Day of 'Arafah - Ministry of Culture

Element Name

Day of ‘Arafah

Other Names

Day of Standing at 'Arafah, Day of the Waqfah, Day of Supplication, Great Day of Fasting

Practice Environment

All environments

Practice Location

All Emirates of the UAE

Scope of Practice

All segments of society

Heritage Domain/ Category

Social Practices and Festive Events

Element Type/ Subcategory

Celebrations and religious events

Current Status

Living heritage

Day of ‘Arafah

The Day of Arafah, the ninth of Dhu Al Hijjah, is one of the most important religious occasions in Emirati society and was traditionally associated with acts of worship and drawing closer to God, as a day of forgiveness of sins and deliverance from the Fire. Emiratis who were not performing Hajj were keen to fast on this day in accordance with the Prophetic Sunnah, believing in its great merit in expiating the sins of the preceding and following year, as affirmed by religious texts and the UAE Council for Fatwa. The Day of Arafah also became an important religious and social occasion, with mosques and religious majlises hosting sermons and lectures on its virtues and spiritual status. After sunset, families gather around the traditional fawalah, one of the most prominent practices of the Day of the Waqfah, which includes popular foods such as harees, arsiya, khabees, luqaimat, asida and thareed, reflecting values of solidarity and social cohesion deeply rooted in Emirati heritage.

Criteria Applicable to Nominate Element

01

Presence in Collective Memory and Intergenerational Cohesion: A cultural element is considered deeply rooted when it is held in the collective memory of the community and forms part of their daily experiences, occasions, and social relationships. It also contributes to strengthening the bonds of interaction between different generations, as it is transmitted from elders to younger members, providing a space for celebration and communal participation, thereby creating a sense of belonging and continuity.

02

Geographical or Cultural Specificity: The element is characterized by its association with a specific geographic area or cultural group within the country, giving it a unique identity that distinguishes it from other practices. This element represents part of the social and cultural history of the community, enhancing its value as a distinctive component of local or national identity.

03

Continuity and Intergenerational Transmission: The element is passed from one generation to the next, either orally through stories, songs, and narratives, or practically through training and hands-on practice. This living process ensures the element’s survival and development over time, while maintaining its connection to its cultural roots.

04

Local Artistic or Technical Creativity: The element embodies creativity that originated from the local environment, whether in the materials used, methods of performance, or design patterns. This creativity may have developed collectively, reflecting how people interact with their surroundings and respond to their needs in an innovative way that expresses collective intelligence.