MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA—Muhammadiyah officially proclaims that 1 and 9 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 H falls on Monday, 19 June 2023 and 27 June 2023, respectively.
The Chair of the Council for Islamic Thought and Judgment of the Muhammadiyah Regional Board of Yogyakarta, Ali Yusuf, encouraged Muslims to fast on the day of ‘Arafah. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about the observance of Saum (fasting) on the day of ‘Arafah. He said, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year” [Muslim]. The other hadith also mentions, “Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah expiates the sins of two years, the year before and the year after,” [Al-Baihaqi].
“Fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora‘ or ‘Arafah expiates sins which refer to minor sins, while major sins, such as adultery and neglecting prayers, require repentance. Allah will accept people’s repentance if they are filled remorse, commit not doing the sins anymore, ask forgiveness, and perform good deeds,” said Ali in a forum to promote guidelines for worship in Dhul-Hijjah conducted by the Council for Islamic Thought and Judgment of the Muhammadiyah Regional Board of Yogyakarta on Sunday (18/6).
Fasting on the day of Arafah is recommended (sunah) for Muslims who do not perform the Hajj. Thus, it brings rewards when performed, without incurring sin when omitted. In the context of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), sunah (recommended) refers to acts of worship that are encouraged but not obligatory. Observing these recommended acts yields spiritual rewards, but abstaining from them does not entail sin.
Moreover, in the context of hadith, the concept of “recommended” (sunah) extends beyond the notion of sin and no sin. According to Ali, engaging in recommended acts of worship, such as fasting on the Day of Arafah, enhances spiritual rewards and fosters blessings and auspiciousness in one’s daily life. These recommended acts play a pivotal role in shaping one’s character and facilitating spiritual growth.
“Hence, it is essential to understand recommended acts from a broader perspective rather than solely through fiqh, which focuses on sin and no sin. Understanding their significance and embracing their observance can have a profound impact on one’s spiritual journey,” said Ali.
