The Day of Arafa or Arafat Day occurs approximately 70 days after the end of Ramadan, on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah (the Month of Hajj). It is the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage, and from dawn until sunset, Muslim pilgrims pray for God's forgiveness.
Arafat Day and is followed by Eid Al Adha – an important religious festival for Muslims, often known as Greater Eid. During Eid Muslims commemorate the willingness of Abraham to obey God and sacrifice his son, before God intervened to provide him with a sheep to sacrifice instead.
Eid Al-Adha is characterised as days of remembrance, eating and celebration. The festival begins with a Sunnah prayer followed by a sermon.
This is a time when you will see Muslims dress up in their finest, prayer together, visit one another, give Eidi (gifts) to children and provide food and sometimes money to the less fortunate. Celebrants will often ask their non-Muslim friends, neighbours and colleagues to join them in festivities and to better get to understand Islam and the Muslim culture.
You can get into the spirit of the festivities by wishing people ‘Eid Mubarak’ and join in the many celebrations which are open to residents and visitors alike.