The Day of Arafah: Significance, Fasting & Spiritual Meaning

What is the Day of Arafah?

The Day of Arafah – also known in Arabic as Yawm Arafah – falls in Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It’s also the day before Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice).

On this day, millions of pilgrims gather on the plains of Mount Arafat, about 20 kilometres outside of Makkah. This site, known as Jabal al-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy), is believed to be where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon.

Today, pilgrims spend the day in prayer, supplication, and reflection, marking what many consider the spiritual pinnacle of Hajj. The Day of Arafah is an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the perfection of the message of Islam, regarded also as a pinnacle in the guidance of humanity. Every prophet brought a divine message to the people, and Prophet Muhammad’s final message extended to all of humanity.

For Muslims who are not in Makkah or performing Hajj, the Day of Arafah remains equally meaningful, observed worldwide through fasting, prayer, forgiveness, and the remembrance of God.

What is the significance of the Day of Arafah?

The beauty of the Day of Arafah lies in its profound spiritual weight. Islamic tradition holds that it’s the day when Allah completed His favour and grace upon humankind, marking the completion of divine guidance and the culmination of the prophetic mission.

For pilgrims, standing on the plains of Arafat is the essence of Hajj. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said several times: “Hajj is Arafah”, underscoring the importance of this moment. Without the ritual of standing at Mount Arafat, known as wuquf, a pilgrim’s Hajj is considered incomplete.

It’s also considered a day of unity, as millions of Muslims turn towards the same point in prayer, embodying the spirit of faith and devotion to Allah. It’s seen as a significant day for salvation for the entire Ummah, or the Muslim population.

Fasting on the Day of Arafah

For those not performing Hajj, one of the most beneficial practices is fasting on the Day of Arafah. The fast is considered to hold immense rewards, with Islamic teachings stating that fasting on this day erases sins from the previous year and the year to come. For travellers in Saudi Arabia, especially those staying in Accor hotels in Makkah or Madinah, experiencing this tradition firsthand is an immersive opportunity to witness the devotion of the local community.

In Makkah, guests at properties such as the Pullman ZamZam Makkah or Swissôtel Makkah will enjoy a convenient stay just steps from the Masjid al-Haram (Holy Mosque). Meanwhile, in Madinah, visitors at the Pullman ZamZam Madinah will find serene spaces to reflect and break their fast after a day of worship, all while enjoying world-class hospitality near Al Masjid al-Nabawi, or the Prophet’s Mosque. If you’d like to find out how to make the most of your visit to Madinah and the Prophet’s Mosque, check out our guide here.

Visiting Mount Arafat: Where history meets faith

If you’re visiting Makkah outside the Hajj season, a trip to Mount Arafat is still a deeply moving experience. Just seeing where the Prophet’s sermon echoed more than 1,400 years ago can feel like a surreal experience. The simplicity of the vast, open plain – which is quiet when not filled with pilgrims – contrasts with its immense spiritual significance.

Why is Dhul Hijjah important for Muslims?

The Day of Arafah serves as an immersion into the spiritual history of Islam. Travelling to Saudi Arabia during the month of Dhul Hijjah allows pilgrims and Muslims the chance to experience the country at its most spiritual. The streets are alive with excitement and anticipation as families and locals prepare for Eid al-Adha. The atmosphere carries a tangible sense of devotion and reverence. It’s more than a spiritual event or a moment of worship – it’s a cultural tradition that brings together Muslims from all walks of life.

Where to stay in the Holy Cities

Staying in Makkah or Madinah provides travellers with an authentic experience. Near Makkah, pilgrims flock to Mount Arafat, a journey marked by humility and devotion. Even for those not able to perform Hajj for whatever reason, being present in the city at this time is still profoundly moving. Guests staying at Accor properties such as the Pullman ZamZam Makkah or Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, will find themselves at the heart of this joyful energy and sacred atmosphere.

In Madinah, before or after Hajj, many visitors spend their days in prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque. The Pullman ZamZam Madinah offers both convenience and tranquility for those wishing to immerse themselves in this spiritual rhythm. Within the hotels themselves, Accor properties create an atmosphere of serenity, with thoughtful dining arrangements, prayer facilities, and cultural insights tailored to this sacred time.

Final thoughts on the beauty of Yawm al-Arafah

The Day of Arafah directly precedes Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which makes the day even more significant. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion by performing the ritual sacrifice of an animal, such as a goat or sheep, sharing the meat with family, friends, and those in need.

The reflections and prayers of Arafah lead seamlessly into the celebrations of Eid, when families come together to share food and extend charity. Experiencing this transition is a joyful time. One day is marked by quiet devotion and prayer, while the next brings celebration, generosity, and community.

The Day of Arafah invites reflection on universal themes of gratitude, forgiveness, and renewal.

The significance of the Day of Arafah cannot be overstated. It’s a day when faith converges on a single point, when millions of voices rise in remembrance, and when the hearts of Muslims beat as one.

For worshipers, it’s an invitation to witness, to learn, and connect. From the plains of Mount Arafat to the homes of Muslims around the world, this special day offers an experience unlike any other.

Staying in the holy cities during this time means becoming part of a story written across centuries, carried in the hearts and prayers of millions of Muslims, and felt in the stillness of this unassuming desert plain.

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Day of Arafah: A Day of Faith, Unity & Reflection

What is the Day of Arafah?

What is the significance of the Day of Arafah?

Fasting on the Day of Arafah

Visiting Mount Arafat: Where history meets faith

Why is Dhul Hijjah important for Muslims?

Where to stay in the Holy Cities

Final thoughts on the beauty of Yawm al-Arafah

Member Benefits

Welcome drink

Priority welcome

Late check-out

Food

Hajj & Umrah

Hotels

Shopping

Travel