Virtues of the Ten days of Thul 7ijjah

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

this is a bit long but beneficial and worth it insha Allah!

:w:

How do the first ten days of the Month of Dhul Hijjah differ from other days of the year?

The first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah:

Days of virtue and righteous deeds

Praise be to Allaah Who has created Time and has made some times better than others, some months and days and nights better than others, when rewards are multiplied many times, as a mercy towards His slaves. This encourages them to do more righteous deeds and makes them more eager to worship Him, so that the Muslim renews his efforts to gain a greater share of reward, prepare himself for death and supply himself in readiness for the Day of Judgement.

This season of worship brings many benefits, such as the opportunity to correct one’s faults and make up for any shortcomings or anything that one might have missed. Every one of these special occasions involves some kind of worship through which the slaves may draw closer to Allaah, and some kind of blessing though which Allaah bestows His favour and mercy upon whomsoever He will. The happy person is the one who makes the most of these special months, days and hours and draws nearer to his Lord during these times through acts of worship; he will most likely be touched by the blessing of Allaah and will feel the joy of knowing that he is safe from the flames of Hell. (Ibn Rajab, al Lataa’if, p.8)

The Muslim must understand the value of his life, increase his worship of Allaah and persist in doing good deeds until the moment of death. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty." [al Hijr 15:99]

The mufassireen (commentators) said: "‘The certainty’ means death."

Among the special seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah, which Allaah has preferred over all the other days of the year. Ibn ‘Abbaas (radiyAllahu 3anhumaa) reported that the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Reported by al Bukhaari, 2/457).

Ibn ‘Abbaas (radiyAllahu 3anhumaa) also reported that the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) said: "There is no deed more precious in the sight of Allaah, nor greater in reward, than a good deed done during the ten days of Sacrifice." He was asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Reported by al Daarimi, 1/357; its isnaad is hasan as stated in al Irwaa’, 3/398).

These texts and others indicate that these ten days are better than all the other days of the year, with no exceptions, not even the last ten days of Ramadaan. But the last ten nights of Ramadaan are better, because they include Laylat al Qadr ("the Night of Power"), which is better than a thousand months. Thus the various reports may be reconciled. (See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 5/412).

You should know, my brother in Islaam, that the virtue of these ten days is based on many things:

Allaah swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "By the dawn; by the ten nights" [al Fajr 89:1-2].

Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn al Zubayr, Mujaahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah.

Ibn Katheer said: "This is the correct opinion." (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413)

The Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) testified that these are the best days of this world, as we have already quoted above from saheeh ahaadeeth.

The Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) encouraged people to do righteous deeds because of the virtue of this season for people throughout the world, and also because of the virtue of the place - for the Hujjaaj (pilgrims) to the Sacred House of Allaah.

The Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh ("Subhan Allaah"), Tahmeed ("Al hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar") during this time.

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (radiyAllahu 3anhumaa) reported that the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) said: "There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel ("La ilaaha ill Allaah"), Takbeer and Tahmeed." (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).

These ten days include Yawm ‘Arafaah (the Day of ‘Arafaah), on which Allaah perfected His Religion. Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years. These days also include Yawm al Nahar (the Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other day.

These ten days include the days of sacrifice and of Hajj.

Question: What must the Muslim avoid during these ten days if he wants to offer a sacrifice?

The Sunnah indicates that the one who wants to offer a sacrifice must stop cutting his hair and nails and removing anything from his skin, from the beginning of the ten days until after he has offered his sacrifice, because the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) said: "When you see the new moon of Dhu’l Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice." According to another report he said: "He should not remove (literally, touch) anything from his hair or skin." (reported by Muslim with four isnaads, 13/146)

The Prophet’s instruction here makes one thing obligatory and his prohibition makes another haraam, according to the soundest opinion, because these commands and prohibitions are unconditional and unavoidable. However, if a person does any of these things deliberately, he must seek Allaah’s forgiveness but is not required to offer (an extra) sacrifice in expiation; his sacrifice will be acceptable. Whoever needs to remove some hair, nails, etc. because it is harming him, such as having a broken nail or a wound in a site where there is hair, should do so, and there is nothing wrong with that. The state of ihraam is so important that it is permitted to cut one’s hair if leaving it will cause harm. There is nothing wrong with men or women washing their heads during the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah, because the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) only forbade cutting the hair, not washing it.

