Arafat Day in Malaysia

Arafat Day (Hari Arafah) falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the day before Hari Raya Haji, when pilgrims performing the Hajj gather on the plains of Mount Arafat near Mecca. It is regarded as one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar, and many Muslims who are not on pilgrimage observe a voluntary fast.

In Malaysia it is gazetted as a public holiday in a small number of states. Because it follows the Islamic lunar calendar, its Gregorian date shifts earlier by roughly ten days each year.

Arafat Day is observed in Kelantan & Terengganu. If you are planning travel or annual leave, check the dates above for 2026 and the following years, because the weekday changes each year and determines whether the holiday creates a natural long weekend.

Within the years listed, Arafat Day falls next to a weekend in at least one year, so taking one or two days of annual leave can stretch your break further. See our long-weekend pages for the best leave suggestions in each state.