The Fairwell Pilgrimage

After completing the prayers, the Prophet went to the place in Arafat known as the standing area. Here, he remained on his camel and supplicated until sunset. The Prophet emphasized that the supplication on this day is the best of all supplications (Sunan Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3902). His deep sense of devotion and humility can be gauged from the words he uttered during this time. According to one narration, he said: “O Allah, You are listening to my words and You are aware of my situation. You know my hidden and visible matters. Nothing is concealed from You. I am in distress, in need, and I turn to You in pleading. I seek refuge in You. I am troubled and fearful. I confess my sins and admit my wrongs. I approach You as a helpless person, seeking Your mercy. I am pleading before You as a sinful and humble being. I ask You in fear, as one struck by calamity, like a person whose head is bowed in submission to You, whose eyes weep for You, whose body humbles itself before You, and whose forehead is pressed to the ground in reverence. O Allah, do not leave me disappointed in seeking Your help, and be compassionate and merciful to me. O the best of those who are asked and the most generous of those who give!” (Al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer by Al-Tabarani, Hadith No. 11405) During this time, people approached him with questions about the rituals of Hajj. Some people from Najd asked, “What is Hajj?” The Prophet replied, “Hajj is [standing at] Arafat,” meaning that whoever reaches Arafat before the day of sacrifice (Yawm al-Nahr) has completed the Hajj.