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On the Mount of Mercy in
`Arafah
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God has created some times better than others in
the sense that the reward for good deeds done during these times is multiplied
many times. This encourages His servants to do more righteous deeds and to
worship Him more in order to ready themselves for death and the Day of Judgment.
Muslims believe that the best such season of worship is the first ten days of
the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. These days, which include the Day of `Arafah
and `Eid Al-Adha, bring the Muslims an opportunity to correct their faults and
make up for any shortcomings.
The blessings of Hajj spill over to those who are not making the pilgrimage if
they fast on Dhul-Hijjah 9, the Day of `Arafah. On this day, also known as the
Waqfah (standing), the pilgrims stand on and around the Mount of Mercy to ask
Allah’s forgiveness. When the sun sets that day, all their past sins are
forgiven. If those who are not making Hajj fast on that day, the sins of two
years (the past and the coming one) are forgiven.
The following day, Dhul-Hijjah 10, begins a three-day Islamic public celebration
known as `Eid Al-Adha, the `Eid of the Sacrifice. In some places it is known by
the Turkish name bairam; `Eid Al-Adha is the Greater Bairam.
This `eid commemorates the willingness of Prophet
Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma`il (Ishmael—peace and blessings be
upon them both). Muslims should reflect on their own commitment to Allah and
strive to strengthen their relationship with their Creator.
Muslims celebrate this `Eid by attending special congregational Prayers followed
by a sermon (khutbah) in the morning. It is a confirmed sunnah to attend these
Prayers, which are usually held outside the mosque. The form of the Prayer is
the same as that of `Eid Al-Fitr Prayer and is also preceded by the Takbir.
Muslims are recommended to perform ghusl (complete ritual bathing) and put on
their best clothes beforehand. Women who cannot perform the ritual Prayer should
attend and sit on the sides or in back so that they may share in the joy of that
day.
Afterwards, or on either of the next two days, many Muslims sacrifice a sheep or
goat, or seven people may share in sacrificing a cow. The sunnah is to give
one-third of the meat to the poor, one-third to friends and relatives, and to
keep one-third for one’s own family. The majority of scholars agree that this
sacrifice is not obligatory (for those who can afford it), but is a confirmed
sunnah.
Pilgrims in the state of ihram (consecration) are forbidden—among other things—
to clip their nails or cut or pluck their hair. Those who do not perform Hajj
but who plan to sacrifice an animal on `eid should likewise abstain from
clipping their nails or cutting or plucking their hair from the first day of
Dhul-Hijjah until they sacrifice. The majority of scholars agree that this
abstention is not obligatory, but it is a confirmed sunnah and highly
recommended.
During these ten days, Muslims should also recite Allah’s praises often with the
phrases “subhan Allah” (glory be to Allah), “al-hamdu lillah” (all praise to
Allah), “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is Greatest), and “la ilaha illa Allah” (there is
no god but Allah).
The Day of `Arafah is an excellent time to repent and return to Allah.
`Eid Al-Adha,
the best day of the year, combines two great acts of worship, salah (ritual
Prayer) and sacrifice. Together, they offer Muslims the chance to become closer
to their Creator and Lord.
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Ælfwine Mischler is an
American convert to Islam. She has an M.A. in liguistics and Teaching English as
a foreign language. She is writer and is currently the head of the copyediting
Unite in IslamOnline.net.
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