The wisdom behind this prohibition of the one who wants to offer a sacrifice from cutting his hair etc., is so that he may resemble those in ihraam in some aspects of the rituals performed, and so that he may draw closer to Allaah by offering the sacrifice. So he leaves his hair and nails alone until the time when he has offered his sacrifice, in the hope that Allaah will save him in his entirety from the Fire. And Allaah knows best.

If a person has cut his hair or nails during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah because he was not planning to offer a sacrifice, then he decides later, during the ten days, to offer a sacrifice, then he must refrain from cutting his hair and nails from the moment he makes this decision.

Some women may delegate their brothers or sons to make the sacrifice on their behalf, then cut their hair during these ten days. This is not correct, because the ruling applies to the one who is offering the sacrifice, whether or not he (or she) delegates someone else to carry out the actual deed. The prohibition does not apply to the person delegated, only to the person who is making the sacrifice, as is indicated in the hadeeth. The person who is sacrificing on behalf of someone else, for whatever reason, does not have to adhere to this prohibition.

This prohibition appears to apply only to the one who is offering the sacrifice, not to his wife and children, unless any of them is offering a sacrifice in his or her own right, because the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) used to sacrifice "on behalf of the family of Muhammad," but there are no reports that say he forbade them to cut their hair or nails at that time.

If a person was planning to offer a sacrifice, then he decides to go and perform Hajj, he should not cut his hair or nails if he wants to enter ihraam, because the Sunnah is only to cut hair and nails when necessary. But if he is performing Tamattu’ [whereby he performs ‘Umrah, comes out of ihraam and enters ihraam anew for Hajj], he should trim his hair at the end of his ‘Umrah because this is part of the ritual.

The things that are described above as being prohibited for the person who is planning to offer a sacrifice are reported in the hadeeth quoted above; the person is not forbidden to wear perfume, have marital relations, wear sewn garments, etc.

Concerning the types of worship to be performed during these ten days: one must understand that these days are a great blessing from Allaah to His slave, which is appreciated properly by the actively righteous. It is the Muslim’s duty to appreciate this blessing and make the most of the opportunity, by devoting these ten days to paying more attention to striving hard in worship. Among His blessings to His slaves, Allaah has given us many ways in which to do good and worship Him, so that the Muslim may be constantly active and consistent in his worship of his Lord.

Among the good deeds which the Muslim should strive to do during the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah are:

Fasting. It is Sunnah to fast on the ninth day of Dhu’l Hijjah, because the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) urged us to do good deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds. Allaah has chosen fasting for Himself, as is stated in the hadeeth qudsi: "Allaah says: ‘All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except for fasting, which is for Me and I am the One Who will reward him for it.’" (Reported by al Bukhaari, 1805).

The Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khaalid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) said: "The Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l Hijjah, on the day of ‘Aashooraa’, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month." (Reported by al Nisaa’i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawud; classified by al Albaani as saheeh in Saheeh Abi Dawud, 2/462).

Takbeer. It is Sunnah to say Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar"), Tahmeed ("Al hamdu Lillaah"), Tahleel ("La ilaha ill Allaah") and Tasbeeh ("Subhaan Allaah") during the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allaah and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allaah, may He be exalted.

Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)..." [al Hajj 22:28]

The majority of scholars agree that the "appointed days" are the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah, because of the words of Ibn ‘Abbaas (radiyAllahu 3anhumaa): "The ‘appointed days’ are the first ten days (of Dhu’l Hijjah)."

The Takbeer may include the words "Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la ilaaha ill Allaah; wa Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahi’l hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah; Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise)," as well as other phrases.

Takbeer at this time is an aspect of the Sunnah that has been forgotten, especially during the early part of this period, so much so that one hardly ever hears Takbeer, except from a few people. This Takbeer should be pronounced loudly, in order to revive the Sunnah and as a reminder to the negligent. There is sound evidence that Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (radiyAllahu 3anhumaa) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. The idea behind reminding the people to recite Takbeer is that each one should recite it individually, not in unison, as there is no basis in Sharee’ah for doing this.

Reviving aspects of the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten is a deed that will bring an immense reward, as is indicated by the words of the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam): "Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward." (Reported by al Tirmidhi, 7/443; this is a hasan hadeeth because of corroborating asaaneed).

Performing Hajj and ‘Umrah. One of the best deeds that one can do during these ten days is to perform Hajj to the Sacred House of Allaah. The one whom Allaah helps to go on Hajj to His House and to perform all the rituals properly is included in the words of the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam): "An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise."

Doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are beloved by Allaah and will bring a great reward from Him. Whoever is not able to go to Hajj should occupy himself at this blessed time by worshipping Allaah, praying (salaat), reading Qur’an, remembering Allaah, making supplication (du’aa’), giving charity, honouring his parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.

Sacrifice. One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allaah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allaah. (more information to follow, in sha Allaah).

Sincere repentance. One of the most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allaah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin. Repentance means coming back to Allaah and foregoing all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes, out of regret for what has passed, giving it up immediately and being determined never to return to it, but to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing what Allaah loves.

If a Muslim commits a sin, he must hasten to repent at once, without delay, firstly because he does not know when he will die, and secondly because one evil deed leads to another.

Repentance at special times is very important because in most cases people’s thoughts turn towards worship at these times, and they are keen to do good, which leads to them recognizing their sins and feeling regret for the past. Repentance is obligatory at all times, but when the Muslim combines sincere repentance with good deeds during the days of most virtue, this is a sign of success, in sha Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful." [al Qasas 28:67]

The Muslim should make sure that he does not miss any of these important occasion, because time is passing quickly. Let him prepare himself by doing good deeds which will bring him reward when he is most in need of it, for no matter how much reward he earns, he will find it is less than he needs; the time of departure is at hand, the journey is frightening, delusions are widespread, and the road is long, but Allaah is ever watchful, and to Him will we return and render account. As the Qur’aan says (interpretation of the meaning):

"So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it,

And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it."

[al Zalzalah 99:7-8]

There is much to be gained, so make the most of the opportunity afforded by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days. Hasten to do good works, before death strikes, before one can regret one’s negligence and failure to act, before one is asked to return to a place where no prayers will be answered, before death intervenes between the hopeful one and the things he hopes for, before you are trapped with your deeds in the grave.

O you whose hard heart is as dark as the night, is it not time that your heart was filled with light and became soft? Expose yourself to the gentle breeze of your Lord’s mercy during these ten days, for Allaah will cause this breeze to touch whomever He wills, and whoever is touched by it will be happy on the Day of Judgement. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and all his Family and Companions.

Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al Munajjid

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

Is it recommended to fast ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah including the day of Eid?

Please could you answer my questions regarding this month of Dhul Hijjah. On your website you mention how it is recommended to fast on the day of ‘Arafah, but I have read that this is true also of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah Is this correct? If it is then can you confirm if in total there will be 9 not ten fasts as the tenth day is the Day of Eid..

Praise be to Allaah.

Fasting nine days of Dhu’l Hijjah is mustahabb. This is indicated by the words of the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam), as narrated in the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas (radiyAllaho 3anh): “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah then these ten days – i.e., ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah).” They said: “O Messenger of Allaah, not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself with his wealth and does not come back with anything (i.e., he expends all his wealth and is martyred).” Narrated by al Bukhaari, 969.

And it was narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife that one of the wives of the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the day of ‘Ashoora’ and three days of each month – the first Monday and two Thursdays.” Narrated by Imam Ahmad, 21829; Abu Dawood, 2437; classed as da’eef in Nasab al Raayah, 2/180, but classed as saheeh by al Albaani.

With regard to fasting on the day of Eid, this is haraam, as is indicated by the marfoo’ hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed al Khudri (radiyAllaho 3anh): “He [the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam)] forbade fasting on the day of (Eid) al Fitr and the day of al Nahr (the day of sacrifice, i.e., Eid al-Adha).” Narrated by al Bukhaari, no. 1992; Muslim, 827. The scholars are unanimously agreed that it is haraam to fast on these days.

Righteous deeds on these ten days are better than on others. With regard to fasting, that should only be done on nine of them; the tenth day is the day of Eid when it is haraam to fast.

Based on this, what is meant by the virtue of the ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah is fasting nine days only, even though they are called ten days.

See Sharh Muslim by al Nawawi, hadeeth no. 1176.

Islam Q&A

:w:

[syilla]

Jazakallah khayr for the posts... :wub:

[☆ღUmm Uthmanღ☆]

JazakiAllahu Khairun for this informative post!!

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[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

ameen wa iyyaakunna sisters.

:w:

[Arabiyah]

May Allah reward you and help us to spend these days in good things .

Thanks !

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

Allahomma ameen, ure welcome ukht!

:w:

[Binyamine]

Jazakallah Khairan, very beneficial.

[OurIslamic]

That was quite long, but jazakallah for the post :)

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

ameen wa iyyaakom.

:w:

[brotherubaid]

May Allah reward you sister for YET ANOTHER beneficial thread and the timing is just perfect MashahAllah.

