For a practicing Muslim, nothing seems more spiritually fulfilling in this month than traversing the streets of Al-Madinah, following the footsteps of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, reliving the story of Prophet Ibrahim, and holding on to the cloth of the Ka^bah and weeping for Allah to forgive our sins, all while joined by millions of other Muslims.
The Arafah day, the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, is crucial to the completion of Hajj. So much so that the Prophet said, “Hajj is Arafah” (Tirmidhiyy). Without completing this step, Hajj is not valid. It is on this vast plain that all of mankind will be gathered on the Day of Judgement.
The Prophet also explained the significance of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, in what means: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause (of Allah), and came back with nothing” (Bukhariyy).
But for those of us for whom Allah hasn’t planned Hajj this year, how can we reap the benefits of this blessed month, these blessed ten days, and most importantly, the Arafah day?
1. Fast
Growing up, most of us probably witnessed our elders fasting during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, and especially on the Arafah day. According to a Hadith, one who fasts sincerely on the day of Arafah will receive forgiveness of his/her sins for the previous and following year.
Avoiding food, drink, useless activities, and focusing on many good deeds for the sake of Allah, for at least one day, seems like an extremely good bargain in return for two years of forgiveness.
But one crucial aspect to keep in mind is to not ritualize any act of worship, as is common in many cultures. This applies to any sincere act we do in this life, but especially for fasting on this day, make sure that you keep your full intention to please Allah, and educate yourself of the significance of this action, and not just to continue any ongoing tradition.
2. Make Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
On this blessed day, any act of worship you do will result in more good deeds, so step up your remembrance of Allah, which you can do at any time of the day, during virtually any activity.
Repeat the specific Dhikr prescribed in the Sunnah. An especially blessed phrase is, “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil Adheem” (Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to Him).
Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said what means: “Two words (subhanAllah wa bihamdihi) are light on the tongue, weigh heavily in the balance, and are loved by the Most Merciful One.”
3. Recite/study/listen to the Quran
Not one day should go by that we forget about the Quran, and especially on this day, we should at least make an effort to open the book and drink up some wisdom.
If every good deed is multiplied, then just imagine how many good deeds you’re getting by just making an intention to listen to the words in the Holy Book “Qur’an”?
You can even listen to lectures of Tafseer from trustworthy, knowledgeable people.
4. Be a people person
You don’t need to embark on a humanitarian mission. Just visit your neighbor and ask how they’re doing. Bake a pie for them. Or better yet, invite them over for Iftar. Don’t lose the spirit of the day qith working something not beneficial. Ans, just serve what you would eat on an average day.
If you have the energy while fasting, check out local volunteer opportunities that aren’t physically draining.
Don’t forget those at home. Spend time with your family. Have productive discussions, share something new that you learned, teach the youngsters, and just listen to what they have to say.
If you haven’t called a specific relative in many days, make a short, five-minute call. Don’t make it long and end up wasting your time and theirs. Keep it sweet and simple, ask how they’re doing, and share something beneficial.
The possibilities are quite endless. Be creative and just keep the intention of pleasing Allah in your mind.
These are all suggestions, and you may think of countless more ways to make this day more productive. Just don’t allow yourself to regret that you wasted time and missed out on two years of forgiveness, thousands of good deeds, and not to mention a rejuvenation of the body and soul.
And as with everything else, make this day meaningful.
