Nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide are observing the final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah. Some Muslims are currently fulfilling their religious obligation of pilgrimage, called Hajj, and others are fasting May 26 for Yawm al-Arafah, the day before Eid al-Adha.
What makes Yawm al-Arafah, the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, such a special day for Muslims? Here’s what to know.
What is Yawm al-Arafah? The Islamic day before Eid al-Adha
Yawm al-Arafah, also known as Yawm al-Waqf, literally translates to “Day of Standing.” This translation refers to Muslims participating in Hajj, in which they stand for extended periods and ask for God’s divine mercy.
The ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, Yawm al-Arafah, happens today on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The Quran says that Yawm al-Arafah signifies the day God perfected Islam and approved it as a way of life. Muslims are highly encouraged to fast and focus on worship on this day.
What do Muslims do on Yawm al-Arafah?
Muslims unable to attend Hajj in Saudi Arabia are encouraged to fast and focus on worship during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, as fasting can bring forgiveness of sins and great rewards.
In Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said that fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah forgives the sins of the previous year and the coming year, according to Islamic Relief.
Unlike the holy month of Ramadan, fasting during Dhul Hijjah’s first nine days is not obligatory. However, it is highly encouraged to fast, as it is Sunnah (the way of the Prophet), especially on the ninth day, Yawm al-Arafah.
Muslims are forbidden from fasting on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, as Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day.
What is the importance of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah for Muslims?
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are a time for Muslims to focus on strengthening their faith. After the holy month of Ramadan, these 10 days are considered a second chance during the Islamic calendar to repent and attain blessings, according to Islamic Relief.
During Dhul Hijjah, some Muslims will participate in Hajj, an obligatory spiritual journey, at Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia. Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah and lasts five to six days. This year, Hajj is between May 25 and 30.
How do Muslims fast?
Muslims who are fasting wake up before dawn to eat a meal called suhoor. Fasting begins once the sun starts rising. Muslims follow a set of fasting rules. During fasting hours, Muslims focus on God-consciousness, repentance, self-reflection and self-improvement.
The fast ends at sunset with a meal called iftar. Friends and families often gather for iftar to worship together and cook and eat delicious food.
When is Eid al-Adha 2026?
After the Day of Standing comes Eid al-Adha, the second major holiday of the year for Muslims.
Eid al-Adha is to begin the night of May 26 and will be celebrated worldwide on May 27. On this day, Muslims will attend a community prayer in the morning, often in a mosque or Islamic center, donate to those in need, and spend the day with friends and family, eating and enjoying each other’s company.
Eid al-Adha translates to “Festival of Sacrifice,” as this day commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, for God. But God stopped him and sent him a ram to sacrifice instead.
Specifically for Eid al-Adha, Muslims are encouraged to participate in Qurbani, which is the slaughtering of a permitted animal, reflecting the sacrifice Prophet Abraham was willing to make. Goats, cows, lambs and camels are some of the animals permitted to be sacrificed. It is mandatory for a portion of the meat to be donated to the needy.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Today is Yawm al-Arafah, and this is why it’s a special day for Muslims
Reporting by Mariyam Muhammad, USA TODAY NETWORK / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