May Allah make us all from those who make the most ou of these days n can fast As well InshahAllah n Fast the day of Arafah ( Those who ar enot in hajj offcourse) , so if u cant fast the whole ten do fast the day of Arafah please.

May Allah reward u again n protect u

Great thread!

[bewildred]

Jazakoum Allahou khayran with all your generosity in sharing.

there are so many illuminis Islam knowledge-wise in this forum. When reading this post would say (à la George Clooney) "What else?". But there are also people like me who need constantly to be reminded and taught about these beneficial matters.

Thank you a lot.

S.

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

Allahomma ameen, wa iyyaakom.

:w:

[bewildred]

But.....Uh.....tell me, shall we fast these days consecutively or shall we fast them seperately????

Please, forgive my ignorance.

S.

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

fasting the 9 days is musta7ab ukht.

it was narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife that one of the wives of the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) used to fast nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the day of ‘Ashoora’ and three days of each month – the first Monday and two Thursdays.” Narrated by Imam Ahmad, 21829; Abu Dawood, 2437; classed as da’eef in Nasab al Raayah, 2/180, but classed as saheeh by al Albaani.

if u can, fast them insha Allah. if u cant, fast what u can wAllaho a3lam.

:w:

[meer5sd]

Jazakallah Khairan, very beneficial

['Abd-al Latif]

:salamext:

By Muhammad al-Shareef

On Nov.18, the 10 days begin?‏

As salamu alaykum Salman,

You are probably familiar with the last ten nights of Ramadan, and how virtuous good deeds are in those nights? Yes.

Well, let me introduce you to 10 days that are MORE virtuous, yet many people are not aware of it. It's the first ten days of the Islamic calendar month of Dhul-Hijjah (which starts on Nov.18)

According to the Prophet, sal Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who said, "There is no day more honorable in Allah's sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allah than those in these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah)"

In these first 10 days of the Month of DhulHijjah we find:
...the 9th day is the day of Arafah,
...and the 10th day is Eid.

Even if you are not traveling for Hajj, you can still put in extra effort to do more good deeds.


What sort of extra good deeds can you do?
*****************************************
1. Fasting these 10 days
2. Giving more charity during these 10 days
3. Say the "Eid" Takbeers loudly wherever you go. (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha illa Allah. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Walillaahil hamd.)
4. Try to pray more prayers in the Masjid
5. Increase ties of kinship (visit family, say kind words to them, etc.)
6. Perform more voluntary prayers at home
7. Read more Quran, contemplating the meanings
8. Do more Dhikr
9. Ask for forgiveness more frequently

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

Allahomma ameen wa iyyaakom. jazaak Allaho khairan akh 'Abd al Lateef 4 sharing.

:w:

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

Are the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah more special than other days? What are the righteous deeds that it is recommended to do a lot of during these ten days?

Praise be to Allaah.

Among the great seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah, which Allaah has favoured over other days. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (radiyAllaho 3anh) that the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by al Bukhaari, 2/457

It was also narrated from Anas (radiyAllaho 3anh) that the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) said: “There is no deed that is better before Allaah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of al Adha.” It was said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by al Daarimi, 1/357; its isnaad is hasan as stated in al Irwa’, 3/398.

These texts and others indicate that these ten days are better than all other days of the year, with no exception, even the last ten days of Ramadaan. But the last ten nights of Ramadaan are better than the first ten nights of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because they include Laylat al Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 5/412.

So the Muslim should start these days with sincere repentance to Allaah, then he should do a lot of righteous deeds in general, then he should pay attention to doing the following deeds:

1 – Fasting

It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l Hijjah, because the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) encouraged us to do righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah, and fasting is one of the best of deeds, which Allaah has chosen for Himself as it says in the hadeeth qudsi: “Allaah says: ‘All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” Narrated by al Bukhaari, 1805.

The Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l Hijjah. It was narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife, that one of the wives of the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) said: The Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l Hijjah and the day of ‘Ashoora’, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays. Narrated by al Nasaa’i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawood; classed as saheeh by al Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 2/462.

2 – Reciting tahmeed, tahleel and takbeer a great deal

It is Sunnah to recite takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar (Allaah is most great)), tahmeed (saying al hamdu Lillah (praise be to Allaah)), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill Allaah (There is no god but Allaah)) and tasbeeh (saying Subhaan Allaah (Glory be to Allaah)), during the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah, saying these words out loud in the mosques, homes, streets and every place in which it is permissible to remember Allaah, to perform this act of worship openly and proclaim the greatness of Allaah.

