The Majestic Mountain of Arafat

Visiting the Stories Associated with the Mountain of Arafat is a main step when performing a Pilgrimage, but why is it important? Because Arafat Mountain has historical and religious importance

The mountain falls between Mecca and Taif and is also called the Mountain of Mercy, and it is one of the most important mountains in Mecca.

Why is Arafat mountain spiritually important? where is it? what is its religious importance? That’s what we will find out and much more, let’s get started. 

Introduction to the Mountain of Arafat.

The Mountain of Arafat is pronounced Jabal ʿArafāt (جَبَل عَرَفَات) in Arabic, it is also called the ‘mountain of mercy or Jabal ar-Raḥmah in Arabic. The height of the mountain is around 70 m (230 ft). The mountain is of historical and religious importance because it is where our beloved prophet Muhammad stood and gave the Farewell Sermon, Khutbat al-Wada’ in Arabic.

Here is the Farewell Sermon that our beloved prophet delivered on the mountain of Arafat:

“O People! Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen carefully to what I am saying and take these words to those who could not be present here today.”

“O People! Just as you regard this month, this day, and this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord and that he will indeed reckon your deeds.”

“Allah has forbidden you to take usury, therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequality. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas Ibn ‘Aal-Muttalib be waived.”

“Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibni al-Harithiah.”

“O, men! The unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to prohibit what Allah has made permissible. With Allah, the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, there are sucessive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.”

“Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will be able to lead you astray in big things so beware of following him in small things.”

“O People it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well never to be unchaste.”

“O People! Listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Haj if you can afford it.”

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.”

“Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.”

“O People! No Prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore O People! and understand the words that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.”

“All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly.”

“O Allah, be my witness, that I have conveyed your message to Your people.”

“أيها الناس، اسمعوا مني أبيِّن لكم، فإني لا أدري لعلِّي لا ألقاكم بعد عامي هذا، في مَوقفي هذا. أيها الناس، إن دماءكم، وأموالَكم، حرامٌ عليكم إلى أن تَلقَوْا ربَّكم، كحرمةِ يومكم هذا، في شهركم هذا، في بلدكم هذا، ألا هل بلغتُ، اللهم فاشهد، فمن كانت عنده أمانة، فليؤدِّها إلى من ائتمنه عليها. إن ربا الجاهلية موضوع، وإن أول ربًا أبدأ به ربا عمي العباس بن عبدالمطلب، وإن دماء الجاهلية موضوعة، وإن أول دم أبدأ به دم عامر بن ربيعة بن الحارث، وإن مآثر الجاهلية -يَعني أعمالها- موضوعة، غيرَ السِّدانة والسقاية، والعَمْد قَوَدٌ – يَعني: القتل العمد قصاص – وشِبْهُ العَمد ما قُتِلَ بالعصا والحَجَر، وفيه مائة بعير، فمن زاد، فهو من أهل الجاهلية. أيها الناس، إنَّ الشيطان قد يئسَ أن يُعبدَ في أرضكم، ولكنه قد رضي أن يُطاعَ فيما سوى ذلك مما تحقرون من أعمالكم. أيها الناس، إن النسيء زيادةٌ في الكفر، وإن الزمان قد استدار كهيئته يوم خلق الله السموات والأرض، وإن عدةَ الشهور عند الله اثنا عشر شهرًا في كتاب الله يوم خلق السموات والأرض، منها أربعةٌ حُرم: ثَلاثٌ متواليات، وواحدٌ فرد، ألا هل بلَّغت، اللهم فاشهد. أيها الناس، إن لنسائكم عليكم حقًّا، ولكم عليهن حقٌّ؛ ألا يُوطِئنَ فُرُشَكم غيرَكم، ولا يُدخِلنَ أحدًا تكرهونه بيوتكم إلا بإذنكم، ولا يأتِينَ بفاحشةٍ، فإذا فعلنَ ذلك، فإنَّ الله أذِنَ لكم أن تَهجروهُنَّ في المضاجع، وتَضربوهُنَّ ضربًا غير مُبَرِّحٍ، فإن انتهينَ وأطعنكم، فعليكم رزقهُنَّ وكِسوتهُنَّ بالمعروف، وإنما النساء عوانٍ عندكم – يَعني أسيرات – ولا يَملكنَ لأنفسهِنَّ شيئًا، أخذتموهُنَّ بأمانة الله، واستحللتم فروجَهنَّ بكلمة الله، فاتقوا الله في النساء واستوصوا بهنَّ خيرًا، ألا هل بلغت، اللهم فاشهد. أيها الناس، إنما المؤمنون إخوة، ولا يَحلُّ لامرئٍ مالُ أخيه إلا عن طيب نفسٍ منه، ألا هل بلغت، اللهم فاشهد، فلا ترجعوا بعدي كفَّارًا يَضرب بعضُكم رقابَ بعض، فإني قد تركتُ فيكم ما إن تمسكتم به لن تضلوا بعده؛ كتاب الله. أيها الناس، إن ربَّكم واحدٌ، وإن أباكم واحد، كلكم لآدمَ، وآدمُ من تراب، أكرمكم عند الله أتقاكم، ليس لعربي فضل على عَجمي إلا بالتقوى، ألا هل بلغت، اللهم فاشهد. أيها الناس، إنَّ الله قد قسم لكلِّ وارثٍ نصيبَه من الميراث، ولا تَجوز لوارثٍ وصيَّةٌ، ولا تَجوز وصيَّة في أكثر من الثُّلثِ، والولد للفراش، وللعاهر الحجر، من ادَّعى لغير أبيه، أو تَولَّى غير مواليه، فعليه لعنة الله والملائكة والناس أجمعين، لا يَقبلُ الله منه صرفًا ولا عدلاً”.

