DEAR PILGRIMS TO THE HOUSE OF ALLAH

The day of Arafah is a great day when tears are flown, evils reduced and sins forgiven. On this day, Allah descends to the lowest Heaven and boasts of the pilgrims gathered at Arafah before the angels.

Dear pilgrim,

Avail this opportunity and try hard both in the field of learning and practice. Learn what you might have missed before and remember what you might have forgotten. Just as a reminder we place before you the following instructions which will be benificial to you InshaAllah.

* Departure to Arafah on 9th Zulhijjah, begins immediately after the sun rises. Wuqoof (staying at Arafah) starts after Zawal (Sun's decline off the meridian) and after praying Zuhur and Asar joining them together and by way of Qasar (half the actual numbers of Raka'at in each prayer), pronouncing Azan and two Iqamat in accordance with the Sunnah of our Prophet (Peace be upon him).

* The whole area of Arafah is good for staying as the Prophet said (while standing near the Mount Of Mercy): I stay here and Arafah as a whole is good for staying.

* The Valley of Urna is not a part of Arafah. So staying therein or down the valley is not valid.

* One must stay within the limits of Arafah which are clearly marked.

* Ascending the Mount Of Mercy is illegal as being contrary to what the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and his companions had done.

* Fasting on the day of Arafah is makruh (considered as bad) because the Prophet (Peace be upon him) stayed at Arafah without fasting and forbade to fast on that day particularly at Arafah.

* Mutamatti and Qarin are not allowed to slaughter their sacrifices before the day of Eid. But the Day Of Eid and the three following days are meant to sacrifice and enjoy food and drink and remember Allah Ta'ala.

* One should keep on remembering Allah and supplicating to Him on the Day Of Arafah, repeating in particular the following:

La Illaha Illallah Wahdahu La Sharika La Lahul Mulku Walahul Hamdu Yuhyi Wa Yumitu Wahuwa A'la Kulli Shay'in Qadir, Subhanallah Walhamdulillah Wa La Ilaha Illallah Wallahu Akbar.

* Be sincere in your prayers and protect your tongue from saying what displeases Allah Almighty.

* Departure from Arafah to Muzdalifah on 9th Zulhijjah begins after the sun set.

-To Be Continue-