What Are Tarwiyah and Arafah Fasts? Benefits, Intentions, and How to Observe Them

The month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the most special times for muslims to increase worship and draw closer to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. Among the highly recommended sunnah practices during the first days of Dhul Hijjah are the Tarwiyah fast and the Arafah fast. These voluntary fasts carry great rewards and become a meaningful spiritual preparation before Eid al-Adha.

While many muslims may already be familiar with these fasts, some still wonder about their differences, when they are observed, and how to practice them correctly. To help maximize worship during this blessed period, here is a complete guide to the virtues, intentions, schedules, and procedures of Tarwiyah and Arafah fasting.

What Are Tarwiyah and Arafah Fasts?

Tarwiyah and Arafah are sunnah fasts observed during the month of Dhul Hijjah, shortly before Eid al-Adha.

The Tarwiyah fast is observed on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.
The Arafah fast is observed on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, one day before Eid al-Adha.

These fasts are highly recommended for muslims who are not performing the Hajj pilgrimage. For pilgrims who are standing at Arafah during Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah is generally not encouraged because it may weaken their physical condition during the pilgrimage rituals.

The Tarwiyah fast is closely related to the preparation of pilgrims heading toward Arafah, while the Arafah fast coincides with the moment of wuquf in the Plain of Arafah, one of the essential pillars of Hajj.

The Virtues of Tarwiyah and Arafah Fasts

Performing voluntary worship during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is considered highly beloved by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. Rasulullah SAW mentioned that righteous deeds during these days carry tremendous rewards.

The Tarwiyah fast is widely associated with the forgiveness of sins from the previous year. Meanwhile, the Arafah fast holds even greater virtue. In a hadith narrated by Sahih Muslim, Rasulullah SAW explained that fasting on the Day of Arafah may expiate sins from the previous year and the coming year.

Beyond the reward itself, these sunnah fasts also become an opportunity to:

strengthen patience and self-control,
improve the quality of worship,
increase dhikr and prayers,
deepen gratitude,
and draw closer to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala before Eid al-Adha.

Tarwiyah and Arafah Fasting Schedule for 2026

Based on the 2026 Hijri calendar:

Tarwiyah fast: Monday, May 25, 2026
Arafah fast: Tuesday, May 26, 2026

The exact dates may still be adjusted according to the official moon sighting and government isbat announcement for the beginning of Dhul Hijjah.

Intention for the Tarwiyah Fast

Before observing the Tarwiyah fast, muslims are encouraged to recite the intention:

Nawaitu shauma tarwiyata sunnatan lillahi ta‘ala

“I intend to observe the sunnah fast of Tarwiyah for the sake of Allah Ta‘ala.”

Intention for the Arafah Fast

Nawaitu shauma ‘arafata sunnatan lillahi ta‘ala

“I intend to observe the sunnah fast of Arafah for the sake of Allah Ta‘ala.”

For sunnah fasting, the intention may still be made in the morning or before midday, as long as one has not done anything that breaks the fast since dawn.

How to Observe Tarwiyah and Arafah Fasts

The procedures for Tarwiyah and Arafah fasting are generally similar to other sunnah fasts. Here are the steps commonly followed:

1. Recite the Intention

The intention can be made from the night before until before zawal time (before Dhuhr), provided no actions that invalidate fasting have been committed.

2. Eat Suhoor

Suhoor is a recommended sunnah practice taught by Rasulullah SAW because it contains blessings. Besides helping maintain physical energy, suhoor time is also a meaningful moment for prayer and istighfar.

3. Avoid Things That Invalidate the Fast

Fasting is not only about refraining from food and drink. It is also a practice of controlling speech, emotions, and behavior from actions that may reduce the reward of worship.

4. Increase Worship

To make the fast more meaningful, spend the day with acts of worship such as:

reciting the Qur’an,
making dhikr,
giving charity,
and increasing prayers and supplications.

5. Break the Fast Promptly

When Maghrib arrives, muslims are encouraged to break their fast without delay and recite the dua for breaking the fast.

Recommended Worship During the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

Besides Tarwiyah and Arafah fasting, muslims are also encouraged to increase other acts of worship during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, including:

reciting takbir, tahmid, and tahlil,
reading the Qur’an,
giving charity,
increasing prayers,
performing sunnah prayers,
and preparing qurban for those who are able.

These blessed days become one of the best opportunities to improve oneself and increase righteous deeds before Eid al-Adha arrives.

The Wisdom Behind Tarwiyah and Arafah Fasting

Sunnah fasting is not merely about holding back hunger and thirst. It is also a way to train the heart to become calmer, more grateful, and more mindful of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.

Amid busy daily routines, Tarwiyah and Arafah fasting serve as a reminder to reconnect spiritually and strengthen faith. In addition to earning rewards, these fasts can help build self-discipline, increase empathy toward others, and bring inner peace into everyday life.

As Eid al-Adha approaches, Tarwiyah and Arafah fasting become valuable opportunities to increase worship and draw closer to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. By understanding their virtues, intentions, and proper observance, muslims can hopefully experience these acts of worship with greater sincerity and meaning.

What Are Tarwiyah and Arafah Fasts? Benefits, Intentions, and How to Observe Them

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