The Day of `Arafah coinciding with a Friday

Q: Controversy arose among the seekers of religious knowledge, not to mention the masses, regarding observing Sawm (fast) on Friday if it coincides with the Day of `Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah). Is it permissible to observe Sawm on the Day of `Arafah alone if it happens to be on a Friday? Or, should a person observe Sawm on a day preceding or succeeding it, bearing in mind that the former case conflicts with the Hadith prohibiting the observance of Sawm on Friday alone? We hope that Your Eminence will make this issue clear providing the sound Shar`y (Islamic legal) ruling. May Allah reward you with the best!

(Part No. 10; Page No. 395) A: It is permissible to observe Sawm on the Day of `Arafah alone if it happens to be on a Friday without observing Sawm on a day preceding or succeeding it as the Prophet (peace be upon him) is authentically reported to have urged people to observe Sawm on this day highlighting its superiority and the great reward for observing Sawm on it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Fasting the Day of `Arafah forgives the sins of two years: the previous and the following. As for the Day of `Ashura' i.e. the tenth of Muharram, it forgives the sins of the previous year. Related by Ahmad, Muslim and Abu Dawud. This Hadith specifies the general meaning of the Hadith that reads: None of you should fast on Friday unless he fasts a day before or after it. Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. Accordingly, the general prohibition understood from this Hadith should be understood in the context of observing Sawm on Friday for it merely being Friday. However, observing Sawm on Friday for another purpose recommended by Shari`ah is permissible and not prohibited even if Sawm is observed on Friday alone. If Sawm is observed on a day preceding or succeeding it, it will be a more precautionary implementation of the two Hadiths which will have the effect of the increase of the reward. (Part No. 10; Page No. 396) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.