Question:

What do the scholars and experts of shari’ah say regarding fasting the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah? What are the virtues of fasting in these days and in particularly, the day of ‘Arafa?

Answer:

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are ones of great blessings and virtue. We should endeavour to perform extra worship during these days.Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “There are no days in which worship id more beloved to Allah than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting for one day is equivalent to fasting for a year and worshipping for a night is equal to Laylat al-Qadr.” (Tirmidhi)

Sayyiduna Abu Qutada reported that the Prophet ﷺ was asked about the fasting of the day of ‘Arafa. He ﷺ said: “It will expiate the sins of the previous and coming year.” (Muslim)

And Allah ﷻ knows the best

This fatwa is written by Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Munir Al-Azhari