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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class — Holidays in Egypt Series at ArabicPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Egyptian holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Lesson 17, Day of Arafah. In Egyptian Arabic, it’s called [ وقفة عرفات (waʾfet ʿarafāt)]. |
| The Day of Arafah is the ninth day in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah which is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. On the Day of Arafah, pilgrims assemble on a mountain called Arafah or [عرفه (ʿarafah)], which is located near Mecca in Saudi Arabia. |
| Let's learn more about this day and its importance for Muslims. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| Do you know the origin of the name Arafah? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| The month of Dhu al-Hijjah is the month in which Muslims perform pilgrimages to the sacred Kaaba or [كعبة (kaʿbah)] which is located in Saudi Arabia, in the city of Mecca. On the Day of Arafah, a pilgrim should be present on Mount Arafah, and not being there on that day invalidates the pilgrimage. That’s why pilgrims from all over the world assemble on the Mount for supplicating and praying to God. |
| Arafah is the most distant holy place from Mecca or [مَكَّة (makkah)] as it is located 22 kilometers away from it, outside its sacred territory. On this day, Muslims believe that God responds to prayers and forgives their sins. This is why the Muslims who aren't performing the pilgrimage are keen to fast on this day, because it is believed that this fasting atones for the sins committed in both the previous year and the next year. |
| The rituals of this day start after the pilgrims perform the dawn prayer in a place called Mina which is seven kilometers away from Mecca. After sunrise, they start their journey to Arafah while saying supplications and prayers. Pilgrims spend the whole day there until sunset. During the day, there is a sermon which is delivered by the Pilgrims' Imam before the noon prayer. |
| A curious fact is that on Arafah Day, all mothers are keen to buy new clothes and pajamas or [بيچامة (bīǧāmah)] for their children before the feast of sacrifice. They let the children wear the pajamas on the day of Arafah on the feast night because it is an opportunity to explain the merits of this day. |
| And now I'll give you the answer to the earlier quiz. |
| Do you know the origin of the name Arafah? |
| The word Arafah is derived from the word [تعارف (taʿāruf)] meaning "to know one another" but there isn't any certain information about why this day is called Arafah. Some researchers say the reason is that people get to know one another on this day, while others say the reason is that Arafah was the place where Adam and Eve met for the first time after they were sent down to reside on Earth. They met at that place and they recognized each other, so the place is called "Arafah"! |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Have you ever visited Mecca? Let us know in the comments and we’ll see you next time! Bye! إلى اللقاء (ʾilā al-liqaāʾ)! |
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