Day of Arafah Begins

Day of Arafat History

The Day of Arafah is a crucial day in the Islamic calendar, which marks the second day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. On this day, pilgrims stand in prayer on the plains of Arafah, seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah. The day of Arafah is considered to be one of the most significant days in the Islamic faith, and it is believed that one's sins can be forgiven just by standing in prayer on this day.

The start of Day of Arafah in South Africa is observed by the Muslim community, who also participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The exact date of the day of Arafah varies, as it is based on the lunar calendar, but it typically falls on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhu'l-Hijjah. In South Africa, the day of Arafah is observed through prayers and supplications, and many Muslims also fast on this day as a sign of humility and repentance. The day is a time for spiritual reflection and rejuvenation, and it is seen as an opportunity for Muslims to draw closer to Allah.

In some parts of South Africa, special prayers and sermons are held in mosques, and Muslims also spend time in private prayer and contemplation. The day of Arafah holds deep meaning for South African Muslims, and it is an important part of their faith and spiritual practice. The Day of Arafah is observed on June 27th this year.

Day of Arafat Facts

• It is common Muslim belief that the Prophet Muhammad said that fasting on the day of Arafah forgives all the minor sins of the past year and coming year.
• The Prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon standing on Mount Arafat. For that reason, it is visited by pilgrims during the Hajj.
• South Africa has a unique history of Islam, dating back to the 17th century when slaves, political exiles, and traders from various Islamic countries were brought to the Cape of Good Hope.
• Day of Arafah is so named because of Mount Arafah, which is located on the plains where the pilgrims gather. According to Islamic tradition, this is where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for Day of Arafah Begins

Top things to do in South Africa for start of the Day of Arafat

• Buy gifts for children. As for him who gives (gifts) and guards against evil and accepts the best, we will facilitate for him the easy end (Quran, 92:5). According to Islamic tradition, those that spend on their children on this day are rewarded by God very generously. As a result, many Muslim parents buy toys and other gifts for their children on the day of Arafah.
• At sunset, pilgrims head to Muzdalifah to spend the night. There, it's customary to collect pebbles for the Stoning of the Devil (Rami al-Jamarat) ritual that happens later in the city of Mina.
• Lectures and discussions may be organized by Islamic organizations and mosques in South Africa to educate the community about the significance of the Day of Arafah and its importance in Islam.
• On the Day of Arafah, Muslims gather at local mosques to offer prayers and listen to sermons. Some popular mosques in South Africa are Nizamiye Mosque in Johannesburg, Mosque of Cape Town, and Grey Street Mosque in Durban.