Men should recite out loud and women should recite quietly.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)”

[al Hajj 22:28]

The majority are of the view that the “appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah, because it was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (radiyAllaho 3anh) that the appointed days are the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah.

It was narrated from ‘Abd Allaah ibn ‘Umar (radiyAllah 3anh) that the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam) said: “There are no days that are greater before Allaah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed during them.” Narrated by Ahmad, 7/224; its isnaad was classed as saheeh by Ahmad Shaakir.

The takbeer is as follows:

Allaah akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill Allaah, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaah il hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah; Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise).

And there are other versions.

This takbeer has become a forsaken Sunnah nowadays, especially at the beginning of these ten days. You can hardly hear it except from a few. It should be recited out loud, so as to revive the Sunnah and remind the heedless. It was proven that Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (radiyAllaho 3anhumaa) used to go out to the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah, reciting the takbeer out loud, and the people would recite takbeer when they heard them, i.e., the people would remember the takbeer and each one would recite it by himself; it does not mean that they recited in unison – that is not prescribed in sharee’ah.

Reviving Sunnahs that have been forgotten brings a great deal of reward, as is indicated by the words of the Prophet (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam): “Whoever revives one of my Sunnahs that has died out after I am gone, will have a reward like that of everyone who does it, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 7/443; this hadeeth is hasan because of corroborating reports.

3 – Doing Hajj and ‘Umrah

One of the greatest deeds that can be done during these ten days is Hajj to the sacred House of Allaah. Whoever Allaah helps to go on Hajj to His House and do the rituals in the required manner will – in sha Allaah – be included in the words of the Messenger of Allaah (salla Allaho 3alayhi wasallam): “An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.”

4 – Udhiyah (sacrifice)

One of the righteous deeds that bring a person closer to Allaah in these ten days is to slaughter the sacrifice and to look for a good, fat animal and to spend money on it for the sake of Allaah.

Let us hasten to make the most of these great days, before the negligent regrets what he did, and before he asks to go back and receives no response.

Islam Q&A

:w:

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

!!!

:w:

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

day 5!

:w:

[brotherubaid]

SubhanAllah , these days are going so fast ... may Allah help us make the most of them ....... not much left .. Allah-ul Mustaan

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

subhana Allah yes theyre going very fast indeed, Allahomma ameeeen!!

:w:

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

day 6!

:w:

[tresbien]

Do not forget to fast the day of arfaah.Thursday 26 november 2009
the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allaah be upon Him) said: "Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah, I hope, will expiate the sins of the year before it and the year to come, and fasting the day of ‘Aashooraa’ (the tenth day of Muharram), I hope, will expiate the sins of the year before it." (Reported by Muslim, 1976).

And Allaah knows best.

Those who are unable to fast feed the fasting persons.One can take some dates to mosque or prepare food for u brothers, husbands or sons .
The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said: ((Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of his reward

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

!

:w:

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

REMINDER: the 10 days of Thul 7ijjah are approaching inshaa Allah!

:w:

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

tomorrow (07-11-2010) will be the first day of thul 7ijjah inshaa Allah, this means that yawmu 3arafah is on monday 15 november bi ithnillah!

:w:

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

!!!

:w:

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

do not forget to fast today (15-11-2010, yawmu 3arafah) inshaa Allah!

:w:

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

!!!

:w:

[.iman.]

mashAllah,great thread. JazakAllahu khair sister.

If someone wants to fast the 9 days and thenAshoora would we start Friday the 29th? I am hearing Aid iseither 6/11 or 7/11, depending upon the lunar calendar, so how will we know which day to start on? Will there be an announcement from Saudi, like Ramadan? It's my first Aid al hamdoulilah and don't have any contact in my community to find out.

[Hamza Asadullah]

mashAllah,great thread. JazakAllahu khair sister.

If someone wants to fast the 9 days and thenAshoora would we start Friday the 29th? I am hearing Aid iseither 6/11 or 7/11, depending upon the lunar calendar, so how will we know which day to start on? Will there be an announcement from Saudi, like Ramadan? It's my first Aid al hamdoulilah and don't have any contact in my community to find out.

Asalaamu Alaikum sister, the fasting in Dhul Hijjah is the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah and the 9th is the day of Arafah. The fasting on the day of Ashura is in the month of Muharram which is the 10th of Muharram where you are meant to fast the 9th and 10th or 10 or 11th to avoid fasting like the Jews who only fast on the 10th.

