Fasting on 9th Dhul-Hijjah

FASTING ON 9TH DHUL-HIJJAH

9th of Dhul-Hijja - the blessed Day of 'Arafah.

1. It is highly recommended to fast, with great rewards, so make sure that if able, you should fast!

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “Fasting the Day of `Arafah expiates the sins of two years, one prior and one forthcoming.” [Muslim]

In the Hanafi school, even the one doing Hajj is encouraged to fast *if* it doesn't weaken him from spending the day in worship.

2. Du'a is more likely to be accepted on this day, so call upon Allah with your needs. He is the self-sufficient, free of any need, we are the needy slaves!

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “The best of supplications are those on the Day of `Arafah.” [Tirmidhi]

3. The required takbirat start from this day.

Allah, the Exalted, says, “Remember Allah through the appointed days.” [al-Baqarah: 203]

It is necessary (wajib) for every Muslim, male or female, whether praying in congregation or alone, travelling or resident, to make the takbir, once at least, immediately after each obligatory (fard) prayer from the fajr of the 9th (day of 'Arafah) to the 'Asr of the 13th of Dhu al-Hijja (the last of the three days of tashriq).

The form of the takbir:

( اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُوَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ )

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Llahu.

Wa Llahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahi Lhamd.