What is the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, immediately before Eid al-Adha, called?

The ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, immediately before Eid al-Adha, is called the Day of Arafah. It is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar and is central to the Hajj pilgrimage.

During Hajj, pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat near Mecca for prayer, supplication, and reflection. This standing, known as wuquf, is regarded as the essential rite of Hajj; without it, the pilgrimage is not valid. The gathering takes place on the day before Eid al-Adha.

Muslims who are not performing Hajj commonly observe the day by fasting, although fasting at Arafah is not required of pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage. The Day of Arafah should not be confused with Ashura, which falls on 10 Muharram, or with Eid al-Adha itself, which begins on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah.