Fasting on the Day of عرفات expiates sins of the past and coming year for non-حجاج; حجاج at عرفات should not fast, as نبی کریم did not fast during his حج.
Fasting on the Day of عرفات (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah) is one of the most virtuous voluntary fasts in Islam for those who are not performing حج. نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) was asked about fasting on the Day of عرفات and said: 'It expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.' This tremendous reward makes it one of the most highly مستحب acts of worship for non-حجاج.
However, حجاج who are actually at عرفات performing حج are advised NOT to fast on this day. نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) himself did not fast on the Day of عرفات during his حج. The reason is practical and spiritual — the Day of عرفات requires immense physical and spiritual energy. Pilgrims are standing in extreme heat for hours, making intense دعائیں, 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 نبی کریم at عرفات, and he drank it publicly to show people he was not fasting.
For non-حجاج around the world, this fast is separate from the Days of Tashreeq (11th-13th Dhul Hijjah), on which fasting is prohibited. The Day of عرفات fast is standalone and carries its immense reward independently. Combined with increased dhikr, دعا, and charity on this day, non-حجاج can spiritually participate in the blessings of the حج season from wherever they are.
نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) was asked about fasting on the Day of عرفات. He said: 'It expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.'
نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) was asked about fasting on the Day of عرفات. He said: 'It expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.'
Source: Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim
نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) was asked about fasting on the Day of عرفات. He said: 'It expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.'
Sahih Muslim #1162 (sahih)