Waqfat al-Arafat

Being one of the three fardhs of hajj, Waqfat al-Arafat actually the pilgrimage itself. Prophet Muhammad (saw) pointed out the importance of Arafat waqfa at hajj by stating that“Hajj is (being at) Arafat.” (Tirmidhi, Hajj, 57) 

Arafat is a flat area surrounded by mountains on three sides, and it is 25 km far from Mecca. The ninth day of Dhu al-Hijja, arafa,is spent here until sunset. At noon, dhuhr and asr prayers are combined (Jam al-Taqdeem). After the prayer, one turns towards the qiblah standing up, and makes du'a of waqfat. After this, the believers congratulate one another on their waqfats and hajjs.

Arafat is derived from a word root that means "to know, and to understand." Waqfat, on the other hand, means standing up and waiting. Arafat is a great opportunity for a person who neglects to stop and think among the endless rushes, question the meaning of his existence, and live a life in accordance with the purpose of his creation. Neither the standing here is an ordinary one, nor this expectation is a futile one. Waqfat is to stand upright with faith against all the devil's deceptions and to disobey the evil suggestions of nafs. Arafat is to stop to be able to walk! Arafat is to get rid of the burden of sins!

Arafat is to know oneself, understand the meaning and wisdom of the creation, and reach one's own truth. It is, indeed, to understand one's own weaknesses and to understand that everything he/she owns actually belongs to Allah (swt). It is to acknowledge Allah (swt). This is the highest level that the servant can reach in the spiritual sense.

Pilgrims almost experience death in white ihrams like shrouds. They feel the meaning of death before they die and question themselves before they get questioned. They wait in the presence of Allah (swt) to reach the divine mercy and forgiveness of Him. They wait, hoping to be among the forgiven and beloved servants of Allah (swt).

It is one of the greatest blessings to be at Arafat. Millions of believers gathered at the most blessed place on the most precious time with the same feelings and excitement rehearse for the great meeting in the Hereafter. They beg and pray Allah not only for themselves but also for the happiness and welfare of the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (saw), with the awareness of the fact that they are present at Arafat as the representatives of all Muslims around the world. They ask for forgiveness from Allah (swt) with tears in their eyes. Because they are aware of the fact that Arafat is a place where no du'a is left unanswered. Prophet Muhammad (saw) stated that the most meritorious du'a is the one made at the day of Arafat. (Muvatta', Hajj, 81)

Arafat is the day of forgiveness and redemption of sins. Messenger of Allah (saw) underlined the virtue of the day with these words: “Satan is not considered more abased or more cast out or more contemptible or more angry on any day than on the Day of Arafat. That is only because he sees the descent of the Mercy and Allah's disregard for great wrong actions.” (Muwatta', Hajj, 81)

Prophet Muhammad (saw) read his famous sermon at farewell hajj at Arafat, and announced the fundamental human rights and universal principles of Islam to all humanity. Believers should try to understand and carry the meaning of his farewell sermon as they hear it from Prophet Muhammad (saw) at Arafat square.