UAE Friday sermon:The importance of Arafat Day

UAE Friday sermon:The importance of Arafat Day

Worshippers will hear about the importance of Arafat Day, the Prophet’s last speech and the importance of sacrifice, during the sermon this Friday.

Arafat Day was the day when Allah sent down the following verse to his noble Prophet: "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion" (Al Maaida: 3).

On Arafat Day, Allah praises his servants and forgives their sins. Thus, on no other day does Satan feel as belittled, humiliated and angry as he does on this sacred day, the sermon says.

The reason for this, according to the sermon, is the mercy of Allah that descends on Arafat Day and the forgiveness He grants to people for major sins. This is because Satan seeks to spread animosity among people to make them fall in major sins.

In the following verse, Allah warns people about this, saying: "And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy" (Al Israa: 53).

The sermon also reminds worshippers that Allah says: "Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing" (Al Baqara: 268).

The importance of unity on Arafat Day will also be highlighted, with the occasion being the day that Allah gathers Muslims for them to draw a lesson in achieving unity and harmony, and promoting the values of tolerance and forbearance.

Muslims also learn to avoid disagreement and enmity for Allah, who delays His forgiveness for those who are in disagreement, telling His noble angels: "Delay these two until their issues are reconciled."

The sermon also discusses the farewell speech of the Prophet, which he delivered on Arafat Day, telling his companion: "Allah has made your blood, your properties and your honour Sacred to one another [Muslims] like the sanctity of this day of yours in this month of yours, in this town of yours."

In this Hadith, the Prophet probited bloodshed, disgracing honour and assaulting others’ properties, according to the sermon.

"Indeed, those are the higher objectives of Islam," the sermon says.

"Islam strengthens the foundations of peace around the globe and urges for human co-existence so that welfare and stability would prevail. Truly, our religion seeks the safety of all people around the world and mercy for all is one of its great objectives.

"Let us, therefore, grab the opportunity on Arafat Day and engage in acts of obedience to our Lord and strengthen our ties with the members of our community."