KUALA LUMPUR - Today, the 9th day of Zulhijjah, which marks the Day of Arafah, should be fully utilised by Muslims in Malaysia as an opportunity to increase ‘doa’ (supplication), ‘zikr’ (remembrance of Allah), repentance and self-reflection in the effort to attain Allah SWT’s forgiveness and mercy on this noble and blessed day.
Associate Professor Dr Amini Amir Abdullah, a lecturer at the Department of Government and Civilisation Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said that Muslims are encouraged to perform prayers seeking forgiveness, good health, halal sustenance and the well-being of Muslims worldwide.
"The Day of Arafah is clearly mentioned in the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad as the day on which Allah frees more of His servants from the fire of hell than on any other day.
"Prophet Muhammad also said that the best doa is the doa made on the Day of Arafah (Hadith narrated by Al-Tirmidhi), which shows the immense opportunity for Muslims to seek Allah SWT’s forgiveness and mercy,” he told Bernama.
He said that the Day of Arafah should also serve as an opportunity to strengthen younger generations’ understanding of the true meaning of supplication as a manifestation of a servant’s dependence on Allah SWT and not merely as a ritual act of worship.
"In today’s modern world, which is filled with emotional stress, intense competition in life, and identity crises, spiritual strength is extremely important in building a calm and balanced soul.
"I believe that today’s younger generation needs strong spiritual guidance so that they do not become trapped in spiritual emptiness, materialistic culture and the excessive influence of social media,” he said.
Therefore, the Day of Arafah should be used as an opportunity to renew one’s faith and build a more meaningful sense of hope in life.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohammad Nidzam Abdul Kadir, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Human Ecology, UPM, said that Muslims are encouraged to increase their remembrance of Allah on the Day of Arafah.
"On the Day of Arafah, Muslims are also encouraged to engage in abundant zikr. Among the best forms of zikr recommended is: ‘La ilaha illallah wahdahu la syarikalah, lahul mulku walahul hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli syai’in qadir’ (There is no god but Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and all praise, and He has power over all things),” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr Muhammad Akmalludin Mohd Hamdan, lecturer at the Faculty of Quranic and Sunnah Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, said that fasting on the Day of Arafah also carries great virtues, as mentioned in the hadith of Prophet Muhammad.
"Fasting on the Day of Arafah holds immense rewards as it has the potential to expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
"The Prophet said: ‘For fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope that Allah will forgive the sins of the year before and the year after,’” he said.
Akmalludin said that these virtues are a sign of Allah SWT’s mercy in bestowing multiplied rewards upon Muslims, while also providing an opportunity to increase acts of worship and not waste the blessings and opportunities that have been given. - BERNAMA