According to Kontal Travel, the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah or the Day of Invocation, is one of the most significant days of the year, which many narrations have described as a special day for seeking forgiveness for sins and having prayers answered. Arafah is considered a highly esteemed day among Muslims, and various sources have mentioned recommended acts for this day, with the most virtuous being supplication and seeking forgiveness.
The reason for naming it Arafah
“Arafah” is derived from the root word “A-R-F,” which means perception, understanding, and recognition. It is narrated that after Adam and Eve descended from Paradise and arrived on Earth, they found each other in this land. For this reason, this region was named “Arafat,” and this day was named “Arafah.”
What is the Day of Arafah?
In Shia jurisprudence, it is obligatory for a Hajj pilgrim to perform the “Wuquf” (standing) in Arafah from noon until sunset on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah. It means the pilgrim must stay in the plain of Arafah and not leave. This standing is one of the pillars of Hajj, meaning that if a pilgrim does not go to Arafah or does not stay there for at least a short period, their Hajj will be invalidated.
Arafat
Arafat is the name of a vast area with an approximate area of 18 square kilometers in the east of the revered Mecca, slightly inclined to the south, located between Ta’if and Mecca. This plain is mostly uninhabited throughout the year, but pilgrims stop there on the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhu al-Hijjah) to engage in supplication and invocation. After performing the combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers, they return to the noble Mecca.
Du’a of Arafah
The Du’a (supplication) of Arafah is a prayer attributed to Imam Hussein (AS), the leader of the Shia, consisting of approximately 3,200 words. It has been transmitted with minor variations in different books, and its content involves acknowledging the position of God and recognizing the position of humanity in existence, as well as praising and thanking God for His abundant blessings upon humans. It reminds one of the difficulties and ups and downs that a person has faced throughout their life since creation, endeavors to attract divine mercy, and seeks tranquility and well-being from Him, which is the most important desire of humans. In Iran, the Du’a of Arafah is recited by thousands of people in various places such as mosques, universities, shrines, as well as operational areas of the Iran-Iraq war and Iranian embassies abroad.