Dhul Hijjah begins on Friday the 28th of October in the Uk (Islamically thats Thursday the 28th of October after Maghrib). So the first fast will be on Friday the 28th October. So Sehri will end around 5:45 roughly in the UK.

Note: that in the UK the hour will go back on Sunday so timings will be an hour different and fasting should become even easier. The day of Arafaat will be on Saturday the 5th of November. So Eid ul Adha in the Uk should be on Sunday the 6th of November.

If anything changes i will let you know inshallah. If you have anymore questions or need any help with anything at all then please do not hesitate to ask.

[.iman.]

BarakAllahu fik for your response, that clarified a lot of my questions al hamdoulilah. I am in the US, so I imagine we would have the same schedule as the UK.

[Hamza Asadullah]

BarakAllahu fik for your response, that clarified a lot of my questions al hamdoulilah. I am in the US, so I imagine we would have the same schedule as the UK.

Asalaamu Alaikum, In order to maximize worship on these blessed ten days please refer to the following thread:

10 Ways to Maximize the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah

http://www.islamicboard.com/umrah-ha...ul-hijjah.html

[.iman.]

I have another question in regards to when to start fasting. I understand we should start Friday 28 after fajr, however, I will be travelling that day and it will be hard for me to fast. Can I start my fast Saturday 29th? From what I've learned in the past that we should start a fast either on Thursday/Friday, so does this mean that I will have to miss the week of fasting and then only fast Ashoora? JazakAllahu khair for the help!

[Hamza Asadullah]

I have another question in regards to when to start fasting. I understand we should start Friday 28 after fajr, however, I will be travelling that day and it will be hard for me to fast. Can I start my fast Saturday 29th? From what I've learned in the past that we should start a fast either on Thursday/Friday, so does this mean that I will have to miss the week of fasting and then only fast Ashoora? JazakAllahu khair for the help!

Asalaamu Alaikum, the fasting starts tomorrow on Friday the 29th so the first Sehri will be on Friday morning. These fasts are voluntary and not obligatory so you can fast as many of the 9 fasts or as little as you want to. Obviously the more we fast the better and the more rewards we will gain. If you are travelling quite a lot on Friday then it is better not to fast and just keep your first fast from Saturday onwards.

The best of the days of fasting in the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah is on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah which is called the day of Arafah which is on Saturday the 5th of November and that is the day before Eid which will be on Sunday the 6th of November.

What you mean by starting a fast is that in normal times of the year if one is going to fast on a friday then they should also fast a day after it or a day before it so as to not fast just on a friday. The day of Ashurah is in next Islamic month on the 10th of Muharram not in Dhul Hijjah.

Hope that helps.

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

jazaak Allaho khayran akh hamza.

:w:

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

tomorrow -27 october 2011- is going to be the first day of thul 7ijjah inshaa Allah! which means yawmu 3arafah is going to be on saturday 5th of november and 3eedul ad7aa 6 november bi ithnillah. may Allah help us to make the most out of these precious days ameeeeen

:w:

[al Amaanah]

:salamext:

2 days left for yawmu 3arafah (this saturday, 5th of november) brothers and sisters, dont forget to fast inshaa Allah! (if ure not already)

:w:

[Muhammad]

FAQ's: 10 Days of Dhu'l-Hijjah [part 1]


Shaikh (Dr) Haitham Al-Haddad


Q: Is it true that the first 10 days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are the best days of the year?

This is likely to be true. In fact there is an explicit Prophetic tradition narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah in which the Prophet said, “The best days of this world are the ten days (meaning the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah).” The hadith was reported by al-Bazzar and many traditionalists considered it authentic. There are also a number of other Prophetic traditions that confirm that these ten days are the best days of the year.

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing."[1]

Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet said, “There are no days that the good deeds are beloved and preferable to Allah than the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, so increase and double your tahleel and takbeer and tahmeed.”[2]

The last day among those ten days is the day of nahr (slaughter), or the great hajj. It is also the second and biggest Eid of Islam.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote, ‘The best of days before Allah is the Day of Slaughtering, which is the greatest day of Hajj as is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawood where it is narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The greatest of days before Allah is the Day of Slaughtering.”’

