“The best of supplication is the supplication of the Day of `Arafah. And the best of what I and the Prophets before me have said is: None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, Alone, without partner, to Him belongs all that exists, and to Him belongs the Praise, and He is powerful over all things. (Lā ilāha illallāh, waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa `alā kulli shai’in qadīr).’”
Excellence of the Day of 'Arafah
The Day of 'Arafah, the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, is the pinnacle of Hajj when pilgrims stand in devotion at the plain of 'Arafah. This day is distinguished by divine mercy, forgiveness, and acceptance of supplications, making it the most virtuous day for dua in the entire year.
The Supreme Supplication
The testimony of Tawhid (Lā ilāha illallāh) is declared the best remembrance, superior to all other forms of worship through speech. Its excellence lies in being the fundamental message of all prophets and the essence of Islamic monotheism.
This specific formulation combines pure monotheism with acknowledgment of Allah's absolute sovereignty, praise, and omnipotence - encompassing the core pillars of faith in one comprehensive statement.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Tirmidhi records this hadith in his "Chapters on Supplication" (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3585), noting its chain contains some discussion though the meaning is established. Scholars explain that this supplication's superiority stems from its comprehensive nature - affirming Allah's unique divinity, exclusive worship-worthiness, complete ownership, deserving of all praise, and absolute power over creation.
The conjunction of the Day of 'Arafah with this specific remembrance creates the most optimal circumstance for divine acceptance, as both the time and the words are of the highest spiritual merit.