The Virtues of Fasting for Three Days Leading Up to Eid al-Adha, Here’s the Explanation

Kapanlagi.com - Welcome Eid al-Adha with abundant blessings! Fasting before this holy day is a highly recommended Sunnah practice for Muslims. In addition to providing abundant rewards, this fast also serves as a means to purify oneself and seek forgiveness for past sins. By observing this fast, we can draw closer to Allah SWT before celebrating this great day.

There are three types of Sunnah fasting that are highly recommended before Eid al-Adha: Dzulhijjah Fasting, Tarwiyah, and Arafah. Each of these fasts has extraordinary virtues, believed to erase sins and bestow multiplied rewards. This is a golden opportunity to enhance our worship and improve our deeds leading up to Eid al-Adha.

Among these three fasts, the Arafah fast is the most important. In a hadith, it is mentioned, "The Arafah fast (9 Dzulhijjah) can erase the sins of the past year and the coming year." (HR. Muslim). For Muslims who do not perform Hajj, this fast is one of the best ways to attain rewards and blessings. So, do not miss this precious opportunity to welcome Eid al-Adha with a pure heart and full of hope!

1. Fasting of Dzulhijjah (1-7 Dzulhijjah)

The fasting of Dzulhijjah is observed during the first seven days of the month of Dzulhijjah, starting from the 1st of Dzulhijjah to the 7th of Dzulhijjah. Although it is not as significant as the fasting of Tarwiyah and Arafah, this fast is still recommended because every act of worship during the first ten days of Dzulhijjah is highly beloved by Allah SWT.

As narrated in a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “There are no days that are greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days (the first ten days of Dzulhijjah).” (HR. Ahmad, authenticated by Sheikh Ahmad Shakir).

For Muslims who observe the fasting of Dzulhijjah, they will receive great rewards, even though these days do not hold as much virtue as the fasts of Tarwiyah or Arafah. However, every good deed performed during the first ten days of Dzulhijjah is still considered a highly noble act in the sight of Allah SWT. Muslims who observe this fast are also encouraged to increase their prayers and remembrance of Allah, improve their deeds, and add other forms of worship.

Additionally, the fasting of Dzulhijjah provides an opportunity to draw closer to Allah, seek His forgiveness, and gain blessings in preparation for the celebration of Eid al-Adha. Like other fasts, it is important to begin the fast with a sincere intention for the sake of Allah SWT.

2. Tarwiyah Fast (8 Dzulhijjah)

The Tarwiyah Fast, which falls on the 8th of Dzulhijjah, holds extraordinary virtues, equivalent to one day before the Arafah Fast. In a hadith it is explained, "Whoever fasts for 10 days, then for each day it is like fasting for a month. And, for the fast on the day of Tarwiyah, it is like fasting for a year, while for the fast on the day of Arafah, it is like fasting for two years." (HR. Ali Al-Muairi, At-Thibbi, Abu Sholeh, and Ibn Abbas). This special feature reflects the immense reward that can be attained, where the Tarwiyah Fast not only erases a year’s sins but also reminds us of the sincerity of Prophet Ibrahim AS in carrying out Allah's commands. For those who do not perform the Hajj pilgrimage, this fast becomes a valuable opportunity to increase good deeds, such as dhikr, prayers, and sunnah prayers, while also purifying the heart and intentions before welcoming the more significant Arafah Fast.

3. Arafah Fast (9 Dzulhijjah)

The Arafah fast, which falls on the 9th of Dzulhijjah, is a Sunnah worship with very special virtues, where its implementation is believed to erase the sins of the past year and the coming year, as stated by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW): "The Arafah fast can erase the sins of the past year and the coming year." (HR. Muslim). For Muslims who do not perform Hajj, this fast becomes a highly recommended moment, alongside the pilgrims who are performing wukuf at Arafah. In addition to being a means of erasing sins, the Arafah fast also strengthens our closeness to Allah SWT. On this valuable occasion, Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayers and remembrance, seek forgiveness, and ask for blessings in life. By observing this fast, we will not only experience profound peace of heart but also welcome Idul Adha with a cleaner and more hopeful spirit, and gain abundant rewards that await.

4. The Procedure and Intention for Sunnah Fasting Before Idul Adha

To perform the sunnah fast before Idul Adha, such as the fast of Dzulhijjah, Tarwiyah, and Arafah, every Muslim needs to pay attention to the correct procedure and intention.

Intention for the fast of Dzulhijjah:

“Nawaitu shouma syahri dzulhijjah sunnatan lillahi ta'ala.” (Meaning: “I intend to fast the sunnah of the month of Dzulhijjah for the sake of Allah Ta'ala”).

Intention for the fast of Tarwiyah:

“Nawaitu shauma tarwiyata sunnatan lillahi ta'ala.” (Meaning: “I intend to fast the sunnah of Tarwiyah for the sake of Allah Ta'ala”).

Intention for the fast of Arafah:

“Nawaitu shauma arafata sunnatan lillahi ta'ala.” (Meaning: “I intend to fast the sunnah of Arafah for the sake of Allah Ta'ala”).

The procedure for this fast is the same as other sunnah fasts, which is from dawn until sunset. It is important to maintain the intention and worship throughout the day and to increase prayers and dhikr so that the fast is of higher quality.

5. Questions About Fasting Before Eid al-Adha

What is Dzulhijjah Fasting?

Dzulhijjah Fasting is the fasting that is performed during the first seven days of the month of Dzulhijjah, which has multiplied rewards.

What are the virtues of Tarwiyah Fasting?

Tarwiyah Fasting has extraordinary virtues, where the reward is equivalent to fasting for a year.

When is Arafah Fasting performed?

Arafah Fasting is performed on the 9th of Dzulhijjah, one day before Eid al-Adha.

How to intend for this fast?

The intention for fasting can be recited on the night before the fast begins, according to the type of fast that will be performed.

(kpl/mni)