Fasting on the Day of Arafat expiates sins of the past and coming year for non-hacilar; hacilar at Arafat should not fast, as Hz. Peygamber did not fast during his Hac.
Fasting on the Day of Arafat (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah) is one of the most virtuous voluntary fasts in Islam for those who are not performing Hac. Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafat and said: 'It expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.' This tremendous reward makes it one of the most highly sunnet acts of worship for non-hacilar.
However, hacilar who are actually at Arafat performing Hac are advised NOT to fast on this day. Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) himself did not fast on the Day of Arafat during his Hac. The reason is practical and spiritual — the Day of Arafat requires immense physical and spiritual energy. Pilgrims are standing in extreme heat for hours, making intense duas, and need their strength. Fasting could compromise their ability to worship fully. There was even a narration where Umm al-Fadl sent a container of milk to Hz. Peygamber at Arafat, and he drank it publicly to show people he was not fasting.
For non-hacilar around the world, this fast is separate from the Days of Tashreeq (11th-13th Dhul Hijjah), on which fasting is prohibited. The Day of Arafat fast is standalone and carries its immense reward independently. Combined with increased dhikr, dua, and charity on this day, non-hacilar can spiritually participate in the blessings of the Hac season from wherever they are.
Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafat. He said: 'It expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.'
Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafat. He said: 'It expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.'
Source: Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim
Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafat. He said: 'It expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.'
Sahih Muslim #1162 (sahih)