When Does Day of Arafah 2025 Begin and What Is the Virtue of Fasting on It?

Muslims around the world eagerly await the arrival of Day of Arafah in 2025, one of the greatest days of the year due to its immense virtues and rewards. Day of Arafah begins at Maghrib (sunset) on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, and continues throughout Thursday, June 5, until the dawn of Friday, June 6, which marks the start of Eid al-Adha.
How Is the Start of Day of Arafah Determined?
The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta announced the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH on the evening of Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Thus, Day of Arafah officially starts from sunset on Wednesday, as the new day begins after the Maghrib call to prayer according to Islamic law.

The Virtue of Fasting on Day of Arafah — How Does Allah Forgive Two Years of Sins?
Fasting on Day of Arafah is one of the best recommended acts for Muslims to seize. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope from Allah that it will expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” (Narrated by Muslim)
This makes fasting on Arafah a broad gateway to forgiveness and drawing closer to Allah.

Timing of Day of Arafah for Pilgrims and Non-Pilgrims
For pilgrims, standing (wuquf) at Arafah is the most important pillar of Hajj. Pilgrims stand at Mount Arafat from dawn until sunset on the day of Arafah. Non-pilgrims take advantage of this blessed day by fasting, praying, and performing acts of worship.

Why Is It Called Day of Arafah and What Is the Importance of the Place?
Day of Arafah is named after Mount Arafat, where pilgrims perform the essential ritual of standing in worship. Various stories explain the name: some say people used to “recognize each other” (ta'arafu) there during Hajj, others that it is where Adam and Eve met after being sent to Earth, or that the angel Gabriel asked the Prophet Ibrahim, “Do you know (Arafat)?” Regardless, Mount Arafat remains a sacred symbol and a place for repentance and supplication to Allah.

The Virtue of Day of Arafah in the Quran and Sunnah
Day of Arafah is one of the sacred months and holds a special place in Islam. Allah says in Surah Al-Fajr:
“And [by] the ten nights...” (interpreted by scholars as the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:
“There is no deed more beloved to Allah, and no deed more rewarding, than good deeds done in the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah.”
This highlights the importance of righteous deeds during these days.

Recommended Supplications on Day of Arafah
The supplication on Day of Arafah is one of the best prayers a Muslim can recite with humility. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah, and the best words I and the prophets before me have said is: ‘There is no deity but Allah, Alone, without partner.’”
One famous supplication to say is:
“O Allah, I ask You for the best of requests, the best of supplications, the best of success, the best of deeds, the best of rewards, the best of life, and the best of death...”
What Did the Prophet Say About Day of Arafah?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized that Day of Arafah is when Allah frees the greatest number of His servants from the Hellfire, boasting about them to the angels saying, “What do these want?”
Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) once mentioned the greatness of this day after a Jewish man told him about a verse revealed on this day that made it a special occasion:
“Today I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Quran 5:3)