Jabal ar-Rahmah is located in the southeast of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. On that day, the 9th of Dhul Hajj Muslims stand on the Mount of Arafat as part of the rituals of Hajj, they pray and recite the verses of the holy Quran.

Where is Arafat Mountain?

Arafat Mountain is in Saudi Arabia between Mecca and Taif, it is located about 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah.

Historical Significance of the Mountain of Arafat.

The Mountain of Arafat is of great importance to Muslims because it is the mountain where our beloved prophet Muhamad stood and delivered his last sermon, the Farewell Sermon. It is also a main part of the pilgrimage rituals, On the 9th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijah pilgrims travel from Mina to Mountain Arafat.

Every capable Muslim comes from around the world to perform Hajj or Umrah. And the Muslims who are not capable of performing any of them fast on the day of Arafat. Why is it called the mountain of mercy? On that mountain prophet Ibraham was about to sacrifice his son Ismail but Allah revealed to him to sacrifice a ram.

Geographical Features of the Mountain of Arafat.

The height of the mountain is around 70 m (230 ft) and it consists of a chain of little mounds. The mountain is called the Mountain of Mercy, the Mountain of Repentance, the Arafat Mountain, and the Mountain of Prayers.

Religious Importance of the Mountain of Arafat.

As we said above, Arafat Mountain is where our beloved prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah) gave his last sermon. Visiting the Mount of Arafat is a main part of performing hajj in Islam, without it Hajj is not valid. It is also said that Allah fulfills all the prayers of the pilgrims when offered there.

Aisha (RA) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said about the importance of the day of Arafat: “There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafat. And on that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His Pride remarks to the angels, ‘What is the desire of these (servants of mine)?’” [Muslim]

Muslims who are not capable of performing Hajj or Umrah strive to fast on that day because it is the day that erases all our past year’s sins.

Abu Qatadah said that a man asked Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “O Messenger of Allah, what do you think of fasting on the day of Arafat?” Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.”[Muslim]

Fasting on the day of Arafat is not obligatory but it is mustahab (recommended) for those who can’t perform Hajj or Umrah.

The Mountain of Arafat during Hajj.

