Yawm al- Arafat

The 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of Arafat. It is this day when the pilgrims gather on the mountain plain of Arafat, praying and supplicating to their Lord.The day of Arafat holds great importance in Islam since this is the Day when Allah completed his revelation on His Messenger (S.A.W)  

It is reported in the Sahîhayn (i.e. Sahîh al-Bukharî and Sahîh Muslim), from Umar Ibn al-Khattab (radhi Allâhu anhu) that a Jewish man said to him:

“O Amîr al-Muminîn (O head of the Muslims)! There is a verse in the Qur'ân, which if was revealed on us, the Jews, we would have taken that day as an Eid (festival). Umar asked: ‘Which verse?’ He said: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [Sûrah al-Maidah (5): 3]  Umar (radhi Allâhu anhu) said: ‘We know on which day and in which place was this verse revealed to Allâh's Messenger (sAllâhu alaihe wa-sallam). It was when he was standing in Arafat on a Friday.’

Things you can do in Dhul Hijjah:

Ø  Offer Salah at the earliest

Ø  Fast on the 9^th of Dhul Hijjah

Ø  Read the Quran and listen to it

Ø  Give charity

Ø  More Tahlil, Takbir and Tahmid

Ø  Seek forgiveness

Ø  Offer prayers with humility and submissiveness

Benefits of Dhul Hijjah

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are marked blessed for both, the pilgrims and the non-pilgrims. Rewards of 

good deeds are multiplied in these days. Imaam Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullah) (d. 751H) said: “Indeed, its 

days are the most excellent of all the days with Allah. It has been confirmed in Saheeh al-Bukharee 

from Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “No deed 

are more virtuous than deeds on these days.” The companions asked: 'Not even Jihad (fighting in 

Allah's Cause)?' He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) replied: “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah,

 unless a man goes out risking himself and his wealth for the sake of Allah, and does not come 

back with anything.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee vol: 2, no: 457]And it is these ten days, of which Allah takes an 

oath saying: “By the dawn; by the ten nights.” [Soorah al-Fajr (89): 1-2] This is why it is recommended 

to increase in making Takbeer, Tahlil and Tamhid during these days.” [Zaad al-Ma'aad vol: 1, pp: 56]

                                                   What is Dhul Hijjah?

The month of Dhul-Hijjah is a season of worship, and seasons of worship bring along blessings, benefits and opportunities to correct one's faith and make up for shortcoming. Every one of these special opportunities involves some kind of worship, which brings the slave closer to his Lord. And Allah bestows His blessings and Favors on whom He wills. The fortunate person is he who makes good use of these special months, days, and hours, while worshiping Allah. He is most likely to be touched by the blessings of Allah. Dhu al-Ḥijjah  is the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar.This is a very sacred month in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of the year. It is in this month in which the Hajj (pilgrimage) takes place."Dhu al-Hijjah" literally means "Possessor of the Pilgrimage." It is during this month that pilgrims from all around the world congregate at Mecca to visit the Kaaba. The Hajj is performed on the eighth, ninth and the tenth of this month. Day of Arafa takes place on the ninth of the month. Eid al-Adha, the "Festival of the Sacrifice", begins on the tenth day and ends on the thirteenth.