The name “ʿArafah” (عَرَفَة) comes from the Arabic root ʿa-ra-fa (عَرَفَ), which means to know, to recognise, or to understand. There are several famous opinions regarding the origin of this name:
- It is said that after being sent down to Earth, Prophet Ādam (as) and Ḥawwāʾ (as) were separated and later recognised each other at this place, and so it was named ʿArafah. (Fākihī, Akhbār Makka, vol. 5, p. 9.)
- Another view is that it is the place where pilgrims would “recognise” their sins, ask for forgiveness, and reflect on their relationship with Allah. (Sakhāwī, al-Buldānīyāt, p. 225)
- According to a narration, when Angel Gabriel (as) was teaching Prophet Ibrahim (as) the rites of Hajj, after explaining each step, he would ask: “Have you recognised and understood [what to do]?” and Ibrāhīm (as) would reply, “ʿAraftu” (I have recognised/understood). Hence the area was called ʿArafah – the place of knowledge and understanding. (Azraqī, Akhbār Makka, vol. 1, p. 67)
The Day of ʿArafah — the 9th of Dhul-Ḥijjah — is one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar. It is the day when the pilgrims stand on the plain of ʿArafāt, just outside Mecca, in total humility before Allah. However, this day is not just for the pilgrims. It is a day of deep spiritual opportunity for all believers, wherever they are in the world.
In the traditions the Day of ʿArafah is described as a special day where, sins are forgiven and duas are answered. It is a day of self-reflection, repentance, and returning to Allah with sincerity.
ʿArafah is not just about standing in a place — it’s about ‘recognising’ who we truly are: weak, dependent, sinful servants — and recognising who our Lord is: Merciful, Generous, All-Forgiving.
To make the most of this day, there are a few recommended acts to do:
- Ghusl (Ritual Purification) – Performing Ghusl before noon on the Day of ʿArafah is recommended.
- Fasting – It is recommended to observe fasting on ʿArafah Day, unless fasting prevents from recitation of supplications.
- Recite Dua ʿArafah of Imam Husayn on this day which is found in dua books such as Mafātīḥ al-Jinān
- Performing Ziyārah (visitation) to the shrine of Imam al-Husayn (as) on the Day of ʿArafah is highly recommended.
- It is recommended to perform two units (rakʿahs) of prayer outdoors after ʿAṣr prayer. In the first rakʿah, recite Sūrah al-Fātiḥah and Sūrah al-Ikhlāṣ; in the second, recite Sūrah al-Fātiḥah and Sūrah al-Kāfirūn.
- Recite Dua 47 from Ṣahifah al-Sajjadiyyah. This supplication, attributed to Imam Ali Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (as), is specifically for the Day of ʿArafah.
- The Day of ʿArafah is a prime opportunity for seeking Allah’s forgiveness through sincere repentance. Engaging in abundant Istighfār is highly encouraged.
- Recite Ṣalawāt on Prophet (S) and Ahlul Bayt (as) as much as possible
- Giving Charity (Ṣadaqah)
Engaging in these practices with sincerity can lead to immense rewards and closeness to Allah.
Sources:
Fiqh al-Muhadithyn
Mafatih al Jinan