Muslims all over the world are getting prepped to celebrate the second 'major' Eid of the year, Eid al-Adha.
While the holy month of Ramadan is already finished for the year, many may be surprised to hear that it's not the only time when Muslims can fast. The Day of Arafah is not officially a festival or celebration in Islam, however, it is still an important day that many Muslims are encouraged to observe.
This is because, in Islamic tradition, it is considered the day when God (known more commonly by the Arabic word Allah) perfected the religion of Islam and prescribed it as a way of life for Muslims. In the Quran, Islam's holiest book, God says: "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion." (Quran 5:3).
Read more: When is Eid al-Adha 2022?
Taking place on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah - the 12th month in the Islamic calendar - Arafah takes place one day before Eid al-Adha and provides a brilliant opportunity to prepare for the celebration. While not obligatory, many are encouraged to fast on the day of Arafah as it is commonly believed that doing so makes amends for sins made in the past year and future years.
Because of this, Muslims are also encouraged to focus their prayers for the day on forgiveness for themselves, their friends, family, neighbours and other Muslims around the world. It is also commonly believed that God chooses the day of Arafah to free more people from hell than any other day of the year.
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