আরাফাত — গাইড

নবী করীম Muhammad (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) said, 'হজ্জ is আরাফাত' (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud), emphasizing that the standing at আরাফাত is the essential pillar without which হজ্জ is invalid. This applies equally to men and women — there is no difference in the obligation or spiritual reward. Women arrive at আরাফাত on the morning of the 9th Dhul Hijjah, typically by bus from মিনা. Upon arrival, হাজীগণ are assigned tents within their হজ্জ group's designated area. The day is spent in worship — দোয়া, কুরআন recitation, dhikr, and সালাত. Dhuhr and Asr সালাতs are combined and shortened (Dhuhr as two rakaat, Asr as two rakaat, prayed together at the time of Dhuhr). This is the most powerful day of the entire হজ্জ for dua, and হাজীগণ are encouraged to supplicate from noon until sunset with their deepest and most heartfelt requests to Allah.

The Day of আরাফাত is physically demanding, often taking place during extreme heat. Women should stay well-hydrated, drinking water continuously even when not thirsty. Lightweight, breathable ইহরাম clothing is essential. Use an umbrella for sun protection if stepping outside the tent. Most modern হজ্জ camp tents are air-conditioned, and spending the majority of the day inside the tent is perfectly acceptable — the obligation is presence within আরাফাত's boundaries, not standing outdoors. Restroom facilities in the women's areas of the tent camps vary in quality, so carrying personal hygiene supplies is important. Menstruating women participate fully in the Day of আরাফাত — menstruation does not affect the validity of wuquf (standing), and all দোয়াs and dhikr are fully valid. The only restriction is that the menstruating woman does not pray the formal salah.

The Day of আরাফাত is considered the greatest day of the year for forgiveness and answered সালাতs. নবী করীম (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) said, 'There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of আরাফাত' (Muslim). To maximize this opportunity, prepare your dua list in advance — write down everything you want to ask Allah for, including সালাতs for family, community, and the ummah. Begin your দোয়াs after the combined Dhuhr-Asr সালাত and continue until sunset. Alternate between dua, dhikr, and কুরআন recitation to maintain spiritual energy. Cry before Allah if you can — this day is about humility, surrender, and sincere turning to your Creator. The best dua of আরাফাত, as narrated by নবী করীম, is: 'La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shay'in qadir.' Recite it abundantly while also making personal দোয়াs in your own language.