<P> On 9 Dhu al - Hijjah before noon, pilgrims arrive at Arafah, a barren plain some 20 kilometers east of Mecca, where they stand in contemplative vigil: they offer supplications, repent and atone for their past sins, seek mercy of God, and listen to Islamic scholars giving sermons from near Mount Arafah . Lasting from noon through sunset, this is known as' standing before God' (wuquf), one of the most significant rites of Hajj . At Namrah Mosque (ar), pilgrims offer Zuhr and Asr prayers together at noon time . A pilgrim's Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Arafah . </P> <P> As Husayn ibn Ali recited the prayer during the Hajj at Mount Arafah on 9 Dhu al - Hijjah, Muslims during the Hajj recite the Arafah prayer from Zuhr prayer to sunset . This day is called prayer day, specially for people who stand on Mount Arafah . On day of Arafah, Shia Muslims go to holy places such as mosques and graves of Shi'a Imams to recite Arafah prayer . </P> <P> Abu Qatada al - Ansari narrated that Muhammad was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, whereupon he said: It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year . Also about fasting on the Ashura (10 Muharram) he said: It expiates the sins of the preceding year . </P> <P> In Sahih Muslim it was narrated from Aisha that Muhammad said: </P>

Benefit of fasting on the day of arafah