Reflections on Arafah: A Conversation Inspired by Imam Hussain’s Dua

An imaginary interview with Ali, a young British Muslim, exploring the spiritual lessons of the Arafah prayer.

As the Day of Arafah approaches – a special day for prayer and reflection in Islam – we present this fictional and imaginary interview inspired by the profound Dua of Arafah by Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). The conversation is designed to connect the deep spiritual messages of the dua with the experiences of young Muslims living in the West. Each answer includes direct references to the dua’s Arabic text and English translation to bring the prayer’s wisdom closer to everyday life.

Discovering God Through Self-Reflection

Interviewer: Ali, how does the Dua of Arafah help us understand the connection between knowing ourselves and knowing God?

Ali: The dua teaches that self-awareness is the key to finding God’s closeness. Imam Hussain says:

اللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ كَما خَلَقْتَنِى فَجَعَلْتَنِى سَمِيعاً بَصِيراً، وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ كَما خَلَقْتَنِى فَجَعَلْتَنِى خَلْقاً سَوِيّاً رَحْمَةً بِى وَقَدْ كُنْتَ عَنْ خَلْقِى غَنِيّاً

“O Allah, to You belongs all praise, for You created me and made me hearing and seeing. And to You belongs all praise, for You created me with a sound form—out of mercy for me—while You were not in need of creating me.”

This means when I stop searching outwardly and look inward honestly, I realise God is close to me all the time. It’s a reminder that God’s presence is within us, not just somewhere far away.

Is Dua Just Asking for Things?

Interviewer: Some people think prayer is only about asking God for things. What does the Dua of Arafah say about this?

Ali: The dua shows it’s much more than asking. Imam Hussain (as) expresses deep humility and dependence on God’s mercy:

“وَلَوْلَا رَحْمَتُكَ لَكُنْتُ مِنَ الْهالِكِينَ “

“If it were not for Your grace, I would have been among the doomed.”

This means all our success and happiness come from God’s kindness. It’s about recognising how much we rely on His mercy, not just making requests.

Can We Fully Understand God with Our Minds?

Interviewer: Ali, do you think our minds alone can understand God?

Ali: The dua recognises the limits of human reason. Imam Hussain says:

“كَيْفَ يُسْتَدَلُّ عَلَيْكَ بِمَا هُوَ فِي وُجُودِهِ مُفْتَقِرٌ إِلَيْكَ؟”

“How can You be proven by something that exists only through Your existence?”

This means our minds can’t fully grasp God because everything depends on Him. So, understanding God needs faith and heart, not just logic.

Why Is the Dua So Honest and Sometimes Tough?

Interviewer: The dua feels like a very honest, sometimes tough conversation with oneself. Why is that important?

Ali: Honesty is needed for true growth. Imam Hussain openly admits people’s weakness:

“إِلٰهِى هٰذَا ذُلِّى ظاهِرٌ بَيْنَ يَدَيْكَ، وَهٰذَا حالِى لَايَخْفىٰ عَلَيْكَ“

“I have lost You, and see no refuge but You.”

This raw honesty helps us accept our dependence on God fully. It’s not about feeling guilty, but waking up to how much we need Him.

How Can Young Muslims in the West Connect with This Prayer Today?

Interviewer: Ali, what advice would you give to young Muslims who want to connect with the Dua of Arafah?

Ali: We all need to practise becoming more grateful human beings. The starting point of gratitude is to remember the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. Look at how beautifully Imam Hussain has expressed this:

ابْتَدَأْتَنِى بِنِعْمَتِكَ قَبْلَ أَنْ أَكُونَ شَيْئاً مَذْكُوراً، وَخَلَقْتَنِى مِنَ التُّرابِ، ثُمَّ أَسْكَنْتَنِى الْأَصْلابَ آمِناً لِرَيْبِ الْمَنُونِ، وَاخْتِلافِ الدُّهُورِ وَالسِّنِينَ

“You began Your blessings upon me before I was anything mentioned. You created me from dust, then You placed me securely in the loins [of my forefathers], safe from the calamities of time and the changes of ages and years.”

We must be truly ungrateful if, even after reminding ourselves of all these blessings from God, we still go on disobeying Him.

Being Accountable Towards Our Wrongdoings

Interviewer: What message from the Dua do you think is most important for young Muslims growing up in the West?

Ali: I think the line,

إِلٰهِى أَمَرْتَنِى فَعَصَيْتُكَ، وَنَهَيْتَنِى فَارْتَكَبْتُ نَهْيَكَ، فَأَصْبَحْتُ لَاذا بَراءَةٍ لِى فَأَعْتَذِرَُ، وَلَا ذا قُوَّةٍ فَأَنْتَصِرَُ

“My God, You commanded me, but I disobeyed You; and You forbade me, but I committed what You had forbidden. So now I am left without any excuse to offer, and without any strength to defend myself.”

is really powerful. It clearly shows us that we must take responsibility for our own mistakes and avoid trying to justify them. Acknowledging our past faults is the starting point for making amends and not repeating them.”

The Importance of Humility

Interviewer: How does Dua Arafah inspire humility in daily life?

Ali: The Dua says:

يَا مَوْلاىَ أَنْتَ الَّذِى مَنَنْتَ، أَنْتَ الَّذِى أَنْعَمْتَ، أَنْتَ الَّذِى أَحْسَنْتَ، أَنْتَ الَّذِى أَجْمَلْتَ، أَنْتَ الَّذِى أَفْضَلْتَ، أَنْتَ الَّذِى أَكْمَلْتَ، أَنْتَ الَّذِى رَزَقْتَ، أَنْتَ الَّذِى وَفَّقْتَ، أَنْتَ الَّذِى أَعْطَيْتَ …

“O my Master, You are the One who has shown favour, You are the One who has bestowed blessings, You are the One who has done good, You are the One who has beautified, You are the One who has been generous, You are the One who has perfected, You are the One who has provided, You are the One who has granted success, You are the One who has given.”

As seen in these beautiful passages of the supplication, the one praying attributes everything they have and have achieved to God, not to themselves. This humility and submissiveness before the Almighty God lays the foundation for deeper and more sincere servitude to Him.

The Desire to Avoid Sin

Interviewer: Ali, Finally, How does the Dua’s message about avoiding sin influence your daily choices?

Ali: The Dua says:

يَا أَسْمَعَ السَّامِعِينَ، يَا أَبْصَرَ النَّاظِرِينَ، وَيَا أَسْرَعَ الْحاسِبِينَ

“O Most Hearing of those who hear, O Most Seeing of those who see, and O Swiftest in taking account.”

As we see in this beautiful passage of the prayer, anyone who truly believes that God hears their words, sees them, and swiftly and perfectly holds them accountable, would no longer dare to sin or oppose God’s commands. The key point is that this belief must be heartfelt and sincere, not just spoken words. Such a deep conviction can work many miracles for us as servants of God.