The Day of Arafah is one of the most blessed days in the Islamic calendar. It is so important that the Prophet (PBUH) said that the Hajj is Arafah. It holds great spiritual significance for Muslims around the world.
On this day, all the Hujjaj (pilgrims) gather on the plain of Arafah with deep devotion. They seek Allah’s mercy, make dua, and recite istighfar. This guide will help you explore powerful duas for the day of Arafah, including the one our beloved Prophet (PBUH) used to recite.
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What is the Day of Arafah?
The Day of Arafah is the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. It is also known as Yawm Al-Waqf (the Day of Standing), referring to pilgrims standing in front of their Lord for long periods, asking for His Divine Mercy.
It is the blessed day when Allah frees more souls from hell. The Prophet said,
“There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafah.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Whether at Hajj or home, Muslims around the world honour this day with fasting, remembrance, and heartfelt duas.
Why is It so Important?
The day of Arafah is considered a day of immense spiritual importance. It is the day when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his last sermon during his final pilgrimage.
He also bore witness that Allah has perfected His religion. Further, Allah refers to this day in these words in the Holy Quran:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
(Surah Al-Maidah, verse 3)
5 Duas to make on the Day of Arafah
On this sacred day, your heart is open, and the doors of mercy are wide. These five supplications are deeply meaningful and recommended for anyone seeking forgiveness, guidance, and nearness to Allah.
Here’s a selection of duas that the Prophet (PBUH) recited himself and others you can recite on this blessed day:
1. The Prophet’s (PBUH) Dua for the Day of Arafah
Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) recommended the following dua for the day of Arafah:
لا إله إلا الله وحدهُ لا شريك لهُ ، لهُ الملكُ ولهُ الحمدُ وهو على كل شيء قدير
La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shay'in qadir.
“There is no god but Allah. He is One and has no partner with Him. His is the dominion, and His is the praise, and He is omnipotent over all things.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3585)
He said this was the best supplication made by him and the Prophets before him. It declares the absolute Oneness of Allah, glorifies Him, and acknowledges His supreme power. Reciting it opens the heart to sincerity and surrender.
2. Dua for Forgiveness
This is a short yet profound dua for those yearning for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. It reminds us that no sin is too great, and no heart is too distant to return to Him.
وَقُل رَّبِّ ٱغْفِرْ وَٱرْحَمْ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ
Rabbighfir warham wa anta khayrur-rahimin
“My Lord! Forgive and show mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!”
(Surah Al-Mu’minun, verse 118)
On the day of Arafah, this dua is a beautiful way to begin repentance and reconnect with Divine compassion. Explore more Duas for Forgiveness, adapted from the Quran and Hadith!
3. Dua for Protection from Hellfire
This well-known supplication asks for the best in this life and the next, and for protection from the torment of the Fire.
رَبَّنَا اتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.
“Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good and save us from the torment of the Fire.”
(Jami’ at Tirmidhi 3372)
It's a balanced, comprehensive dua that reflects a believer’s hope for goodness and fear of accountability. It’s perfect to repeat while standing in prayer or moments of quiet reflection during Arafah.
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4. Dua for Wellness
This powerful supplication asks Allah to shield us from emotional, physical, and social struggles, like anxiety, sadness, weakness, debt, and oppression. It’s a deeply personal prayer that reflects the everyday battles we often fight silently.
اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّي أَعْوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الهَـمِّ وَ الْحُـزْنِ، والعًجْـزِ والكَسَلِ والبُخْـلِ والجُـبْنِ، وضَلْـعِ الـدَّيْنِ وغَلَبَـةِ الرِّجال
Allaahumma ‘innee ‘a’oothu bika minal-hammi walhazani, wal’ajzi walkasali, walbukhli waljubni, wa dhala’id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijaal
“O Allah, I seek refuge in you from grief and sadness, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from being overcome by debt and overpowered by men (i.e. others).”
(Hisn-al-Muslim 121)
5. Dua for Halal Sustenance and Guidance
This short, all-encompassing prayer asks for the essentials we need every day: spiritual, physical, and emotional support. Abbas (RA) reported that our beloved Prophet (PBUH) used to make this dua between the two Sajdas:
اللهم اغفر لي، وارحمني، واهدني، وعافني، وارزقني
Allahumm-aghfir li, warhamni, wa-hdini, wa ‘afini, warzuqni
"O Allah! Forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, guard me against harm and provide me with sustenance and salvation."
(Mishkat-al-Masabih 900)
It’s a wonderful supplication to teach your family and to keep close to your heart on this sacred day because the best dua is the one made on the day of Arafah.
What do Pilgrims do on this Day during the Hajj Pilgrimage?
After praying Fajr in Mina, Hajj pilgrims travel to the Plains of Arafat. When they reach Mount Arafat, they pray shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers, doing two rakats instead of four.
On this day, a sermon is given from Masjid al-Nimra at Arafat. If you're doing Hajj, try to listen to the khutbah. Your group might even provide an English translation to help you understand it better.
The pilgrims then spend time standing on the Plains of Arafat, making many duas and asking Allah to forgive them.
Want to know more about Hajj? Read this guide on the 7 stages of Hajj to learn more details.
The Recommended Actions You Should Perform on this Sacred Day
a. Make a Lot of Dua
Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) encouraged us to make dua on this virtuous day. He said the best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafah. One of the Hadith mentions,
“In it, there is an hour in which no believing worshipper makes a supplication to Allah for good, except that Allah answers it for him, and he does not seek Allah’s protection from evil, except that He protects him from it.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3339)
Therefore, make as many duas as possible. Seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy, ask for guidance and good provision. Also, pray for your family and friends with a sincere heart to get your prayers accepted.
b. Fasting
Fasting on this day is a highly recommended worship act as it is the Sunnah of our Prophet (PBUH) and holds great rewards. Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari (RAA) narrated that someone asked the Prophet (PBUH) about fasting on the day of Arafah. Upon this, He replied,
“Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation (of sins) for the preceding year and the following year.”
(Sahih Muslim 1162)
However, pilgrims who are performing Hajj usually do not fast, as they are travellers and fasting can be difficult for them. Their main focus on this day is making dua.
c. Seek Forgiveness and Mercy
The day of Arafah is one of the best times to ask Allah (SWT) to forgive your sins. It’s a day when countless people are freed from Hellfire, and Allah shows great mercy to His servants.
“No day is better to Allah than the day of Arafat. Allah descends to the lowest heaven and He boasts to the inhabitants of the heavens about the inhabitants of the earth, saying: Look at My servants, appearing dishevelled and dusty. They came from every mountain pass, hoping for My mercy. ”
(Sahih Ibn Hibban 3853)
Take this chance to sincerely repent for your past mistakes and promise to do better. Ask Allah to forgive you, your loved ones, and the entire Ummah.
Conclusion
The Day of Arafah is a special time for every Muslim. It is a chance to ask Allah for forgiveness, make heartfelt duas, and come closer to Him. Whether you are performing Hajj or at home, this day holds great value.
Take time to reflect, pray, and speak to Allah with sincerity. Use the powerful duas mentioned above and make your own personal duas as well. Pray for yourself, your family, and the whole Ummah.
This is one of the best days to seek Allah’s mercy. May all your prayers be accepted and your heart be filled with peace. Ameen.
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