Bahrain's Arafat Day: A Sacred Islamic Tradition

Arafat Day is a public holiday in Bahrain that commemorates Prophet Muhammad's final sermon and the completion of the message of Islam. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. The day marks the second day of Hajj, or pilgrimage, and it falls on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijja according to the 'hijri' calendar, usually around two months after Ramadan. On Arafat Day, Muslims travel from Mina to Mount Arafat, where they remain until Maghrib prayers. Standing on Mount Arafat is a necessary part of the Hajj.

Arafat Day is a public holiday in Bahrain

Arafat Day falls on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijja according to the 'hijri' calendar, which is based on the lunar calendar and subject to moon sighting. Therefore, the date varies from year to year, but it usually occurs around two months after Ramadan. In 2021, for example, it was observed on July 19, while in 2025, it is expected to fall on June 6.

On Arafat Day, Muslims travel from Mina to Mount Arafat, located just outside of Mecca, and remain there until Maghrib prayers. This pilgrimage is an essential part of the Haj, and Muslims who complete it believe that their sins will be expiated. Standing on Mount Arafat is considered a requirement for the Haj to be valid. For those who cannot make the journey to Mecca, fasting is an alternative way to observe the day.

Arafat Day is closely linked to Eid Al Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which takes place the following day. Eid Al Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. During this time, Muslims slaughter animals such as camels, sheep, or goats, and distribute the meat to the needy, symbolizing their willingness to give up things of benefit to them.

It commemorates Prophet Muhammad's final sermon

Arafat Day is a public holiday in Bahrain. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. The holiday commemorates Prophet Muhammad's final sermon and the completion of the message of Islam.

The occasion also marks the day when a verse of the Quran was revealed, declaring that Islam was perfected and Allah's blessings completed. Prophet Mohammad gave his farewell sermon on Mount Arafat, which is located just outside of Mecca. Standing on Mount Arafat is an essential part of the Hajj pilgrimage; without it, the pilgrimage is considered invalid.

Muslims who have completed the Hajj do so to have their sins expiated. Those who are unable to travel to Mecca for Hajj may fast instead. Arafat Day is also significant as it falls on the second day of Hajj and occurs the day before Eid al-Adha, one of two major festivals in Islam.

Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. During Eid, Muslims slaughter animals such as camels, sheep, or goats, and distribute the meat to the needy. This act symbolizes their willingness to give up things that are of benefit to them and to strengthen ties with others through generosity.

It is the day before Eid Al Adha

Arafat Day is a public holiday in Bahrain. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. The day commemorates Prophet Muhammad's final sermon and the completion of the message of Islam.

Arafat Day is also known as the Day of Hajj. It marks the second day of the pilgrimage to Mecca, which is undertaken by Muslims worldwide. It occurs on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijja, according to the 'hijri' calendar, and falls around two months after Ramadan.

On Arafat Day, Muslims travel from Mina to Mount Arafat, which is just outside Mecca. They remain on Mount Arafat until they perform the Maghrib prayers. Standing on Mount Arafat is an essential part of the Hajj, and those who do not complete this step must fast instead.

Arafat Day is the day before Eid Al Adha, a major Islamic festival celebrated by all Muslims. Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, honours Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. During Eid Al Adha, Muslims slaughter animals, such as camels, sheep, or goats, and distribute the meat to the needy. This act symbolises their willingness to give up their own bounties to help those in need.

In Bahrain, Arafat Day is a public holiday, and it falls on a Friday in 2025. The day is also a public holiday in other countries, such as the UAE, where residents get the day off to observe the occasion.

Muslims travel from Mina to Mount Arafat

Arafat Day is a public holiday in Bahrain. It commemorates Prophet Muhammad's final sermon and the completion of the message of Islam.

On this day, Muslims leave Mina after performing the dawn (Fajr) prayer and travel to Arafat, which is about 14 kilometres away. Upon arrival, they devote their time to prayer and reflection, repenting their sins and seeking Allah's forgiveness. It is considered the most sacred time during the Hajj pilgrimage, as Muslims stand alone with Allah, facing towards the Qibla in the Holy City of Makkah, raising their hands and praying with all their hearts.

At the Namerah Mosque in Arafat, pilgrims listen to the Arafat Day sermon. This mosque holds significance as it is where Prophet Muhammad camped and delivered his final sermon during his last Hajj. After the sun sets, pilgrims leave Arafat and travel to Muzdalifah, located between Arafat and Mina.

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to undertake this spiritual voyage at least once in their lifetime, if they are physically and financially capable. It is a transformative experience, with pilgrims from around the world gathering to worship and reflect, standing together in unity and seeking mercy, blessings, prosperity, and good health.

It is also known as Day of Hajj

Arafat Day is a public holiday in Bahrain that commemorates Prophet Muhammad's final sermon and the completion of the message of Islam. It is also known as the Day of Hajj.

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. It is considered a religious obligation and a spiritual journey that Muslims dream of and plan for. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for capable Muslims and must be carried out at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

The Hajj pilgrimage involves a series of rituals that take place over five to six days, extending from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The rites of Hajj include walking counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaaba, kissing the Black Stone mounted on the corner wall of the Kaaba, walking briskly back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, drinking from the Zamzam Well, going to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil, spending a night in the plain of Muzdalifah, and performing the symbolic Stoning of the Devil by throwing stones at three pillars.

The Day of Arafat, which falls on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, is considered one of the most important days of Hajj. Pilgrims arrive at Arafat, a barren plain located about 20 kilometres east of Mecca, and engage in contemplative practices such as offering supplications, repenting for their sins, and seeking God's mercy. They listen to sermons and stand before God (wuquf), which is considered one of the most significant rites of Hajj.

The Hajj pilgrimage holds religious and social significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time when Muslim brotherhood and solidarity are on display, and it serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgment. Hajj brings together Muslims from different parts of the world, acting as a symbol of equality and unity.

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