What does Arafah mean?
The plain outside Makkah where pilgrims stand on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah; the heart of Hajj.
Arafah explained
The Prophet ﷺ said Hajj is Arafah. On this day Allah frees more people from the Fire than on any other. For those not on Hajj, fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the year before and the year after.
Related terms
- Hajjحَجّ
The pilgrimage to Makkah in Dhul Hijjah, the fifth pillar, once in a lifetime for those able.
- Dhul Hijjahذُو الحِجَّة
The twelfth month, the month of Hajj, whose first ten days are the best days of the year.
- Sawmصَوْم
Fasting from food, drink and marital relations from dawn to sunset, for Allah.
Questions about Arafah
What does Arafah mean?
Arafah (عَرَفَة, 'Arafah) means: The plain outside Makkah where pilgrims stand on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah; the heart of Hajj.
How is Arafah written and pronounced in Arabic?
It is written عَرَفَة and pronounced 'Arafah. It is also spelled Day of Arafah, Arafat.
Where does Arafah come from in the Quran or hadith?
The Prophet ﷺ said Hajj is Arafah. On this day Allah frees more people from the Fire than on any other. For those not on Hajj, fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the year before and the year after. Source: Sahih Muslim 1348, 1162.
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