[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Every day we are constantly reminded that Allah SWT is the Most-Forgiving and the Most-Merciful. However on the day of Arafah, Allah displays how he is Al-Ghafar and Ar-Raheem. 

 

On this day, you and I can be like a newborn: pure and sinless. It is only a matter of seeking Allah’s mercy.

 

It is the day before Eid al-Adha, or the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah. Aisha RA narrated that the Prophet PBUH said, “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah. He draws near, then boasts of them to the angels, saying “What do these slaves want that I may give them.” (Sahih Muslim)

 

On this day, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and boasts about those who are standing on Arafah to the angels. Allah says, “If your sins are as many as the grains of sand or the drops of rain or [as much as] the foam on the sea, I would forgive you. Go My slaves after being forgiven, and after the ones whom you asked forgiveness for they have been forgiven.” (Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr)

 

Jaabir ibn Abdullah RA narrated that the Prophet SAW said “There is no better day in the sight of Allah than the Day of Arafah.” (Al-Bayhaqi) This day is not only precious to us as it is a day for us to gain repentance from Allah SWT, but this is also the day Allah perfected this religion. In Surah Al-Ma’idah, Ayah 3, Allah says, “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” 

 

Even those who are unable to make it to Hajj are able to reap the benefits from this day at home. You can fast, make dhikr and dua, as well as do qurbani.

 

Abdullah ibn Al-Mubaarak narrates that as the day of Arafah was setting, he asked Sufyaan ibn al-Uyaynah, “Amongst the people who have gathered here for Hajj, who is in the worst state?” Sufyaan ibn al-Uyaynah said, “He who thinks that Allah SWT will not forgive him.”

 

It is actually sinful to think that your sin is too great for Allah to forgive. This line of thinking places a limitation on Allah’s mercy and we know that there is no limit to Allah.

 

Here are some tangible things you can do on the day of Arafah:

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[1] Raise your hands, facing the qiblah and ask Allah for forgiveness.

person showing both palms while sitting on chair

[2] Write in a journal or diary, a letter to Allah, pouring out your heart in repentance and reminding yourself of how needy you are to Allah.

person writing on white paper

 

[3] Fast and encourage friends and family to fast.

 

[4] Donate generously. If you wish, you can donate throughout the day, a few small amounts. You can donate as an expiation for your sins, or donate on behalf of someone you love, hoping for their forgiveness as well.

 

So do not miss this opportunity for Allah SWT loves forgiving. For Allah is Ar-Ra’oof (Most-Kind). 

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Guest Author: Maharaj Majhar[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row]