~~*Ruji

Thought I would take a break from the Photo Challenge and instead write this blog following an email from HalalBuzz and texts which have started coming in from my friends. This blog post is aimed at my Muslim brothers and sisters so if you’re not Muslim you may not find this very interesting.

Monday (Nov 15th) is, according to the Hijri calendar, the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah (the Month of Hajj) also known as the Day of Arafah, or Arafat. The reason it’s known as the day of Arafah is because of its significance of the pilgrimage of Hajj currently taking place in right now in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is the second day of Hajj where Muslims on Hajj (this year includes my uncle, neighbour and cousin) will travel from Makkah to the Mount of Arafah where Prophet Mohammed ﷺ gave his final sermon before his death.

So why am I telling you this? Well it is said to be the best day of the year in the Hijri calendar where many blessings can be counted, more so then on any other day. And what can you do to make the most of the day? Here’s a short list:

1. Fast. This is particularly good because by fasting you are forgiven for two years of sin, the past year, and the coming year (am sure you don’t wish to miss out on that opportunity!)
2. Make du’a (supplications calling out to Allah) and dhikr (remembering Allah). This one is recommended by @HalalBuzz: Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulk wa lahul-hamd wa huwa ala kulli shayin qadeer. You can say it after Fard Salah form Fajr Nov 15th to Isha Nov 19th, or as many or little times you wish. You can listen to the recitation & translation here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI6B8tY1RhQ
3. Many other possible surahs to recite can be found here: http://www.duas.org/zilhajj/arafa.htm (please note this was found via a google search, I am not promoting the site nor confirming its authenticity)

With that in mind, I hope you have a lovely day ahead of you and pray you have many blessings showered upon you.

~Ruji x