Day of Arafah 1448 AH: Date, Fasting and Why Countries Differ
The Day of Arafah is the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah. On this day pilgrims stand at Arafah; it is the most important day of the Hajj and comes the day before Eid al-Adha. In 1448 AH it falls, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, on Saturday 15 May 2027, followed by Eid al-Adha on Sunday 16 May 2027.
Why people fast on the Day of Arafah
Asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah, the Prophet ﷺ said: “I hope that God will expiate through it the sins of the year before and the year after” (Muslim, from Abu Qatadah). Scholars note that the fast is recommended for those who are not on pilgrimage; the pilgrim standing at Arafah is a different case. We issue no ruling: for details, ask scholars in your country.
Dates according to Umm al-Qura
| Hijri year | Day of Arafah | Eid al-Adha |
|---|---|---|
| 1448 AH | Saturday 15 May 2027 | Sunday 16 May 2027 |
| 1449 AH | Thursday 4 May 2028 | Friday 5 May 2028 |
| 1450 AH | Monday 23 April 2029 | Tuesday 24 April 2029 |
The date moves about eleven days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar, because the Hijri year is shorter. The Day of Arafah therefore passes through every season in about thirty-three years.
Why can the Day of Arafah differ between countries?
The Day of Arafah depends on the start of Dhu al-Hijjah. Saudi Arabia announces the start of the month after sighting the crescent, and pilgrims stand at Arafah according to that announcement, which can differ from the Umm al-Qura calendar calculated in advance. Other countries each have their own authority, and their announcement may come a day after Mecca. This raises a question every year: should someone in another country fast on the day the pilgrims stand at Arafah, or by their own country’s date? It is a question of jurisprudence with well-known views, so ask scholars in your country. The site itself shows the date calculated with Umm al-Qura and offers the “Adjust the day” option to match your country.
The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah
The Day of Arafah is the ninth of the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah. In 1448 AH, Dhu al-Hijjah begins according to Umm al-Qura on Friday 7 May 2027, so the first ten days run from 7 to 16 May 2027, followed by the days of Tashreeq (11, 12 and 13 Dhu al-Hijjah) from Monday 17 to Wednesday 19 May 2027.
Plan ahead
- See the days left on When is the Day of Arafah 1448? and the Eid al-Adha countdown.
- Browse the whole month in the Dhu al-Hijjah 1448 AH calendar.
- Leave a one-day margin for any booking or travel tied to the date, and follow the official announcement.
Common questions
Is the Day of Arafah the same as “Yawm al-Waqfah”?
Yes. “The day of standing” (Yawm al-Waqfah) is a common name for the Day of Arafah, because pilgrims stand at Arafah on that day. It is always 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha.
When does the night of Arafah begin?
Since the Hijri day begins at sunset, the night of Arafah begins at sunset on 8 Dhu al-Hijjah. In 1448 AH that is the evening of Friday 14 May 2027, and the day of Arafah is Saturday 15 May. See When does the Hijri day begin?
How many days are there between 1 Dhu al-Hijjah and Arafah?
Eight days, since Arafah is the ninth. So once you know your country’s announcement for 1 Dhu al-Hijjah, Arafah is eight days later and Eid nine days later.
And in 1451 AH?
According to Umm al-Qura, the Day of Arafah 1451 AH falls on Friday 12 April 2030, and the date keeps moving about eleven days earlier each Gregorian year.
Check the date yourself
Open the Hijri to Gregorian converter, enter 9 Dhu al-Hijjah and the year you want, and the Gregorian date and weekday appear according to Umm al-Qura. If your country announced the start of the month on a different day, use the “Adjust the day” option (+1 or −1).