Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim Ḥadīth [1348] – The virtue of the day of ‘arafah

In Muṣannaf ‘Abdul-Razzāq (9111 (5/238-240)), there is a narration by ibn ‘Umar ^{[d. 73H/74H]} (may Allāh be pleased with them both), which narrates the correct meaning of this ḥadīth, which states that, Allāh – the Exalted – descends to the lowest heaven and says to the angels:

‘These servants of Mine have come to Me with disheveled hair and covered in dust; they hope for My mercy and fear My punishment, even though they haven’t seen Me. What would their state have been if they had seen me?’

After this expression of pride commendation, He asks them:

‘After all, for what purpose have these people left their homes, families, and businesses, spent their wealth and time, and come here enduring the hardships and difficulties of travel? That is, they have come seeking My forgiveness, pleasure, closeness, and company, and there be anything else other than this. They have come only to please Me and to seek forgiveness for their sins, so that they can get closer to Me.’

• Reference: [1348 (4/313), Tuḥfatul Muslim Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Nomani Kutub Khana (Ur)]

Translated by Umm Rumayṣā'

❶ ‘Slaves’ signifies common men and women, because all humans are Allāh’s slaves.
❷ ‘What do these want?’ This question is on account of the expression of His Grandeur and Supreme Greatness. Otherwise Allāh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

• Reference: [3006 (3/605), Sunan an-Nasā'ī, Dārussalām (Eng)]

❶ The day of ‘arafah is the day of Allāh’s mercy. Fasting on this day is sunnah, but it is not compulsory on a pilgrim since the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) did not fast on this day at ‘arafah.
❷ Being close and speaking is among the attributes of Allāh; human beings do not know how it happens. Believing in the attributes of Allāh is compulsory, but without any resemblance to any of his creation.

• Reference: [3014 (4/187-188), Sunan ibn Mājah, Dārussalām (Eng)]

❶ ‘From the day of ‘arafah’ 9th Dhul Ḥijjah is called the day of ‘arafah. We learn from this ḥadīth that the day of ‘arafah is the most virtuous of all days.
❷ ‘What do these people desire?’ It means, whatever they desire, for which they have gathered in this ground with such helplessness. The angels reply: ‘They desire Your forgiveness and seek refuge from Your punishment.’ Then Allāh commands: ‘I have forgiven them.’

• Reference: [2594 (2/465), Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ, Maktabah Muḥammadiyah (Ur)]

Translated by Umm Rumayṣā'

Almighty Allāh emancipates most of His slaves, both men and women from the Hell-fire on this great day. Millions of pilgrims, who by virtue of their sincere repentance, try to seek the Pleasure of Allāh certainly stand to earn Allāh’s pleasure for their sins and thereby emancipation from the Hell-fire. May Allāh grant us this grace of His.

• Reference: [1277 (2/961), Riyāḍuṣ Ṣāliḥīn, Dārussalām (Eng)]