The 9th day of Zulhijjah

The 9th day of Zulhijjah is called 'Youmul - "Arafah' (The Day of 'Arafah). This is the date when the Hujjaj (Haji pilgrims, plural of Haajj) assemble on the plain of 'Arafat, six miles away from Makkah al-Mukarramah, where they perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of hajj, namely, the 'Wuqoof of'Arafat (the stay in 'Arafat).

For those not performing hajj, it is mustahabb (desirable) to fast on this day according to their own calendar. It sometimes occurs that 9th Zuihijjah falls on different days in different countries according to the sighting of the moon. In such cases, Muslims of each country should observe 'Youmul 'Arafah according to the lunar dates of their own country.

For example, if 'Youmul 'Arafah' is being observed in Saudi Arabia on Friday, and in Pakistan on Saturday, Pakistani Muslims should treat Saturday as 'Youmul 'Arafah' and should fast on that day if they desire to benefit from the fast of 'Youmul'Arafah'.

Prescribed Works on Eid-ul-Azha

The following eleven things have been prescribed to be done on Ed-ul-Azha;

1. To rise early in the morning.

2. To do miswak and do bathe.

3. To be clad in one?s best garments.

4. To use perfume.

5. Not to eat anything before Eid prayer.

6. To pronounce takbir loudly while going towards eidgah.

Allah-u Akbar, Allah-u Akbar

Allah is greatest Allah is greatest

La-Ilaha ill-Allah

There is no God but Allah

wa-Allah-u Akbar, Allah-u Akbar

and Allah is greatest Allah is greatest

wa-lillah-il-hamd

and all praise is for Allah.

7. To perform two rakah Eid ul Azha, wajib prayer in the eidgah.

8. After prayers to listen to the sermon (Kutbah) is sunnah.

9. To return early after prayers by a different route and do the sacrifice (Qurbani).

10. To distribute the meat of the sacrifice among the poor, friends, relatives and neighbours and also to cook and eat the meat of sacrifice.