Fasting is one of the best actions you can do as a form of worship. It is recommended to fast on the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, especially on the 9th which is the blessed day of Arafah.
Fasting on the day of Arafah is a confirmed Sunnah of our beloved prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) for those who are not performing Hajj. If a person is on the Hajj, there is no fast for him or her on the day of Arafah.
Although it is not obligatory to fast on this day, it is highly recommended. Here are some reasons why you should try to fast on the day of Arafah:
1. Fasting On This Day Is A Forgiveness For Two Years
The sins of the previous year and of the coming year. As narrated by Qatadah bin Numan (R.A.) that Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said: ‘Whoever fasts the Day of Arafah, his sins of the previous and following year will be forgiven.’”
(Sunan Ibn Mahjah: 1731)
2. There is No Day On Which Allah Frees More People from The Fire Than The Day Of Arafah
As narrated by Aisha (R.A.), Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) said:
“There is no day when God sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of Arafa.” He draws near, then praises them to the angels, saying: “What do these want?”
(Sahih Muslim 1348)
3. Supplication Of A Fasting Person Will Not Be Rejected
as Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said
“There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed person; Allah raises it up above the clouds and opens the gates of heaven to it. And the Lord says: ‘By My might, I shall surely aid you, even if it should be after a while.’”
(Tirmidhi: 3598)
4. The Opportunity To Follow The Prophet’s (S.A.W.) Sunnah
As mentioned above, fasting on the day of Arafah is a confirmed Sunnah of our Prophet (S.A.W.) and by observing fast, we will follow this Sunnah. As Narrated by Anas bin Malik,
“The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) said to me: ‘Whoever revives my Sunnah then he has loved me. And whoever loved me, he shall be with me in Paradise.'” (Tirmidhi: 2678)
According to the hadith by observe the fast of day of Arafah, we will be reviving one of the Sunnahs of our Prophet’s (S.A.W). So the reward from Allah will be unlimited and we will be with our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.) in paradise which is our ultimate goal/destination.
