The merit of fasting on the day of Arafat which will take place on Tuesday, June 27, 2023
The pilgrimage (Hajj) to the holy city of Mecca is a major event for the believer. Fifth pillar of Islam, the pilgrimage remains the greatest gathering in the world, the greatest point of concentration of cosmic and terrestrial energy. From the religious point of view, this impressive gathering of millions of faithful from different regions of the world, in a specific place and at a specific time, all wearing the same dress, recalls the day of the last judgment that everyone is called to meditate .
The pilgrimage was instituted as a divine prescription during the sixth year of the Hegira. Its fulfillment is an obligation to fulfill for any Muslim who has the means, at least once in his life. The Koran describes this 5th pillar of Islam wonderfully well in sura 3, verse 196: “There are clear signs, among them the place where Abraham stood; and whoever enters it is safe. And it is a duty to God for people who have the means to go on the pilgrimage of the House. And whoever does not believe… God largely dispenses with the worlds”. And to specify in sura 2, verse 196: And accomplish, for the love of God, the great and the small pilgrimage. This exceptional spiritual journey makes it possible to strengthen the faith of the believer and to develop many qualities. It is also a stage of life which leads the believer towards a future of purity.
Specialists agree that we are in the ten best days of the Muslim year. For those who do not have the means to make the pilgrimage or who are not physically present in the places of pilgrimage, it is strongly recommended to accomplish the fast of Arafat. According to Abû Qatâda (may God be pleased with him), the Prophet (Sallâlahu Alayhi Wasallâm) was asked about Arafat’s fast. He answered : “Fasting on this day expiates the sins committed between the past year and those of the year to come.” (reported by Muslim). So, if you are not on the pilgrimage and are in good physical predisposition, do not forget to carry out this strong recommendation of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallâlahu Alayhi Wasallâm) by performing the Arafat fast this Tuesday, June 27, 2023. You you will thus be fully in communion with the guests of God who are making the pilgrimage and who are precisely on this day in Arafat.
The feast of El-Adha will take place the day after this gathering at Mount Arafat, that is to say on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. This festival reminds us of the act of sacrifice of the prophet Ibrahim, a model of piety and above all the father of the call to the Uniqueness of Allah before being an ardent defender, that of divine uniqueness. . At the same time, it reminds us of divine mercy. With faith and intelligence as a shield, let us be faithful to our commitments through meditation and actions in accordance with the will of God. With endurance and perseverance, let us journey patiently towards the source: God. We belong to God and it is to Him that we return.
You can delay a trip, you can cancel an appointment, but you can’t cancel or postpone death. Let us use our life, in all its aspects, to remain faithful to the way prescribed by God. It’s never late to do well. May Allah accept the pilgrimage of all Muslims and all Muslim women and forgive us our sins. To those who have not yet accomplished this duty, may God give them all that is necessary to fulfill it. Happy Islamic Ummah Day! Fi Amanillah.
