday 9 Dhul Hijjah, 1447
Wuqoof-e-Arafat is the most important and obligatory ritual of Hajj, which is an annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. It takes place on the second day of Hajj, i.e., 9th day of Dhu-al Hijjah, which is also known as ‘Yawm-e-Arafat’ or ‘Yawm-e-Wuqoof’. On this day, Muslims travel to the plains of Arafat and spend a day there until sunset, praying and repenting for their sins. This day holds special significance in the lives of Muslims worldwide.
The word ‘wuqoof’ means to stop and stand. In the terms of Hajj, this means to stop and stay at a dedicated place. Arafat is a plural of the word ‘Arafah’, which means ‘to recognize.’ So, collectively wuqoof-e-arafat means to stay at Arafat, a sacred land where historically many recognitions and revelations have taken place.
In Islamic history, the land of Arafat stands as a symbol of reflection, revelation, and connection with Almighty Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). This was the place where Adam met Hawwa after 300 years of separation, and they instantly ‘recognized’ each other. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) delivered his farewell sermon at this exact place. He stood in front of a multitude of followers and delivered to them the message of Allah regarding faith, unity, and brotherhood. It was on this day at this place that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) perfected the religion of Islam and chose it to be the right way of living.
The land of Arafat is a vast field located to the east of Mecca. In distance, it is 20 kilometers away from Mecca and 11 kilometers from Mina. It is encompassed by a hill known as Jabbal e Rahma, which has black stone flooring. The sermons and prayers are offered at the Nimrah Mosque, which is located in the middle of the desert of Arafat.
The wuqoof in Arafat, also known as the rulings of the plains of Arafat, is the cornerstone of the Hajj. When a person has gone for Hajj, the second day is mainly focused on staying at the plains of Arafat. It is necessary to remain in Arafat from noon of the 9th day till sunset. If the pilgrim who entered Arafat stays till sunset and prays there while sitting or standing, their Hajj is considered complete. Without wuqoof-e-Arafat, the hajj can’t be completed. The wuqoof is nothing less than worship that should be performed to get closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and ask for forgiveness.
If a pilgrim unintentionally leaves the land of Arafat before sunset, then there is no problem for him. However, if he intentionally leaves the place earlier, then according to Islamic law, he has to sacrifice a camel in Mina. If he doesn’t have the resources or means to sacrifice a camel, then he has to fast for eighteen days to perfect his Hajj.
There is no atonement for a pilgrim if he stays for a part of the time from noon to sunset in Arafat. Nevertheless, staying away for the whole time will invalidate the Hajj, and thus he has to make up for it.
The time of Arafat doesn’t begin until noon, so if a pilgrim arrives early, then he should rest. It has become a common practice to start supplications before midday, which is wrong and should be condemned.
The day of Arafah is special and significant; it is advisable to spend it wisely. On this day, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) opens the door to His divine mercy. During the stay at Arafat, you can make the most of your time there by doing the following things:
During this day, you are closest to Allah. Seize the day by reflecting upon your past actions and asking for forgiveness. It is the sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) to stand at the land of Arafat, facing the Kaaba, and make supplication while raising the hands. During these moments, you are alone with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), so open your heart and ask for anything and everything.
It is not recommended to waste this precious time sitting idle, chit-chatting, or eating. A good idea is to prepare the list of supplications beforehand so that you can recite them as much as you want.
Remember to say a prayer for everyone, including your family, friends, deceased, Muslim ummah, and for yourself. Here are some examples of supplications that you can make during wuqoof-e-arafaat:
The day of Arafah commemorates the last sermon of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). While pilgrims perform wuqoof-e-arafat, non-pilgrims also engage in worship, especially fasting. Fasting on this day is not a sunnah for the performing Hajj; however, it is recommended for non-pilgrims. It is a way to make reparation for the sins.
Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari (RAA) narrated, ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah (the 9th of the month of Dhul Hijjah). He replied, "Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.” (Sahih Muslim 1162b)
Wuqoof-e-Arafat holds unparalleled importance in the rituals of Hajj and in the life of Muslims. Its significance can be derived from the hadith:
Narrated 'Abdur-Rahman bin Ya'mar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ): that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The Hajj is 'Arafat, the Hajj is 'Arafat, the Hajj is 'Arafat. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2975)
This hadith indicates that Hajj is incomplete and nullified without wuqoof-e-arafat. This land and day of Arafah is a powerful reminder about the day of Judgment as thousands of people stand in plain white dresses to submit themselves before the Creator. On this day, Allah’s mercy is abundant. A sincere apology from the heart can expiate all the sins that have been committed to date. Wuqoof-e-Arafat is a profound spiritual experience that connects a true believer to his Lord.
