The Day of ‘Arafah is the central day of Hajj. For Muslims who are not performing Hajj, fasting is highly recommended and is a means of expiation for minor sins of the preceding and following year. Pilgrims generally do not fast so they can devote their strength to standing at ‘Arafah.
Recommended actions
- Fast if you are not performing Hajj and are able to do so.
- Increase tawbah, du‘a, Qur’an, and remembrance of Allah.
- Frequently affirm Allah’s oneness with tahlil.
- Seek forgiveness while also resolving obligations and the rights of other people.
References
Sahih Muslim 1162; Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi 3585; and Sahih al-Bukhari 1661.