Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah

According to a Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam): "The fast that a person observes on the day of ‘Arafah, expiates the sins of the previous year and the following year." (Muslim)

The day of ‘Arafah is the 9th Zul Hijjah. On this day, the Haji gathers on the plain of ‘Arafah. The 9th day must be calculated according to the calculation of every region. It is not necessary for the Hadji to be in ‘Arafah when one is observing this fast as if we will consider it such, then some countries will not be able to observe this fast. Some countries may be completing their fasts before the Haji reaches ‘Arafah while others may be starting the fast only when the Haji has already left ‘Arafah.

That is why every locality must observe this fast on the 9th Zul Hijjah according to its calculation. According to the principle that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) has taught us, a month ends either by the visibility of the new moon which is established by a satisfactory testimony or when 30 days of that month have been completed. 

When one month ends, the next month begins automatically. When the beginning of Zul Hijjah has been established by following the principles which have been mentioned, then the 9th day will be the day when it is recommended to observe the fast of Arafah. Therefore, the practice of other countries should not be taken into consideration. This fast must be observed and Eid must be celebrated according to the calculation of one’s whereabouts.

Once, Hazrat Aisha (Radiyallahu Anha) had observed this fast. Hazrat Masruq (Radiyallahu Anhu) asked her: "Aren't you afraid to fast today? Who knows that today may be the day of Eid?" Hazrat Aisha (Radiyallahu Anha) replied: "The day of Nahr (Baqr'eid) is the day when everyone celebrates ". (Musannaf Abdur Razzaaq)

From the reply of Hazrat Aisha (Radiyallahu Anha), we understand that every person must follow the calculation of his location. He must observe the fast of ‘Arafah on the 9th Zul Hijjah and celebrate Eid according to the calculation of his place without taking into consideration what is happening elsewhere. 

[English version of "Roza jour Arafah" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.6]