Wuqoof-e-Arafat is a central rite of Hajj. Although the term is not explicitly used in the Quran, its practices are referenced in various verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) talks about this day in Surah Al-Maidah as:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Surah Al Maidah :3)
Similarly, in Surah Baqra, Allah mentions the bounty of staying and pleading at Mount Arafat. He says:
“There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord [during Hajj]. But when you depart from 'Arafat, remember Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) at al-Mash'ar al-haram.” (Surah Al-Baqra: 198)
“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days.” (Surah Al-hajj: 28)
This verse explains the immense benefits and rewards gained by performing Hajj and by remembering Allah on special days, such as the day of wuqoof-e-Arafat.
The Prophet (ﷺ) has put a lot of emphasis on wuqoof-e-Arafat. It is not only a sunnah to stay at the plains, but also an obligatory duty, without which Hajj remains imperfect.
It was narrated that ‘Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stopped at ‘Arafat and said: ‘This is the place of standing, and all of ‘Arafat is a place of standing.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3010)
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘There is no day in which Allah Almighty frees more people from Hell than the Day of ‘Arafah. The mercy of Allah Almighty (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) draws close (to His people), then he honours His people in front of the angels, saying: ‘With what intentions have these people come?’ (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1348)
In another hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned the best supplication that can be made at wuqoof-e-Arafat.
“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of 'Arafah, and the best words that I and the prophets before me have said are 'La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lahla hul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa ala kulli shayin qadeer' (Jami At-Tirmidhi (3585)
It has been confirmed through the practices of the Messenger of Allah and through his hadith that wuqoof-e-Arafat brings immense bounties and rewards. It is the sunnah of our beloved Prophet to stay there until sunset and ask for the forgiveness from Allah Almighty. On this day, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) bears angels witness that any person who has asked for forgiveness, Allah has forgiven him.
“When the day of ‘Arafa comes, God descends to the lowest heaven and praises them to the angels, saying, 'Look at my servants who have come to me dishevelled, dusty and crying out from every deep valley. I call you to witness that I have forgiven them.” Then the angels say, “My Lord, so and so was being suspected of sin, also so and so and such and such a woman.” He said that God, who is great and glorious, replies, “I have forgiven them.” God’s messenger said, “No day has more people set free from hell than the day of ‘Arafa.”
Talha ibn Ubaydullah ibn Kariyz (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Shaytan is not considered more abased or more cast out or more contemptible or more angry on any day than on the Day of Arafa. That is only because he sees the descent of the Mercy and Allah's disregard for great wrong actions. (Muwatta Malik 254)
In a nutshell, wuqoof-e-Arafat is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get blessings of the Lord of the Worlds. On this day, He forgives and blesses anyone who stays at the plains of Arafat and asks the most manificent and the most merciful Allah. Wuqoof-e-Arafat is not only a rite of Hajj, but it is a day of spiritual awakening. For pilgrims, standing at the barren lands of Arafat is a strong reminder of their ultimate meeting with the creator. Every believer asks for mercy, forgiveness, and a new sacred transformation towards the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
In Islam, wuqoof-e-Arafat is the holiest rite of Hajj. It is a day when Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) acknowledges the repentance of every Muslim who stands and prays to Him. It is a day of fasting, seeking mercy and forgiveness of the Lord.
Wuqoof-e-Arafat typically falls on the 9th of Dhu-ul Hijjah, which will be June 5, 2025, as per the lunar calendar.
For the Muslims who are not on pilgrimage, it is recommended to fast on this day. They can fast, do charity, recite the Quran, and do a lot of dhikr, as this can forgive their sins.
No, it is not mandatory for people who are performing hajj to fast on wuqoof-e-Arafat. The Prophet (ﷺ) didn’t use to fast while he was on Hajj; however, it is recommended that non-pilgrims should fast on this day.
Wuqoof-e-Arafat is considered to be the heart of Hajj. Hajj is not completed unless the pilgrim has stayed in the plains of Arafat from noon to sunset. This experience is deeply spiritual as it connects a believer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).