When will the Day of Arafah be in 2026?

The Day of Arafah in 2026 is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, which corresponds to the 9th of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar. This date may vary slightly depending on moon sightings.

Is the Day of Arafah a public holiday?

The Day of Arafah is not a public holiday in most countries. However, in Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, it is observed as an official holiday because it is a major part of the Hajj pilgrimage. In many other countries, Muslims observe the day religiously, but it may not be recognized as a public holiday.

What is the Day of ‘Arafah

The Day of Arafah, also known as Arafah, falls on the 9th Dhul Hijjah of the Islamic calendar. In 2025, it will be observed on Thursday, 5th June 2025. This sacred day marks a moment when Allah (SWT) declared the religion perfected, favours completed, and Islam approved as a way of life for Muslims. As mentioned in Surah al-Maidah in the holy Qur’an, verse Quran 5:3 states: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.” Subhan’Allah! This day is also called Yawm Al-Waqf, or the Day of Standing, because it is the day when pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah before their Lord, seeking His divine mercy. It is considered the essence and heart of the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the most significant Festival in Islam, deeply connected to the legacy of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Things to Do on the Day of Arafah

Fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly encouraged and recommended, especially for those not going on Hajj. It is believed that this fast expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year, as taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). On this sacred day, Muslims engage in the Du’aa of Arafah, which is considered one of the most excellent dua:

“The best of what I and the prophets before me have said is:

لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له ، له الملك ، وله الحمد ، وهو على كل شيء قدير.”

This powerful Tahleel, along with Takbeer, Tahmeed, and Tasbeeh, should be recited many times, especially during the days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, 13th Dhul Hijjah):
Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah, Allahu Akbar, Alhamdulillaah, Subhanallaah.
These words are part of the Sunnah of the Prophet PBUH, reflecting the essence of worship and remembrance. Believers also seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah, the Most Exalted, who descends to the nearest heaven on this day and says: “Look at My servants—far and near—hair disheveled, faces covered with dust, seeking My Mercy. I will forgive them, even if their sins are as much as the sand or the froth of the sea.”

The History of Arafat Day

The history of Arafat is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. It was on this blessed day that Allah SWT perfected the religion, completed His blessings, and affirmed the message delivered by Prophet Muhammad SAW to his followers. The Day of Arafat is most remembered for the Farewell Sermon, where the Prophet PBUH spoke about the core principles of Islam including justice, equality, and piety. In this historical sermon, he proclaimed the words from Quran 5:3: “This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.” This declaration marked a pivotal moment in Islamic history. The Day of Arafat continues to hold spiritual significance and plays a vital role in the social fabric of Islam.