Mount Arafat

Mount Arafat, sometimes referred to as Jabal ar-Rahmah, is a mountain in Saudi Arabia that is situated southeast of Makkah. Muslim pilgrims depart from Mina for Mount Arafat on the ninth day of Dhul Hajj, when they stand and recite verses from the Holy Quran while keeping a thoughtful watch. The revered Prophet Muhammad PBUH gave his final lecture to the Muslims who traveled with him on Hajj at the end of his life on Mount Arafat. 

Why Mount Arafat is Known as Jabal Arafat?

The word Arafat means 'to know.' According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Adam (AS) and Hawa (AS) reconciled on Mount Arafat after being expelled from Jannah and brought back to Earth. Jabal Arafat, or the 'Mountain of Mercy,' is another name for Mount Arafat that is frequently used. Additionally, it is the spot where Prophet Muhammad PBUH stood to address his companions and all Muslim pilgrims who traveled with him on the Hajjat ul-Wida as he delivered the Last Sermon, also known as Khutbat al-Wada.

Arafat and Hajj: 

During Hajj, Mount Arafat has a special significance. As the Prophet Muhammad PBUH declared, 'Hajj is Arafat,' walking toward Mount Arafat and standing on it while remaining there to pray are key parts of the Hajj. [Al-Hakim] This implies that those who forgo the process of ascending Mount Arafat do not perform the Hajj.

Leave Mina for Mount Arafat on the ninth day of Dhul Hajj, also known as the Day of Arafah. The last speech (khutbah) is then offered from Masjid-e-Nimra, and all the pilgrims in the valley of Mount Arafat pray Zuhrain (a combination of Zuhr and Asr). Later, the pilgrims spend a full day pleading with Allah SWT to pardon their sins on Mount Arafat.

Why you should visit Mount Arafat?

When it comes to the Hajj, reaching Mount Arafat gives pilgrims the greatest sense of fulfillment. It is not only the sole Hajj ceremony that takes place outside the walls of the Holy Kaaba but it is also regarded as the location where Allah SWT will hear and answer all petitions.

Muslim pilgrims spend their entire day on Mount Arafat doing Dua. They perform the Asr and Zuhr prayers together while standing until dusk in front of the Qibla, pleading for Allah SWT's pardon and blessings.

Fasting on Mount Arafat: 

It is deemed mustahabb (good) for individuals who are not performing the Hajj to fast on the day of Arafah. Because Prophet Muhammad PBUH didn't fast on the day during the Farewell Pilgrimage, it isn't a Sunnah for pilgrims. Except for those who are in 'Arafat,' those in the know advise fasting on the Day of Arafat.