The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah
The 9th day of Dhulhijjah is called 'Yawmul - "Arafah' (The Day of 'Arafah). This is the date when the Hujjaj ( pilgrims) assemble on the plain of 'Arafat, six miles away from Makkah al-Mukarramah, where they perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of hajj, namely, the 'Wuqoof of'Arafat (the stay in 'Arafat)'.


The Fast of Yawmul 'Arafah
The fast of 'Yawmul 'Arafah' has been emphasized by the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) as a mustahabb (desirable) act. According to a Hadith, the fast of this day becomes a cause, hopefully so, of forgiveness for sins committed in one year.

Abu Qatadah (Radi Allahu anhu) reported that Sayyadina Rasullullah (Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) said: " I have hope in Allah Ta'ala that the fast of Arafah will be an atonement for the sins of the past and the forthcoming year." (Muslim & Tirmidhi)


Takbir-ut-tashriq
Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Dhulhijjah up to the 'Asr prayer of the 13th, it is obligatory on each Muslim to recite the Takbir of Tashriq after every fard prayer in the following words.

"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,La Ilaha Illallahu, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahilhamd."
(There is no god but Allah and Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.)

According to authentic Islamic sources, it is obligatory on each Muslim, to recite this Takbir after every fard Salaah. Whether one is performing salah with Jama'ah (collectively) or on one's own (individually) makes no difference. One must recite the Takbir. However, male Muslims should recite it in a loud voice, while females should recite it in a low voice.


MAY ALLAH GIVE US ALL THE STRENGTH AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND THESE SACRED MOMENTS IN HIS WORSHIP AND SERVICE, AMEEN.