The Arafat jabal or Mount Arafat is a hill about 20 km east of Mecca. This small hill is also known as the Mount of Mercy. Let's get together and discover this unique place!
Mount Arafat: what is it?
Le Mount Arafat is the place where the Prophet ('alayhi salat wa salam) stood and delivered the farewell sermon at the hajj in the year 632. This was his last pilgrimage to Mecca before ending his days in Medina and being buried there.
It is also the place where Adam and Hawa (peace and blessings be upon them) reunited on earth after being expelled from Paradise. Mount Arafat is the place where Adam was forgiven, hence its name: Jabal Rahmah (Mount of Mercy)
An important stage in the hajj: Mount Arafat
Le 9th of the month of Dhu al-hijjahpilgrims must go to Arafat from Mina. This is the most important pillar of the Hajj. Pilgrims combine the Dohr and Asr prayers and spend the whole day on and around the hill invoking Allah until sunset.
It's also important to know that this day is compared to the Day of Judgement! Why is this? In the sense that all people will be equal when awaiting judgement, with no distinction between them.
What's more, the prophet (Sallalahu wa alayhi wa salam) received the revelation from Allah of verse 3 of sura 5 (the table served) on this mountain:
"Today, I have completed your religion for you, and I have done My good deed for you. And I accept Islam as your religion.
You should also know that according to a hadith of the Prophet (alayhi salat wa salam), he said: "Pilgrimage is the station at Arafat". Reported by Tirmidhi.
It is therefore a pillar of the hajj and its execution is essential for the validity of the latter.
Once the rituals on Mount Arafat have been completed at sunset, pilgrims must go to Muzdalifa. There, they will perform the Maghreb and Ichaa prayers.
Fasting on the day of Arafat...
It is recommended to fast on the day of Arafat. Indeed, according to Abu Qatada (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (alayhi salat wa salam) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafat. He said: "He atones for the previous year and the current year". (Reported by Mouslim).
Furthermore, according to another hadith:
According to 'Amr Ibn Shu'ayb (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (Sallalahu wa alayhi wa salam) said: "The best invocation is that of the day of Arafat and the best thing that I and the prophets before me have said is: There is no divinity worthy of being worshipped except Allah alone without any partner. To Him be kingship, to Him be praise and He is mighty over all things". (Reported by Tirmidhi)
So anyone who does not perform Hajj will fast on that day in order to obtain this great reward.
It is not lawful for the Hajj performer to fast.
All this shows us the importance of this day in Islam. And now that you know more about Mount Arafat, it will be easier for you to perform the rites once D-Day arrives! In chaa Allah!
THE HARAMAIN VOYAGES TEAM
