How to make your day of Arafat memorable?

Assalamu'alaikum,

Five years ago, I had a memorable Arafat day.

I made the intention that day to start a writing project that I wasn't sure how long it'll take me to complete.

I remember gathering my notes and books, sitting at my writing desk with a yellow legal pad, and saying bismillah to write my next book.

I was nervously excited about this start because, for one year before that moment, I was procrastinating on starting to write this book. But something about starting the project on the day of Arafat - inspired me.

Perhaps I felt inspired because I wanted to tap into the Barakah of the blessed day of Arafat - the topic of the book I was starting.

Alhamdulillah, after 5 years, I submitted the final manuscript for my new book to the publisher last week. When submitting it - I couldn't help but vividly remember that special Arafat day, five years ago.

The point I'm making is that you, too, can make your day of Arafat unique and memorable.

In addition to fasting, supplicating, and doing all the good deeds recommended, consider how to make this day extra special.

Here are some tips:

1. Set a high himma (aspirational) intention for your life on this day: Sit down with a pen and paper and write down all the aspirational intentions/goals you want to work towards in the next 12 months or more. The criteria for a high himma intention is that they are:

   • God-centered (and not about you or your desires)

   • Purpose- and impact-driven

   • You're nervously excited about

2. Start your high himma (aspiration) intention on the day of Arafat itself: Do one small act on this day to mark the start of your high himma project. Perhaps you’ll write a few words for your next book, or register the domain name for your new website, or sign up for a training course to improve your skills in a specific area.

3. Make a special dua for your intention on the day of Arafat: Fervently make a dua for your intention on this blessed day. Ask Allah for tawfeeq and Ihsaan, and ask Allah to put Barakah in your project and give you sustained energy, focus, and time to turn that project into reality.

4. Keep track of your Arafat day intentions/duas: In a journal, write down the duas and intentions you set during Arafat day. In the coming days, weeks, and months, see where those intentions and duas take you. You’ll be surprised :).

I pray you found the above useful and helpful.

May Allah put Barakah on your day of Arafat and make it truly special for you.

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