Not at Hajj? Start the Fajr of the Day of Arafah with This | Abu Bakr Zoud
Bismillah.
Even if you’re not among the hujjāj this year, the Day of Arafah is still a golden opportunity for forgiveness, elevation, and reward. The blessings of this day extend to every Muslim across the globe, and Ustadh Abu Bakr Zoud shares with us how to begin this special day — from Fajr — in a way that aligns with the Sunnah.
🌄 Start the Day with Takbeer (تَكْبِير)
As soon as you complete the Fajr prayer on the Day of Arafah, start your Takbeer:
اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ، وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ
This act is derived from the Qur’an, where Allah says:
“And mention the name of Allah on known days.”
[Surah Al-Hajj 22:28]
According to Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما), these “known days” include:
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The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)
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The Day of An-Nahr (Eid al-Adha)
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The Days of Tashreeq (11th–13th Dhul-Hijjah)
📣 Don’t Just Listen — Say the Takbeer
A common practice in homes is to play Takbeer recordings via YouTube or other platforms. Ustadh Abu Bakr Zoud clarifies that this is not sufficient. Unlike the Qur’an, where listening is a form of worship, Takbeer must be uttered by the individual to count as an act of worship.
Takbeer is not meant to be listened to silently — it is meant to be said aloud.
You can use an audio or video as a reminder to say it, but do not rely on playing a clip in the background and remain silent, assuming the act of remembrance is fulfilled. This misunderstanding undermines the essence of the Sunnah.
🙋♂️ Say It Individually — Not in Chorus
Another important clarification: Takbeer is to be recited individually, not in unison.
It is not part of the Sunnah to say Takbeer in a group or in chorus intentionally. If multiple people are reciting at the same time coincidentally or without intent to synchronize, then there is no harm. However, deliberate group recitation as a collective ritual is not legislated in this context.
Let each person say the Takbeer from their heart, personally and sincerely, and let the home be filled with the sound of “Allahu Akbar” — each voice adding its own devotion to the blessed atmosphere.
🕌 When Should You Say Takbeer?
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Start right after Fajr on the Day of Arafah
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Continue throughout the day and especially after every obligatory prayer
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Repeat it two or three times, as there are authentic narrations for both
Let your tongue be moist with the remembrance of Allah — even if you are at home, not at Hajj.
✨ Make This Day Count
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Fast the Day of Arafah if you’re not at Hajj – the Prophet ﷺ said it expiates sins of the previous and coming year (Muslim, 1162)
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Fill your hours with Dhikr, Takbeer, Tasbeeh, and Dua
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Take time to sincerely seek forgiveness and mercy
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Reflect on the power and majesty of Allah, and beg Him to make you among those whom He frees from the Fire on this day
📿 Final Reminder
Let us not waste this day by staying quiet or forgetting the spirit of remembrance. It is a day when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and boasts of His servants to the angels, forgiving those who seek His mercy.
اللهم اجعلنا من عتقائك من النار يوم عرفة
Share this reminder with family and friends, and don’t forget to wake up early and begin the day with Takbeer, with sincerity, and with love for your Creator.