By 
Muslims who do not make pilgrimage to Mecca have been urged to observe the day of Arafa so that they get blessed.
The advice has been given by the deputy Sharia director in Uganda, Shiekh Yahaya Kakungulu, while addressing believers in Kampala.
Arafa is the ninth day of the month of Dhul Hajj, the 12th month on the Islamic calender. This year Arafa is expected to fall on October third.
“Arafa is observed by all Muslims wherever they are. Pilgrims observe Arafa and also perform other rituals but that does not mean that those who never went to Mecca can not observe Arafa,” said Kakungulu.
He added on that performing Hajj without observing Arafa reduces Hajj to fruitless pillar.
On the day of Arafa Muslims who are not on pilgrimage are supposed to fast, recite the Koran, and pray five times.
Pilgrims on that day reportedly gather on the plains of Mount Arafa to worship and repent.
Muslims believe that after worshiping at Arafa, they are forgiven their sins.