Day of Arafah 2026
(Youm ul Arafah)
The greatest day of the year in Islam — the day when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and boasts of His servants to the angels. Fasting on this day expiates two years of sins.
26 May 2026
Date
9 Dhul Hijjah
Islamic Date
2 Years' Sins
Fast Expiates
Greatest Day of Year
Status
The Significance
Why Arafah Is the Greatest Day in Islam
The Climax of Hajj
The Day of Arafah is the centrepiece of Hajj — the day on which the pilgrimage either stands or falls. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Hajj is Arafah." Pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah from midday until sunset, making dua, seeking forgiveness, and engaging in worship. If a person misses Arafah, their Hajj is not valid.
The Most Forgiven Day
The Prophet ﷺ said: "There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah. He draws near, then boasts of them to the angels, saying: 'What do these people want?'" (Muslim). Millions of people are forgiven and freed from Hell on this single day.
Best Day for Dua
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best dua is the dua on the Day of Arafah." (Tirmidhi). On no other day is supplication more likely to be accepted. The ulama recommend spending as much of this day as possible in dhikr, Qur'an recitation, and sincere supplication.
Fasting Expiates Two Years
The Prophet ﷺ was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah. He replied: "It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year." (Muslim). For Muslims not performing Hajj, fasting on this day is one of the most rewarding single acts of the entire year.
Your Arafah Plan
What to Do on the Day of Arafah
Make intention to fast (niyyah)
Form your intention the night before or before Fajr. The fast is recommended (sunnah) for those not performing Hajj.
Begin dhikr and tasbeeh
SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah. Fill your morning with remembrance.
Recite the dua of Arafah
"La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadeer." — the Prophet ﷺ's most-recommended dua on Arafah.
Read Qur'an
Spend extended time in Qur'an recitation. Every letter earns ten rewards, multiplied in the sacred days of Dhul Hijjah.
Make heartfelt dua
Pour out your needs, hopes, and repentance. This is the day Allah is closest, most likely to accept, most willing to forgive.
Give charity
Give sadqa on the Day of Arafah — water wells, food distribution, or any form of giving earns heightened reward in the sacred days.
Break the fast
Break your fast at Maghrib. Give thanks to Allah for the privilege of reaching this great day.
Give Sadqa on the Day of Arafah
Amplify your Arafah worship with charity — one of the most rewarding acts on the greatest day of the year.