However, it was narrated that Friday is the best and the master of the days. “It is greater in the sight of Allah than the day of Ad’ha, sacrifice (slaughtering), and the day of Eid al-Fitr. It includes five merits…” In an attempt to explain this apparent contradiction, Ibn Taymiyyah said “the Best day of the week is Friday unanimously, followed by the day of sacrifice (slaughtering) –according to the correct opinion which is the opinion of Imam Malik, al-Shafi, and Ahmad. It included number of deeds that can’t be done in any other day.” This also means that the following best day is the day of Arafat as some scholars consider it better than the day of sacrifice (slaughtering).

It was also narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stood between the Jamaraat on the Day of Sacrifice during his Hajj and said, “This is the day of the greatest Hajj.””[4] In another narration the Prophet said, “The greatest day in the sight of Allah the Almighty is the Day of Nahr and then the day of Qarr (the 11th day of Dhu’l-Hijjah).”

Based on this, the Day of Nahr is better than Eid al-Fitr because it includes prayer and slaughtering sacrificial animals which are better than prayer and charity. It is on the day of that Allah ransoms from the Hellfire those who stood at Arafah as well as those Muslims who did not. Hence the day that follows it is a festival for all Muslims all over the world, of those who attended Hajj and those who did not. Hence the tenth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah is the best of days before Allah, the day of greatest Hajj and the best of Islam’s Eids.


Q: Are they better than the last ten days of Ramadan?

Abu Uthman al-Nahdi, one of the great scholars of the second generation said, “They used to glorify three groups of ten days; the last ten days of Ramadan, the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the first ten days of Muharram.” The same question was forwarded to Ibn Taymiyyah and his answer was, “the last ten nights of Ramadan are better in terms of the night and the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are better in terms of the days. Ibn al-Qayyim confirmed this and added that the last ten nights of Ramadan includes the best night, Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which is better than a thousand months. The great exegete Ibn Kathir accepted this conclusion as well as bringing together seemingly contradictory reports.

It is reported that once the Ten Days started, Sa'eed bin Jubair, the famous scholar of the second generation would exert himself in excessive worship of Allah.


Q: What good deeds should we do in these ten days?

Generally speaking any act that Allah is pleased with should be done in these days. The primary act to be done abundantly is the tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed as these were the first to be mentioned in the narration Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) where the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said,
“There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), takbeer (saying Allahu akbar) and tahmeed (saying al-hamdu Lillah) during them.”[5]

These words should be recited loudly, openly, and may be also said silently. Persons in positions of authority should encourage people to practice this forgotten sunnah. Even in Muslim societies it is hardly heard – it should be recited out loudly in order to revive the sunnah and encourage others to act upon it as well. It was authentically narrated that at Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to go out to the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, saying the takbeer loudly, and accordingly the people would remember to do so and say it loudly as well. It should be noted that this does not mean that they all would say it together in a rhythmic way.

Reviving sunan that have been forgotten or forsaken brings about a great deal of reward. We all know the statement of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him),

“Whoever revives one of my Sunnahs that has died out after I am gone will have a reward like that of everyone who does it without that detracting from their reward in the slightest.”[6]


Q: Should we fast all ten days?

Fasting is one of the most virtuous deeds. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Allah says,

"Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward; each good deed receiving ten times it’s like, up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High said: 'Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense for it, he leaves off his desires and his food for Me'. For the fasting person there are two times of joy; a time of joy when he breaks his fast and a time of joy when he meets his Lord, and the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of Musk."[7]

Abdullah ibn Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,

"The fast and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted."[8]

It is narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife, that one of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said,

“The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the day of ‘Ashoora’, the three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays.”

In another narration reported by al-Nasaaʽi that Hafsah, the wife of the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “the Prophet never left four things; fasting Ashura, the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, three days every month and the two rak’ats before the Fajr prayer.”

However, these two narrations are not clear cut evidences that the Prophet used to fast the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah every year for two main reasons. Firstly, some scholars disputed the authenticity of them. Secondly, these reports were contradicted by another report in Sahih Muslim that Aisha, the wife of the Prophet confirmed that she never saw the Prophet fasting the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. The scholars have different ways of reconciling between these contradictory reports and it was concluded by the vast majority of scholars that fasting them is a much recommended act as it combines between fasting which is a very virtuous act during a very blessed time.


Q: Have these days been mentioned in the Quran?

Yes they are mentioned in the Qur’an. Allah says,

“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)”[10]

The majority are of the view that the “appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah as narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him). Moreover, Allah swears by them - “By the dawn, by the ten nights.”[11] Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujahid and others from among the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah with Ibn Kathir positing that this is the correct view.


Q: What is the best format of takbeer and when?

