Libya Day of Arafa
Libya Day of Arafa
The ninth day of Dhu-al-Hijjah is known as the Day of Arafa. On this holy day those conducting Hajj gather on the Plain of Arafat and nearby Mount Arafat—a granite hill east of Mecca also referred to as the Mountain of Mercy—where the prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon. The pilgrims' experience on the Plain of Arafat is often cited as the height of the annual journey to Mecca and this time spent in prayer and reflection is that which validates a Muslim's participation in Hajj. Many Libyan Muslims and those in other countries fast, perform acts of devotion, and pray for forgiveness of their sins on this day. The observation of Day of Arafa begins at dawn and ceases at sunset. The following day marks the major Muslim festival Id-al-Adha.
Embassy of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
2600 Virginia Ave. N.W., Ste. 705
Washington, D.C. 20037
202-944-9601; fax: 202-944-9606
www.libyanbureau-dc.org
American Muslim Council
1212 New York Ave., Ste. 525
Washington, DC 20005
202-789-2262