Arafat: The Highest Point of the Hajj Journey

Arafat is a highly sacred site in Islam, commonly referred to as Mount Arafat or Jabal al-Rahmah (the Mount of Mercy). 

It is a vital component of the Hajj celebrations, which are performed annually by all Muslims who are financially and physically capable of making the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lives. The Hajj pilgrimage ends on the plain of Arafat, which lies about 20 kilometers southeast of Mecca, on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month according to the Islamic lunar calendar. 

The Arafah Day
One of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar and the most significant day of the Hajj pilgrimage is the day of Arafah, which falls on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah. Millions of pilgrims gathered at the Arafat plain on this day to carry out the essential Hajj rite, which involves submitting themselves before Allah in a spirit of humility, forgiveness, and devotion. Wuquf, which translates to "standing" in Arabic, is the name of this ceremony.

The significance of the day of Arafah is based on the idea that, in the year 632 CE, during his final trip, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his Farewell Lecture. During his address, the Prophet called on Muslims to live their lives upholding the beliefs of justice, equality, and the value of human life. The day of Arafah is considered as a day of forgiveness and kindness, when the faithful's prayers are granted and Allah's wealth is flowing.

Being present on the Arafat area on this day is an important part of the Hajj for those participating in the ritual. "Hajj is Arafah," as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) called it, highlighting the significance of this day.

The Arafat Rituals
On the day of Arafah, pilgrims travel to Arafat after offering the Fajr (dawn) prayer at Mina. When they reach there as well, they spend the entire day praying, and begging Allah for kindness. Standing at Wuquf, or Arafat, typically starts after noon and lasts until midnight. Travellers use this time to consider their mistakes, turn to Allah in humility, and beg for His forgiveness. A great spiritual experience, the Wuquf at Arafat is described by many visitors as a short but intense moment of closeness to Allah.

Apart from the individual prayers, Masjid Namirah, a mosque located on the Arafat plain, delivers the Khutbah (sermon) of Arafah. The message, which is presented to the large group of visitors, focuses on themes of truth, unity, and faith.

On the day od Arafah, the pilgrims leave from Arafat as the sun sets and make their way to Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night outside. The last steps of the Hajj trip, which include the ritual sacrifice of an animal in memory of Prophet Ibrahim's ability to sacrifice his son in service to Allah's order and the symbolic stone of the devil at Mina, start with the departure from Arafat.

Arafat’s important in Islamic History

Arafat is important to Islamic history because of its connection to other major events as well as its connection with the hajj. Islamic tradition holds that Arafat is the location where Prophet Adam (AS) and his spouse, Hawwa (Eve), met again on Earth following their removal from Heaven. They united at the Arafat plain after a long separation, and Allah accepted their forgiveness.

In addition, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his Farewell Lecture in Arafat, which is a significant event in Islamic history. The speech, which was given in front of more than 100,000 people, highlighted the values of social justice, equality, and kindness while highlighting the basic ideas of Islam. During this message, the Prophet established the finality of his spiritual mission and established the basis of an Islamic community focused on fairness and equity.

The Arafah Day Not Celebrated by Travellers
The significance of the day of Arafah extends past its importance to Muslims who are not performing the Hajj. On the day of Arafah, individuals who are unable to join the journey observe a period of fasting, prayer, and meditation. Non-pilgrims are advised not to fast on this day because it is thought that fasting on Arafah apologizes for crimes committed both in the past and the future.

On the day of Arafah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remarked, "Fasting is a forgiveness for the sins of the previous year and the coming year." According to Sahih Muslim. This hadith highlights the forgiveness and kindness that Allah provides on those who observe it, as well as the great spiritual advantages of fasting on this day.

Non-pilgrims are advised to pray more, read the Quran, and ask Allah for forgiveness in addition to fasting. It is said that the day of Arafah is one of great blessings, on which honest prayers receive approval and Allah's kindness is freely distributed.

Arafat's Spiritual Relationship to Umrah
Arafat is not specifically mentioned in the Umrah rituals, while being a vital part of the Hajj pilgrimage. But the greater structure of Islamic prayer and the search for spiritual purity is where Arafat and Umrah's spiritual bond exists.

Umrah is a religious act that can be done at any time of the year to pursue a closer relationship with Allah. While the Hajj and this pilgrimage have different habits they share the same fundamental principles of forgiveness, purification of the spirit, and surrender to Allah. Muslim pilgrims are reminded of the same values of respect, modesty, harmony, and devotion that are present on the Day of Arafat.

How to Include Arafat in the Umrah Journey?
While visiting Arafat is not part of the rituals of Umrah, top travel company provide Umrah packages that include trips to important historical Islamic sites as part of the schedule. These packages meet the spiritual demands of Umrah pilgrims who want to strengthen their connection to the sacred history of Islam.

1.     Educational and Spiritual journeys:

Guided trips to Arafat, where pilgrims can discover the site's religious and historical significance, can be included in umrah packages. Improving the pilgrimage's spiritual experience can be achieved by standing on the Arafat plain and thinking back on the Prophet's Goodbye Lecture. Like the spiritual focus of the Day of Arafat during the Hajj, these trips may have specific prayers and readings that highlight the ideas of forgiveness and renewal.

2.     Packages for both the Hajj and the Umrah:

Leading travel companies provide packages for both the Hajj and the Umrah, allowing travellers to complete the Umrah before the Hajj starts. It allows them to travel to Arafat on the Day of Arafat, when its importance is at its highest. This combination of journeys offers a unique chance to take part in the powerful spiritual moment of standing at Arafat during Hajj, as well as the physical walk of Umrah.

3.     Packages for Ziyarat:

A common addition to many Umrah packages includes ziyarat, or trips to holy places. Visitors can visit Arafat and consider its significance when it is included in a ziyarat package. Visiting Arafat allows pilgrims to connect with the history of Islam and the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), even if it is not an essential part of Umrah.

Conclusion

Arafat has immense spiritual value in Islam and is significantly more than just a geographical location. The day of Arafah at the plain of Arafat, the center of the Hajj pilgrimage, is a powerful event that unites Muslims to the heart of their faith. The faithful come together on this day of kindness, forgiveness, and renewal to ask for Allah's grace and improve their relationship with Him.

Whether they are doing the Hajj or celebrating the day of Arafah by fasting and praying, Muslims all around the world use this holy day as a reminder of the lasting impact of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the universal message of Islam. Arafat guides Muslims on their spiritual path toward justice and forgiveness from God as a symbol of devotion, togetherness, and humility.