The 9th Day of Dhu ‘l-Hijjah

The 9th Day of Dhu ‘l-Hijjah

The 9th day of Dhu ‘l-Hijjah is called Yawm al-‘Arafah (The Day of ‘Arafah). This is the date when the hujjāj (pilgrims, plural of hāji) assemble on the plain of ‘Arafah, six miles away from Makkah Mukarramah, where they perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of hajj, namely the Wuqūf of ‘Arafah (the stay at ‘Arafah).

The Fast of Yawm al-‘Arafah

For those not performing hajj, it is mustahabb (desirable) to fast on this day according to their own calendar. It sometimes occurs that 9th Dhu ‘l-Hijjah falls on different days in different countries according to the sighting of the moon. In such cases, Muslims of each country should observe Yawm al-‘Arafah according to the lunar dates of their own country.

The fast of Yawm al-‘Arafah has been emphasized by the Holy Prophet ﷺ as a mustahabb (desirable) act. According to a hadith, the fast of this day becomes a means of forgiveness for sins committed in one year.

Takbīr al-Tashrīq

Beginning from the Fajr on the 9th of Dhu ‘l-Hijjah up to the ‘Asr prayer on the 13th, it is obligatory on each Muslim to recite the takbir at-tashreek after every fard prayer in the following words:

اَللهُ أكْبَرُ اَللهُ أكْبَرُ

لاَ إِلهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَاللهُ أكْبَرُ

اَللهُ أكْبَرُ وَلِلّهِ الْحَمْد

Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar,

Lā Ilāha Illallāhu, Wallāhu Akbar,

Allāhu Akbar wa lillāhilhamd.

Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no god but Allah and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.

According to authentic Islamic sources, it is obligatory upon each Muslim to recite this takbīr after every fard salah. For women also, it is commendable though not obligatory. Whether you are performing salāh in congregation or on your own individually does not make a difference. You must recite the takbīr. However, male Muslims should recite it in a loud voice, while females should recite it in a low voice.

advices by
By Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani