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The 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah (the Month of Hajj) is called the Day of Arafat. This day is the culminating event of the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The Day of Arafat falls on the 2nd day of pilgrimage rituals. At dawn of this day, nearly 2 million Muslim pilgrims will make their way from Mecca to a nearby hillside and plain called Mount Arafat and the Plain of Arafat. It was from this site that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, gave his famous Farewell Sermon in his final year of life.

During the entire day, from dawn until sunset, Muslim pilgrims stand in earnest supplication and devotion, praying for God's abundant forgiveness. Tears are shed readily as those who gather make repentance and seek God's mercy, recite words of prayer and remembrance, and gather together as equals before their Lord. Muslims around the world who are not participating in the pilgrimage often spend this day in fasting and devotion.

Occasions which are recommended to be fasted:

1. 6 days of the month of Shawal (the following month of Ramadan): Under the authority of Abi Ayoub Alansary that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, ; whoever fasts Ramadan succeeded with 6 days of Shawal will be rewarded as if fasted the whole year;. The days could be fasted sequential or individually.

2. The first nine days of Dhul Hija with emphasis on the Day of Arafa (when people gather at mount Arafa for Hajj) but only for one who is not performing Hajj. It was narrated under the authority of Abi Qatada (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said ; Fasting the day of Arafa for those who are not performing Hajj eliminates the sins of two years, the past and future one, While fasting the day of A`ashoura (will be explained later) eliminates sins of the past year; reported by consensus.

3. Fasting the 10th of Moharam (A`ashoura): It was narrated under the authority of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when he moved to Medina noticed that the Jews fast the day of A`ashoura so he asked them why? They said it is a good day when Allah rescued Moses (peace be upon him) and children of Israel from their enemy. So Moses (peace be upon him) fasted that day. Prophet Mohamed (peace and blessings be upon him) said ;we are more obliged towards Moses (peace be upon him) and he fasted the day instructing Muslims to fast it; reported by consensus. To further explain there are three options for the way of fasting Ashoura::

1. To fast: 9th, 10th and 11th Dhul Hija.

2. To fast 9th and 10th only.

3. To fast the 10th only.

4. Fast as many days of Shaban as possible:It was narrated under the authority of Osama Ibn Zaid (may Allah be pleased with them) that he asked Prophet Mohamed (peace and blessings be upon him) Oh Messenger of Allah I did not notice you fast as many days in any other month like during Shaban? He said: this is a month which people usually ignore being between Rajab and Ramadan. It is also a month when deeds are taken to be presented before Allah, and I would like my deeds to be presented while I'm fasting; reported by Abou Dawoud.

5. Fasting during the sacred months (made forbidden by Allah it means that war is not allowed during those months): The four months Dhul Qe`ada, Dhul Hija, Moharam and Rajab: It is recommended to fast as many days as possible during those months. It was narrated under the authority of a man from Bahela that he came to meet the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) and said Oh Messenger of Allah I'm the man who met you last year. The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) asked him what changed your appearance which was better? He answered since I met you; I became in the habit of not eating any food except in the evening. The Messenger of Allah said: why did you torture yourself? He further advised him saying you may fast the month of patience (Ramadan) and one day of each month. The man said advise me for more I'm strong. He said fast two days each month. The man said more. He said fast part of the sacred months and leave some and he contracted his three fingers and retracted them; reported by Ahmed and Abou Dawoud.

6. Fasting Mondays and Thursdays each week throughout the year: It was narrated under the authority of Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) mostly fasted Mondays and Thursdays about which he was asked. He explained; Deeds are presented on Mondays and Thursdays when Allah Forgives each Muslim or a believer except those who are in conflict. Allah Says delay their case; reported by Ahmed.

7. Fasting 3 days of each month: Abu Dhar Alghafary (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) instructed us to fast 3 days of each month: 13th, 14th, and 15th which he explained that they count for fasting the whole year; reported by Alnesa`y.

8. Fasting day after day: It was narrated under the authority of Abi Salama Bin Abdel Rahman according to Abdu Allah Ibn Amr who said; The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) told me: I was informed that you stay up all night praying and fasting all day, I replied yes. He said fast and not fast, pray and sleep your body has a right over you, your wife has a right over you and your guest has a right over you. It is sufficient that you fast three days of each month. I said I could do more, he said fast three days of each week. I said I could still do more. He said fast in the manner of Dawud the Prophet of Allah and never exceed this limit. I asked how was that manner. He said he used to fast day after day; reported by Ahmed.