As we mentioned in this other post about public holidays, the Day of Arafat in Egypt (sometimes also written as Day of Arafah) is one of those non-working days. Since the Muslim calendar is lunar, it’s not always celebrated on the same date of the Western (Gregorian, which is solar) calendar, so in 2025 it’s scheduled for June 6-9 (ninth day of the month Dhu al-Hijjah, the last of the Islamic calendar), but in subsequent years “it will fall earlier”. In this post, we aim to explain what is celebrated on this day, so you can learn a bit more about the local culture of the country and, above all, understand what will happen around you if this date coincides with your trip.
What is commemorated on the Day of Arafat in Egypt?
The Day of Arafat is, to put it briefly, one of the main days of the pilgrimage to Mecca (al-Hajj), which is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Every Muslim is obligated to make this journey once in their lifetime, and should not postpone it if they have the financial means to do so. However, there are exceptions, which have to do with the different personal circumstances of each person. And furthermore, having already made the pilgrimage to Mecca doesn’t mean that person stops celebrating this day, as it’s considered “one of the most blessed days”.
This is because it commemorates the day that Allah “perfected” his religion and “completed his blessings” upon his prophet, Muhammad, who delivered his farewell sermon on Mount Arafat, also known as the Mountain of Mercy, located east of Mecca. Therefore, those who make the pilgrimage to Mecca must gather here, pray, and ask for forgiveness and blessings. In the plain or esplanade of Arafat, at the foot of the mountain, a huge camp is set up for pilgrims to spend the afternoon here.
What is done in Egypt on this day?
Mount Arafat is located in Mecca and thousands of pilgrims depart for that destination each year. In reality, tens of thousands apply for their corresponding visa from the authorities, but not all are chosen for it. In any case, it’s a day of enormous traffic at the country’s airports and ports, which can influence the cost of plane tickets or other means of transport.
And for all believers who stay in Egypt, which are the vast majority, on this holiday it is mandatory to observe fasting, as well as perform the corresponding prayers, asking for forgiveness and blessings. That is, many establishments usually close to the public.
However, the main monuments of the country don’t usually close their doors, such as the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which opens every day of the year and only modifies its hours during Ramadan, without ever closing its doors.
It’s recommended to double the doses of patience and understanding towards the local population, as during Ramadan, because fasting can affect people’s mood. The Day of Arafat is, therefore, a day of great spirituality that unfolds within families and in privacy, so no major public celebrations are held. Additionally, it’s mandatory to make a donation (zakat), if one possesses a predefined wealth threshold.
It’s important not to confuse this day with Eid ul-Adha or Day of the Lamb, which follows it (tenth day of the month Dhu al-Hijjah) and which involves the sacrifice of said animal, as we tell you in another post. But undoubtedly, if your trip coincides with these dates, you’ll be able to notice that the pace of life slows down and that these are special moments for the local population.
