Arafat Day is a very significant event in the Islamic calendar, commemorated with great reverence in Bahrain among other Islamic nations. This day falls on the 9th day of the Dhu al-Hijjah lunar month each year, one day before Eid al-Adha, another significant Islamic event. Arafat Day corresponds with the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage, when millions of Muslims, from all over the world, gather on the plain of Arafat near Mecca for a day of prayer and reflection.
The significance of the Arafat Day dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad. Devoted Muslims believe that standing on Mount Arafat, engaging in supplication and repenting sins, takes one's sins away. In Bahrain, it’s customary for those who are not able to make the voyage to Mecca to fast on Arafat Day, as it's believed to cleanse two years’ worth of sins. It is also seen as a day of reflection on one's actions in the past and resolutions to become better in the future.
Public life in Bahrain changes profoundly during Arafat Day, as it is a public holiday. Mosques in Bahrain, and across other Islamic nations, host special sermons and prayers. It's also during this day when the sermon from the mountain of Arafat, given by the grand mufti of Saudi Arabia, is broadcasted globally. Overall, in celebration of Arafat Day, Muslims across Bahrain reflect solemnly on their faith, showcasing the profound reverence held for this day within the Islamic faith.