Which day of Dhu al-Hijjah is called the Day of Arafah? The Day of Arafah is the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
It is the central day of the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafat, near Mecca, where they remain from around noon until sunset in prayer, supplication and remembrance of God. This standing is called wuquf and is regarded as an essential component of Hajj.
The day comes immediately before Eid al-Adha, which begins on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah. After sunset, pilgrims leave Arafat for Muzdalifah, where they traditionally spend the night and gather pebbles for later stoning rites at Mina.
Those not performing Hajj often observe the day through fasting. In Islamic tradition, fasting Arafah is especially meritorious for non-pilgrims, while pilgrims generally do not fast because they need strength for the demanding rites. The Day of Arafah is therefore both a pilgrimage milestone and a major date in the Islamic calendar.