The Wisdom of Arafah Fasting, Can Erase Past and Future Sins

Dream – Soon, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha. This holiday is also known as the Hajj holiday because many Muslims are performing the Hajj pilgrimage in the Holy Land. While Muslims who are not performing the Hajj are recommended to observe the Tarwiyah and Arafah voluntary fasts.

Both of these voluntary fasts have extraordinary virtues, including the Arafah fast observed every 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Arafah fast is observed on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the day of Arafah.

The day of Arafah is a very special day in the Hajj pilgrimage. On that day, the Hajj pilgrims are standing at the Plain of Arafah. While Muslims who are not performing the Hajj are recommended to observe the voluntary Arafah fast. So what is the wisdom behind observing the Arafah fast? Let's find out the complete answer!

Worship to Seek Forgiveness

Arafah fasting is observed on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, precisely one day before the celebration of Eid al-Adha. Arafah fasting has great virtues. Prophet Muhammad SAW said, "Fasting on the day of Arafah can erase past sins and future sins" (Narrated by Muslim).

The virtue of Arafah fasting makes this voluntary fast highly recommended for Muslims. This fast is observed from dawn (subuh) until sunset on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah. During the fast, Muslims are expected to abstain from eating, drinking, and things that nullify the fast.

Arafah fasting is believed to be a worship to seek blessings and forgiveness of sins. In this moment, Muslims strive to draw closer to Allah, pray, remember Him, seek forgiveness, and perform other acts of goodness.

In relation to the Hajj pilgrimage, Arafah fasting is part of the practices performed by Hajj pilgrims when they are at the Plain of Arafah. The pilgrims observe fasting there as a form of honor and worship to Allah, remembering the important event in the history of Hajj and following the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Arafah fasting is a highly recommended practice for Muslims. In addition to obtaining virtues and forgiveness of sins, Arafah fasting also reminds Muslims of the important moment in the Hajj pilgrimage and revives the spirit of devotion to the Almighty Allah.

The Wisdom of Observing the Arafah Fasting Includes the Ability to Erase Sins

One of the wisdoms or benefits of observing the Arafah fasting is that it is believed to be a practice to erase sins. The Arafah fasting is observed on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the day of Arafah, and is one of the most special days in the pilgrimage.

Several evidences indicate that the Arafah fasting has amazing virtues. Among them is the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which states:

"Fasting on the day of Arafah can erase past sins and future sins" (Narrated by Muslim).

From this hadith, it can be understood that the Arafah fasting is considered a voluntary act to obtain forgiveness and the erasure of sins.

The Wisdom of Observing Arafah Fasting as Forgiveness of Sins

1. Opportunity for Repentance

Arafah fasting provides an opportunity for Muslims to repent and seek forgiveness from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. With a sincere heart and awareness of the sins committed, Arafah fasting can be an important moment to improve oneself and eliminate the burden of sins.

2. Presence before Allah SWT

Arafah fasting is performed by Hajj pilgrims in the Plain of Arafah, which is a very special place before Allah. In that moment, Muslims are in a place chosen by Allah to show submission and worship to Him. Arafah fasting becomes an intense form of devotion that strengthens the spiritual bond between the servant and his Lord.

3. Exemplification from Prophet Ibrahim

Arafah fasting also contains the wisdom of remembering the patience and steadfastness of Prophet Ibrahim when he was commanded to sacrifice his beloved son, Prophet Ismail. Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice what he loved most as a sign of obedience to Allah is an exemplary example that shows the virtue of sacrifice in carrying out His command.

Although Arafah fasting has great wisdom in the forgiveness of sins, it is also important to remember that the forgiveness of sins does not solely depend on one act, but also requires sincere intentions, repentance, remorse, and efforts to not repeat the sin.

The Best Prayer is on the Day of Arafah

The day of Arafah is the ninth day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is called the Day of Arafah because it is related to the story of the dream of Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded to sacrifice his beloved son, Prophet Ismail. After hesitating for some time, on the Day of Arafah, Prophet Ibrahim alaihissalam became certain that his dream truly came from Allah SWT.

That is why on the day of Arafah, it is recommended to increase prayers. The prayer on the day of Arafah is mentioned as the best prayer by Prophet Muhammad SAW. As stated in the hadith in Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Prophet Muhammad SAW specifically mentioned that the prayer on the day of Arafah is the best prayer.

Prophet Muhammad SAW said: "The best prayer is the prayer on the day of Arafah. And the best prayer that I and the previous prophets have offered is: laa ilaha illallahu wahdahu la syarika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ala kulli syai'in qadir." (Narrated by Tirmidhi)

The prayer on the day of Arafah was taught by Prophet Muhammad SAW. This prayer was also offered by the previous prophets.

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Laa ilaha illallahu wahdahu la syarika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ala kulli syai'in qadir

Meaning: "There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and praise, and He is able to do all things."