Sheikh Mohammed Al-Hilli is a well-known Muslim Shia scholar, public speaker, and researcher. He is the Executive Director of Noor Islamic Education, an established charitable organisation based in the United Kingdom. Born close to Kadhimiyya (Baghdad, Iraq) in 1978, his great-grandfather, Sheikh Mohammed Rida, was a distinguished scholar in Hilla, Iraq. This city is home to several great Islamic scholars, such as Allamah Hilli and Al-Muhaqiq. It is situated approximately 100km south of Baghdad. Originally from Iraq, he has a Masters in Pharmacy from the University of London. He completed his Hawza degree from the ICAS in London under the supervision of Ayatollah Fadhil Milani, and also has an MA in Islamic Studies from Middlesex University via the Islamic College. He is a teacher at the Hawza Programme at Islamic College in London.
Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Rahim. This is one of the greatest days of the year, where incredible opportunities for forgiveness and mercy are presented by the Almighty Subhana wa Ta’ala. The Day of Arafah, which is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, is the day of recognition, repentance, and realisation, coming from the root word meaning ‘to know.’ You and I are invited to utilise this magnificent day of connection to God the Almighty.
Once Imam as-Sajjad alayhi as-salam saw a man begging others for money on Arafah Day. He turned towards him and said, ‘Woe be to you! On such a day, do you beg other than the Almighty Allah? On this day, even fetuses in wombs are expected to be included within the Mercy of the Almighty Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala, and they will be delighted.’
Here are some of the things we should do on this day. Number one, it’s recommended to fast on the Day of Arafah, except if fasting weakens us from worship, such as prayer and du’a.
Number two, perform ghusl. In doing so, we intend to shed the loads of sins from our souls as we purify our bodies.
Number three, after the prayers of dhuhr and asr, it’s recommended to recite a two-unit salah outside, i.e, under the open sky. In the first rukah, after Surat al-Fatiha, we recite Surat al-Ikhlas. On the second rukah, we recite Surat ul-Kafirun after Surat ul-Fatiha.
Number four, Ziyarah of Imam Al-Husayn (alayhi as-salam), for it is greatly emphasised by the Ahlul Bayt on such a day.
Number five, recitation of the special Du’a of Imam Al-Husayn, peace and blessings be upon him, on the Day of Arafa. It is narrated that he left his tent, looked up to the sky and extended his hand like a beggar, then recited those memorable words. The Du’a is a colossal treasure for the God wary. Try to read and reflect upon its meaning. Divide the Du’a into sections, if necessary. Stop, reflect, and don’t hesitate to shed a tear.
Narrations tell us it’s the day of forgiveness of sins to the extent that some sins can only be forgiven on days like Arafah. So speak to Subhana wa Ta’ala from the heart. Mention the sins and make a genuine commitment not to do them again.
Number seven, don’t forget to pray for others before yourself, especially on a day like this. A man by the name of Abdullah ibn Jundab says ‘I heard Imam Al-Kadhim (alayhi as-salam) say, ‘If you pray for a believer, a caller from the heavens will say to you, for every Du’a you recited, you’ll get 100,000 times more.’ Pray for Imam Al-Mahdi ‘alayhi as-salam, and his reappearance. Perhaps do a two-rakah salah for him, or give sadaqa, charity, on his behalf.
Number nine, there are some other wonderful deeds to do on Arafah Day. For example, Du’a 47 of Sahifa Sajadiyyah or the Du’a of Imam As-Sajjad ‘alayhi as-salam, on this day. Check the link below the video to perform these deeds.
Finally, don’t forget the last hour before sunset, where it is recommended to beg the Almighty Subhana wa Ta’ala for forgiveness, to perform tasbih and the remembrance of Allah. It is highly recommended to recite Du’a Al-Asharat. The link is also found below the video.
Remember, this could be our last Arafah Day. Let’s ask Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala for tawfiq to be of those who are invited to his sacred house to perform the Hajj next year, InshaAllah. May Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala accept all your deeds.
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Sheikh Mohammed Al-Hilli is a well-known Muslim Shia scholar, public speaker, and researcher. He is the Executive Director of Noor Islamic Education, an established charitable organisation based in the United Kingdom. Born close to Kadhimiyya (Baghdad, Iraq) in 1978, his great-grandfather, Sheikh Mohammed Rida, was a distinguished scholar in Hilla, Iraq. This city is home to several great Islamic scholars, such as Allamah Hilli and Al-Muhaqiq. It is situated approximately 100km south of Baghdad. Originally from Iraq, he has a Masters in Pharmacy from the University of London. He completed his Hawza degree from the ICAS in London under the supervision of Ayatollah Fadhil Milani, and also has an MA in Islamic Studies from Middlesex University via the Islamic College. He is a teacher at the Hawza Programme at Islamic College in London.
