What to do on 'Arafah | Khutbah by Dr. Omar Suleiman

Summary

The sermon begins by praising Allah and bearing witness to His oneness and the prophethood of Muhammad. It highlights the significance of the Day of Arafah, described by the Prophet Muhammad as the best day the sun has risen upon. The speaker emphasizes the importance of renewing one's covenant with Allah, acknowledging His blessings, and seeking forgiveness through supplication. The sermon also discusses the rituals and spiritual significance of Arafah, encouraging the faithful to approach the day with intention and dedication, highlighting the mercy and forgiveness Allah offers on this day.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Praising Allah: The sermon begins by praising Allah and acknowledging Muhammad as His final messenger, asking for peace and blessings upon him, the prophets, their families, and companions.
• 🌞 Day of Arafah: The speaker emphasizes that the Day of Arafah is the best day of the year, a day for Muslims to know their Lord and renew their covenant with Him.
• 📜 Historical Significance: All prophets before Muhammad emphasized the importance of the Day of Arafah, reinforcing the concept of the oneness of God.
• 🕌 Pillars of Islam: The Day of Arafah is linked to the five pillars of Islam, particularly highlighting the transition from the first pillar (testimony of faith) to the last (Hajj).
• 💧 Renewal and Repentance: The day is seen as a time to renew one’s faith, repent, and acknowledge both Allah’s blessings and one’s own shortcomings.
• 🤲 Importance of Dua: Supplication (dua) on the Day of Arafah is highly emphasized, with the best supplication being the acknowledgment of Allah’s oneness and greatness.
• 🕋 Place and Time: Arafah is significant both as a place and as a time. Even those not physically present at Arafah can observe its spiritual significance through fasting and prayer.
• 💤 Preparation: Preparing for the Day of Arafah involves rest and intentionality, aligning one's actions and prayers with the day’s spiritual importance.
• 📅 Planning for Arafah: The speaker encourages planning for the Day of Arafah as one would for significant personal events, emphasizing its unparalleled spiritual importance.
• 🤝 Renewal of Covenant: The day is described as a time to sign a new covenant with Allah, committing to significant personal changes and reaffirming one’s purpose in life.

Q & A

What is the significance of the day of Arafah according to the script?

The day of Arafah is described as the best day that the sun has risen upon, a day when the supplication of believers is most powerful and the forgiveness of Allah is abundant. It is a day to renew one's covenant with Allah and to seek His mercy and blessings.

Why is the day of Arafah considered the best day of the year?

The day of Arafah is considered the best day of the year because it is a day of immense forgiveness and mercy from Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described it as the day when the supplications of believers are most likely to be accepted.

What is the primary activity recommended for believers on the day of Arafah?

The primary activity recommended for believers on the day of Arafah is to continuously renew their covenant with Allah, engage in supplication, and praise Him for all His blessings.

What does the term 'Arafa' mean, and what is its significance?

The term 'Arafa' means 'to come to know.' It signifies the day when believers come to know their Lord deeply, acknowledging their own shortcomings and the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah.

What is the role of fasting on the day of Arafah for those not performing Hajj?

For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the day of Arafah is highly recommended. It is a means of seeking forgiveness and blessings from Allah, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to fast on this day before the pilgrimage was obligatory.

How should believers prepare for the day of Arafah according to the script?

Believers should prepare for the day of Arafah by setting their intentions to worship and seek forgiveness from Allah, fasting if possible, starting their day with Fajr in congregation, and spending the day in continuous supplication and remembrance of Allah.

What does the script say about the significance of the time and place of Arafah?

The script highlights that Arafah is both a significant place and a significant time. Standing in Arafah combines the blessings of both, but even those who cannot be there physically can still participate in the worship and gain the benefits of the day.

What is the best way to spend the last hour of the day of Arafah?

The best way to spend the last hour of the day of Arafah is in intense supplication and seeking forgiveness, as it is the most special time of the day when Allah's mercy is at its peak.

What is the main message conveyed about Allah's mercy on the day of Arafah?

The main message is that Allah's mercy is immense and all-encompassing on the day of Arafah. Believers are encouraged to have complete certainty in Allah's forgiveness and to renew their covenant with Him through sincere supplication.

What advice does the script offer for those unable to fast on the day of Arafah?

The script advises that if one cannot fast on the day of Arafah due to circumstances beyond their control, they should still have the intention to fast. Allah will grant them the full reward as if they had fasted because of their sincere intention.