As the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah approaches, the topic of fasting Tarwiyah and Arafat is increasingly being asked. Is it recommended for Muslims to fast both of them or just one of them? And which is more important to do, Tarwiyah fasting or Arafat fasting?
History of Tarwiyah Fasting
The beginning of Tarwiyah fasting can be traced from the day of Tarwiyah, which is the 8th day of the month of Zulhijah in the Islamic calendar. This is the reason why Tarwiyah fasting is held every 8th of Zulhijah, one day before Arafat fasting.
Tarwiyah itself comes from the word rawa-yarwi-tarwiyatan which means thinking or contemplating. The day is synonymous with a state of thinking and contemplating about things that are still filled with doubts. There are three things that underlie the naming of the 8th day of Zulhijah as the day of Tarwiyah.
First, the contemplation of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) about the reward when he was commanded by Allah to build the Kaaba. Second, the contemplation of Prophet Ibrahim as after dreaming of slaughtering his son, on the 8th day of Zulhijah. Third, the contemplation of pilgrims about the prayers to be offered on the day of Arafat.
Read also: Tarwiyah Fasting is a Recommended Act of Worship for a Muslim
is a way to get closer to Allah, especially for those who are not performing the Hajj. It is the same with the Arafat fast.
For Muslims who perform Hajj, the day of Tarwiyah is a day of preparation before the journey to Arafat. While those who do not perform Hajj, fasting Tarwiyah means that they feel and take part in these special days. In particular, the narration about fasting Tarwiyah is listed in Al Jaami’ Ash Shagier Juz 2I.
“Fasting the day of Tarwiyah expiates the sins of one year and fasting the day of Arafat expiates the sins of two years.” (narrated by Abusysyaikh in Atstsawaab and Ibnunnajaar from Ibn ‘Abbas)
However, some scholars have called this hadith dho’if or weak. As such, it should not be practiced in isolation. However, if the hadith encourages people to do good, then it is possible that the reward it conveys is true.
Why Tarwiyah Fasting is Recommended
Keep in mind, the recommendation to fast Tarwiyah on the 8th of Dhu’l-Hijja is not based on the above dho’if hadith. Rather because of the virtues of worship and practice in the first ten days of the month of Zulhijah. And it is mentioned that fasting is the best practice that we can do on these days.
“There is no day that Allah loves more for worship than the first ten days of the month of Dhu’l-Hijja. One day of fasting in them is equivalent to a year of fasting, one night of praying the night prayer is equivalent to praying on the night of Lailatul Qadr.” (HR. Tirmidhi)
Read also: How Long is the Wukuf Time in Arafat, a Legal Requirement for Hajj?
This Hadīth is also supported by a Hadīth narrated by Imam Bukhari from Abu Dawud about fasting Zulhijah, fasting Tarwiyah, and fasting Arafat.
“The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to fast the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijja, the day of Ashura (the 10th of Muharram), three days of every month, the beginning of the month on Monday and Thursday.”
Is Tarwiyah or Arafah Fasting Better?
Between these two voluntary fasts of Zulhijah, it can be said that fasting Arafat is more important. Fasting Arafat is highly recommended or the law is sunnah muakadah, especially for people who are not performing Hajj. Why? Because, fasting Arafat has a greater virtue than fasting sunnah the beginning of the month of Zulhijah other.
The virtue is stated in several traditions of the Prophet, among others:
“Fasting Arafat can erase the sins of two years, a year ago and a year to come. And fasting Ashura (10 Muharram) will expiate the sins of a year ago,” (HR Muslim No. 1162).
“There is no day on which Allah frees more slaves from Hellfire than on the day of Arafat.” (HR Muslim)
It should be noted that the ‘expiation of sins’ in this Hadīth does not mean that all sins are forgiven. The majority of scholars agree that ‘sins’ here refers to minor sins. Major sins such as adultery, usury, sorcery, neglecting prayers, and so on, must be repented of properly and sincerely. Repentance will be accepted if there is regret, commitment, asking for forgiveness, and patching up the bad with good and righteous deeds.
On the day of Arafat, apart from fasting, every Muslim is also encouraged to pray earnestly. And, hope that his prayers will be answered by Allah SWT. Because, people who are fasting mustajab prayers. Especially if prayed at the time of breaking the fast.
Read also: Various Types of Sunnah Fasting & Its Benefits for the Muslim Community
Intention to Fast Tarwiyah and Arafah
The following is the intention of fasting Tarwiyah which is held on the 8th of Dhu’l-Hijja.
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ سُنَّةِ يَوْمِ التَّرْوِيَةِ لِلهِ تَعَالَى
Nawaitu shauma ghadin ‘an adā’i sunnati yaumit tarwiyah lillâhi ta’ālā.
Meaning: “I intend to fast the Sunnah of Tarwiyah tomorrow for the sake of Allah.”
Meanwhile, this is the intention for the fast of Arafat, which is performed on the 9th of Dhu’l-Hijja, at the same time as the Hajj pilgrims make wukuf in Arafah.
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ سُنَّةِ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ لِلهِ تَعَالَى
Nawaitu shauma ghadin ‘an adâ’i sunnati Arafat lillâhi ta’âlâ
Meaning: “I intend to fast the Sunnah of Arafat tomorrow for the sake of Allah.”
Fasting the Sunnah of Arafat is indeed more important than fasting the Sunnah of Tarwiyah. However, it would be better if we fast both in the days leading up to Eid-ul-Adha. May Allah swt always have mercy on us and forgive our sins. Aameen…
(RQA)