The Day of ̒Arafah
On Sunday, the 16th of June 2024 A.D. (the 9th of Dhū al-Hijjah 1445 A.H.)
The ninth day of Dhū al-Hijjah is the day of 'Arafah. It is the day when Hajj pilgrims stand on the plain of 'Arafāt (a flat wide desert about 22 km south east of Mecca and beyond Minā and Mashʹar al-Harām) when the stand of the pilgrims is observed in this place from midday until sunset in solitude supplication and intimate discourse with Almighty Allah. This day is considered to be of supreme significance to the extent that the hadiths state that this day is important even for those are not at Hajj. On this day, Allah commanded his servants to obey and worship Him. He thus extended for them the tables of His benevolence and magnanimity. Imam al-Hussain (the third Imam of Shia) made the supplication, one of the most famous in Shi'ite history, one year during the pilgrimage to Mecca on the Day of ʹArafāh and it has been recited by Shia Muslims ever since. The spirit of the day is well represented in the Imam's prayer.
Though 'Arafah, literally means knowledge and science, there are different interpretations on why that day was called ̒Arafah or ̒Arafāt.
