We are celebrating Waqfat Arafat Day on June 28 this year. It is a holy day for all Muslims that is observed on day nine of the last month in the Islamic calendar — ‘Dhul-Hijjah.’ It is also the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage, and it comes one day before Eid al-Adha. Waqfat Arafat Day is mostly celebrated on the hillside of Mount Arafat and the Plain of Arafah. This is the place the Prophet Muhammad chose to give one of his last sermons. The dates of Waqfat Arafat Day are not exact since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle and are based on the sighting of the moon.
History of Waqfat Arafat Day
The history of Waqfat Arafat is tied to the history of Islam itself. In short, it was the prophet Muhammad who gave his final sermons from Mount Arafat. The day is one of the most important Islamic days. The history of Islam starts with the birth of Muhammad. Before his time, the entire Middle East followed polytheistic beliefs and ancient Semitic religions.Everything changed for the world when Muhammad received his first revelation on Mount Hira. From there, he received the word of Allah from the angel Gabriel. It was on this day that he started receiving revelations, which continued for the next 22 years. The Islamic calendar starts when Muhammad undertakes the ‘hijra.’ ‘Hijra’ refers to the migration from Mecca to Medina. The following years saw battles one after the other in 629 A.D. when he made the first pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims soon outnumbered other rulers of the period. In 630 A.D., the Quraysh, the group of clans that controlled the city of Mecca, realized the growing strength of Muslims. They handed over control of Mecca to Muslims.Two years after the capture of Mecca, Muhammad made his first and last Hajj pilgrimage. It was during this pilgrimage that prophet Muhammad visited Mount Arafat and gave one of his last sermons. It is a day for immense forgiveness. Devotees spend the day in prayer and fasting.
Waqfat Arafat Day timeline
Prophet Muhammad is born in Mecca.
Prophet Muhammad receives his first revelation.
The Prophet Muhammad spreads the Quran to all Muslims as the final word of God.
Prophet Muhammad dies in Medina without naming a successor.
Waqfat Arafat Day FAQs
Why Is the journey to Mount Arafat or the Mount of Mercy the most important part of the Hajj?
Pilgrims spend the day in prayers after traveling from Mina. At this place, on Mount Arafat, prophet Muhammad gave his final sermons. This is not only an important day during hajj but is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar.
Where is the Mount Of Mercy located?
Mount Mercy is on the eastern side of Mount Arafat.
When can the pilgrims leave Arafat?
Pilgrims will leave the Arafat hills for Muzdalifah after the sunset prayers.
How to Observe Waqfat Arafat Day
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Pray
This is a day of prayer. If you are not a Muslim, pray to the God you believe in for world peace and prosperity. If you do not believe in God, spend the day doing meditation and thinking of ways to create happiness and prosperity around you.
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Forgive and move on
It is a day for immense forgiveness. Islamic believers spend this day in prayer and use the day to forgive and give. Join them and try to forgive others, and move on with your life.
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Read the history of Islam
Islam has a rich history of faith, conquest, and politics. Read about the history and spread its messages to the world.
5 Facts About The Quran That You Should Know
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The first "Quran
The first "Quran" was written on parchment.
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The oldest "Quran" fragments
The oldest "Quran" fragments are safely kept at Birmingham University.
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The oldest Islamic holy book
The "Quran" is not the oldest holy book in Islam; that title belongs to the “Zabur.”
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800 Million copies
There are more than 800 million copies of the Quran printed.
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Prophet Muhammad and the Quran
The Prophet Muhammad was 40 years old when the Quran was first revealed to him.
Why Waqfat Arafat Day is Important
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A holy day for the majority of people
Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world. There are around 1.8 billion Muslims, and they all observe Waqfat Arafat Day. We love celebrations that are observed by a large number of people.
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A day for forgiving
Waqfat Arafat Day is dedicated to prayers and forgiveness. People spend the day helping and forgiving others. It is also the day Prophet Muhammad gave his farewell sermons.
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The rich history of the day
Islam's past is rooted in strong traditions and beliefs and good messages to the world. We love these aspects of Islam on this day spread some love and forgiveness.
Waqfat Arafat Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | July 9 | Saturday |
| 2023 | June 28 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | June 16 | Sunday |
| 2025 | June 6 | Friday |
| 2026 | May 26 | Tuesday |
