9 Dhu al-Hijjah
The Day of Arafah (9 Dhu al-Hijjah)
In the coming year it is expected on Saturday 15 May 2027 (9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1448 AH). The Day of Arafah is the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the high point of the Hajj.
Day of Arafah: dates for the coming years
| Hijri | Date |
|---|---|
| 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH | Thursday 5 June 2025 |
| 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH | Tuesday 26 May 2026 |
| 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1448 AH | Saturday 15 May 2027 |
| 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1449 AH | Thursday 4 May 2028 |
| 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1450 AH | Monday 23 April 2029 |
| 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1451 AH | Friday 12 April 2030 |
| 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1452 AH | Tuesday 1 April 2031 |
Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. Countries that rely on sighting the crescent may begin a month one day later (or earlier).
The standing at Arafat
“Hajj is Arafah” (al-Tirmidhi, authentic): the pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafat from noon to sunset in prayer and supplication. The Prophet ﷺ gave his Farewell Sermon there in the year 10 AH.
Fasting for those not on Hajj
The Prophet ﷺ said that fasting the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year (Sahih Muslim). Pilgrims at Arafat do not fast, following his example.
The best du‘a
“The best du‘a is the du‘a of the Day of Arafah, and the best thing that I and the prophets before me have said is: La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir” (al-Tirmidhi, graded hasan).
Day of Arafah: questions
Which date should I follow for Arafah?
Scholars differ: some follow the day the pilgrims stand at Arafat, others the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah in their own country. Follow the position of your local scholars.