TODAY IS ARAFAT DAY

Over two million pilgrims from all over
the world, including Nigerians, will today
converge on Mount Arafat (the mount of
Mercy) as this year’s hajj climaxes in
Saudi Arabia.
The 9th Day of Dul-Hijjah is usually
designated as the Arafat Day when
millions of pilgrims gather at the plain of
Arafat as an obligatory ritual of Hajj. It
commemorates the finality of revelation
of the Holy Qur’an, as well as the
completion of the Ḥajj pilgrimage.
The gathering at Arafat is the largest
assemblage of human beings of diverse
races, status and languages. It is a
reminder that everyone is fully
accountable for their deeds and Allah
(God) will take every person into
account.
According to Islamic tradition, the Mount
Arafat was the spot where Adam and Eve
united after Allah expelled them from
Paradise. Fasting is recommended for
the Muslims on the Day of Arafat.
According to the Prophet (peace be upon
him), “Fasting on the Day of Arafat (9th
Dul-Hijjah) is an expiation for (the sins
of) the previous year and an expiation for
(the sins of) the coming year.” (Muslim).
Following the Arafat gathering, Muslims
around the world will tomorrow observe
Eid al-Adha, an Islamic festival to
commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim
(also known as Abraham) to follow
Allah’s (God’s) command to sacrifice his
son, Ishmael.