Muslims Mark Sacred Day of Arafah With Fasting and Prayer Ahead of Eid al-Adha

26 May 2026 - Muslims in Kenya and across the world are today observing the sacred Day of Arafah through fasting, prayer and acts of charity ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebrations set for Wednesday.

The Day of Arafah, which falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, is regarded as one of the holiest days in Islam and marks the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

For Muslims not performing Hajj, fasting on Arafah is highly encouraged as a way of seeking forgiveness, mercy and spiritual renewal.

In Garissa, Islamic scholar Sheikh Mohamud Osman urged Muslims to dedicate the day to worship, repentance and helping the needy.

“Muslims are expected to observe prayers, repentance, and giving out charity on both Arafat and tomorrow’s Eid day,” said Sheikh Osman.

He said the day holds deep religious significance because it was during Arafah that Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) delivered his farewell sermon during his final pilgrimage, declaring the completion and perfection of Islam as a way of life.

Islamic teachings describe Arafah as a day of immense divine mercy and forgiveness. A famous Hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim states: “There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of Arafah.”

For pilgrims undertaking Hajj, the Day of Arafah is considered the heart of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims gather on the plains of Mount Arafat, where they spend hours in prayer and supplication seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said:” Hajj is Arafat”

The day also falls within the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, which Muslims believe are among the most blessed days in the Islamic calendar. In a Hadith recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet said: “No good deeds are better than what is done in these first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.”

Eid al-Adha, which follows the Day of Arafah, commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering obedience to Allah. 

According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim was commanded in a dream to sacrifice his son as an act of faith. As he prepared to fulfil the command, Allah replaced the son with a ram, rewarding Ibrahim’s devotion and obedience.

The story forms the foundation of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, during which Muslims slaughter animals such as goats, sheep or camels and share the meat with family, friends and the less fortunate.

Mosques across Kenya are expected to hold special Eid prayers on Wednesday morning as Muslim families gather to celebrate the festival through worship, feasting and charity.