6 days ago
Holiest day in Islam: UAE residents to fast as Hajj pilgrims scale Arafah mountain
Muslims across the UAE are recommended to fast tomorrow, Thursday, in observance of the Day of Arafah - one of the most sacred days in Islam. As pilgrims performing Hajj in Makkah gather on the plain of Arafah, Muslims around the world who are not on the pilgrimage will mark the day with fasting, prayer, and reflection.
The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the day before Eid Al Adha, and is deeply significant in Islamic tradition.
"Allah chose this day to complete the religion of Islam," said Sheikh Ayaz Housee, Imam of NGS and Khateeb at Al Manar Islamic Centre. "In Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah says: 'This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favour upon you, and approved Islam as your religion.' That declaration was made on the Day of Arafah," he explained.
Day of forgiveness
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described it as the day when Allah's mercy is at its peak. "There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Hellfire than the Day of Arafah," the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, as recorded in Sahih Muslim.
"It's a spiritual day unlike any other. For those standing in Arafah during Haj, it's a moment of closeness to Allah. For the rest of us, fasting helps us connect to that moment from afar," said Sheikh Ayaz.
Fasting on this day is highly recommended. "The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that fasting on the Day of Arafah wipes away the sins of the previous year and the year to come,' said Sheikh Ayaz. 'That's 730 days of minor sins forgiven for one day of sincere fasting.'
He also encouraged people to eat a proper pre-dawn meal, give in charity, read the Quran, and avoid distractions to make the most of the day.
Chance to reset spiritually
Dr Abdul Hameed Zafar, an imam at a mosque in Dragon Mart, said the Day of Arafah is about deep personal reflection.
"It's a day to pause and turn back to Allah. Whether you are fasting at home or standing in prayer at the mosque, the goal is the same - to seek forgiveness and spiritual renewal," he said.
"People should use the day to make dua, ask Allah for what they truly need - peace, guidance, good health, or forgiveness. The doors of mercy are wide open," said Dr Zafar.
Scholars said that as Hajj reaches its peak in Makkah, Muslims in the UAE and around the world will share in the spiritual power of the day. "Through fasting and worship, Muslims should aim to draw closer to their Creator - even if they are thousands of kilometers away from Arafah," added Dr Zafar.