Hajj in Islam consists of rituals, one of those rituals is visiting the mountain of Arafat, standing on it, reciting dua, praying, reciting the holy Quran, and asking for forgiveness. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Hajj is Arafat.” [Al-Hakim] which shows the significance of the Mountain of Arafat for hajj. In order for the hajj to be valid Muslims should visit the mount of Arafat.

Pilgrimage Rituals on the Mountain of Arafat.

One of the main rituals of Hajj in Islam is visiting the mountain of Arafat. Pilgrims travel from Mecca to Mount Arafah, when they arrive, they stand on the mountain, ask Allah for forgiveness, reciting supplications, praying, and reciting the Quran.

It is said that Allah Almighty, on the day of Arafat says to the angels: “My slaves have come to Me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for My mercy, so if your sins were equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea I will forgive them. So go forth My slaves! Having forgiveness and for what or who you have interceded for.” [Tabarani]

Spiritual Significance of Standing on the Mountain of Arafat.

Pilgrims strive to stand on the mountain of Arafat offering prayers, supplications, and asking for forgiveness as part of the hajj rituals. In addition it is a way of following the teachings of our beloved Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as he stood there and offered his last sermon.   

Importance of Arafat for Hajj.

For the hajj to be valid Muslims should travel to Arafat Mountain otherwise the hajj won’t be valid. Our beloved prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said about the significance of Mount Arafah for hajj: “Hajj is Arafat.” [al-Hakim]

Reflection and Supplication on the Mountain of Arafat.

When standing on the mountain of Arafat one should offer duas and ask Allah for forgiveness with a pure heart. Here is some of the dua that you could recite:

“Laa ilaaha ill-allaahu, waḥdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‛alaa kulli shay’in qadeer”

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The best invocation on the day of Arafat, and the best of all the invocations I ever offered or other holy Prophets before me ever offered is: “There is no god but Allah: He is Unique; He hath no partner, the whole universe is for Him and for Him is the praise, and He hath power over all things.”[Tirmidhi]

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also said, “Apart from the day of the Battle of Badr there is no day on which the Shaitan is seen to be more humiliated, more rejected, more depressed and more infuriated, than on the day of Arafat, and indeed all this is only because of beholding the abundance of descending mercy (on the day) and Allah’s forgiveness of the great sins of the servants.” [Mishkat]

Fasting on the Day of Arafat.

Fasting on the day of Arafat is of great importance to anyone who is not capable of performing Hajj or Umrah. Fasting on the day of Arafat erases the past year’s sins and the sins of the upcoming year.

Abu Qatadah narrated that a man said: “O Messenger of Allah, what do you think of fasting on the day of Arafat?” He said: “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year” [Muslim]

The Prophet told us about the significance of those ten days of dual Hijjah:

“No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).” Then some companions (Sahaba) of the Prophet (S.A.W.) said, “Not even Jihad?” He replied, “Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s sake) and does not return with any of those things.”

The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said, ’There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than on the day of ‘Arafah’. (Muslim)

The prophet (peace and blessing be upon him said): “There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed person; Allah raises it up above the clouds and opens the gates of heaven to it. And the Lord says: ‘By My might, I shall surely aid you, even if it should be after a while.’” (Tirmidhi)

Notable Events and Stories Associated with the Mountain of Arafat.

The mountain of Arafat is the mountain on which the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) delivered his farewell sermon. Additionally, it is the mountain on which prophet Ibraham was about to sacrifice his son Ismail but Allah showed him his mercy and revealed to him to sacrifice a Ram instead.

The day of Arafat is a special day that all Muslims around the world choose to fast and celebrate by reciting the Quran, supplications, asking for forgiveness, and doing good deeds. It is one of the 10 days that are beloved to Allah Almighty and his prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Our beloved prophet (peace and blessing be upon him said): ‘There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than in these (ten) days.

Now we know the story of the Mountain of Arafat and its spiritual and historical importance to Muslims. By that we finish our article, we hope you found it useful and if you have any comments or questions drop a comment below and we will be more than glad to help.