Kuala lumpur: Today, the 9th day of Zulhijjah, which marks the Day of Arafah, should be fully utilised by Muslims in Malaysia as an opportunity to increase 'doa' (supplication), 'zikr' (remembrance of Allah), repentance, and self-reflection in the effort to attain Allah SWT's forgiveness and mercy on this noble and blessed day.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Associate Professor Dr Amini Amir Abdullah, a lecturer at the Department of Government and Civilisation Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said that Muslims are encouraged to perform prayers seeking forgiveness, good health, halal sustenance, and the well-being of Muslims worldwide. He highlighted that the Day of Arafah is mentioned in the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad as the day on which Allah frees more of His servants from the fire of hell than on any other day.
Dr Amini further explained that the Prophet Muhammad stated the best doa is the one made on the Day of Arafah, emphasizing the opportunity for Muslims to seek Allah SWT's forgiveness and mercy. He noted that the Day of Arafah should also be an opportunity to strengthen younger generations' understanding of supplication as a manifestation of a servant's dependence on Allah SWT, beyond just a ritual act of worship.
In today's world filled with emotional stress and intense competition, Dr Amini pointed out the importance of spiritual strength in building a calm and balanced soul. He expressed concern over the younger generation potentially becoming trapped in spiritual emptiness, materialistic culture, and the excessive influence of social media, advocating for strong spiritual guidance.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohammad Nidzam Abdul Kadir, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Human Ecology, UPM, encouraged Muslims to increase their remembrance of Allah on the Day of Arafah, recommending forms of zikr such as 'La ilaha illallah wahdahu la syarikalah, lahul mulku walahul hamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli syai'in qadir.'
Dr Muhammad Akmalludin Mohd Hamdan, a lecturer at the Faculty of Quranic and Sunnah Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, highlighted the virtues of fasting on the Day of Arafah, noting that it holds immense rewards and can expiate the sins of the previous and coming year, as mentioned in the hadith of Prophet Muhammad. He emphasized these virtues as signs of Allah SWT's mercy, urging Muslims to increase acts of worship and not waste the blessings and opportunities provided.