Is it obligatory for one who is not performing Hajj to fast and supplicate on the Day of Arafah (the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah) in conjunction with the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, or should one follow the local moon sighting of their own country, even if that leads to a difference in the Day of Arafah and the time of supplication compared to that of the pilgrims?

The Day of Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah. Its determination for each country depends on its sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent. It is not necessary to adhere to the sighting of the people of Mecca when the moonrise differs, rather each country has its own sighting. If the moon sighting differs in Britain, Muslims there should adhere to their own sighting; otherwise, they should adhere to the sighting of the nearest countries to them.

Supplication on the Day of Arafah has great merit, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah." Is this merit exclusive to those who are in Arafah, or does it include other places? There is a difference of opinion on this matter. According to the view that it includes all countries, a Muslim should supplicate on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah according to the moon sighting in their own country.