One version of takbeer, according to some of the early generation scholars, is as follows:

“Allah akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd”
(Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no God but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise).

Takbeer is of two types during these days - one general and the other specific and restricted.
With regards to the general takbeer, it is prescribed from the beginning of the month, which starts by the sunset of the last day of month Dhu’l Qa’dah – the month preceding Dhu’l-Hijjah, until the sunset of the 13^th day of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

Allah says, “That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allah on known appointed days.”[12] The known appointed days are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah according to the scholars of tafsir. Moreover, Allah says, “And remember Allah during the few appointed Days.”[13] The few appointed days are the 11th, 12th and 13th days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah.”

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said, “The days of Tashreeq are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.”[14] It was reported that Umar ibn al-Khattaab and his son Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to declare Takbeer during the days of Mina in the mosque and in the camps, and they would raise their voices until Mina echoed with their Takbeer.


Q: What about the Restricted Takbeer?

Restricted takbeer is the same form of takbeer but it is to be said specifically after the five compulsory prayers, especially if they are performed in congregation. It also can be said either after finishing the prayer or after that normal dhikr that ought to be recited after the prayer. It starts for those who are not doing Hajj either after Fajr or Dhuhr on the day of Arafah. For people doing Hajj it starts after Dhuhr of the tenth day. In both cases it continues until the Asr prayer on the 13^th day of Dhu’l-Hijjah which is the last day of tashreeq. This range is what the vast majority of Companions agreed to. Women may engage in this act if they pray in quarters separate from non-mahram men.

Thus according to the most correct scholarly view, unrestricted takbeer and takbeer restricted to certain times are combined on five days - the Day of ‘Arafah, the Day of Sacrifice, and the three days of Tashreeq.


Q: Which calendar should we follow for the announcement of Dhu’l-Hijjah?

Generally speaking, the local calendar is the one that should be followed by local people provided that most Muslims in that country accept it even if it differs from Makkah. The basis of this is the hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him),

“The fast is the day you all fast; the breaking of the fast is on the day that you all break the fast; and the day of sacrifice is on the day that you all sacrifice.” al-Tirmidhi, having narrated the hadith said, “Some scholars explained this hadith to mean that fasting and breaking the fast should be done with the Muslim body [jama’ah] or the majority of people.”


Q: What can we do if we could not identify the first day of Dhu’l-Hijjah as it is normally announced late?

The person should put himself on the safe side and hence on the 29^th of Dhu’l Qa’dah, which is the lunar month just before Dhu’l-Hijjah, the person should prepare himself assuming that the next day is the first day of Dhu’l-Hijjah. For example, he should cut his hair, nails, mustache and pubic hair if he is planning to sacrifice an animal. In Sahih Muslim, Umm Salamah, the wife of the Prophet peace be upon him, narrated that the Prophet said, “When the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah starts, if one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let him refrain from (cutting) his hair and nails.”

According to another version of the hadith, “When the ten days (of Dhu’l-Hijjah) begin, if one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let him not touch his hair or skin with anything.”

The person should also start fasting and increasing in good deeds. If it is confirmed that this was the first day then the goal was achieved, and if not this worship will not harm him in any way.


Q: Do you recommend that we take off work and study for the duration of the 10 days in order to increase our deeds?

People take holidays to travel and enjoy worldly benefits. Why do they not take vacations to enjoy eternal benefits that they will get in their eternal life? Some people make more use of their time in worship if they are off work. Others find it extremely difficult to fast on the job. For such people, they should seriously consider taking leave.


Q: Is it true that the person should abstain from sexual relations (with one’s spouse) during these ten days?

This is not true. However, if a person is fasting, he should abstain from sexual activities due to fasting and not due to the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.






http://www.islam21c.com/islamic-law/...m_medium=email

---

Notes:


[1] al-Bukhari

[2] Ahmad

[3] Zaad al-Ma’aad (1/54)

[4] al-Bukhaari

[5] Ahmad

[6] al-Tirmidhi

[7] al-Bukhari and Muslim

[8] Ahmad

[9] al-Nasaa’I and Abu Dawood

[10] al-Hajj 22:28

[11] al-Fajr 89:1

[12] al-Hajj 22:28

[13] al-Baqarah 2:203

[14] Muslim

[jameelash]

Salam,jazkullahkhair for the reminder

[Muhammad]

Best days ever!

So you are not going to Hajj this year and you are stuck in your country like the rest of us, but want to be forgiven like the people that went for hajj?

No need to dispair, the best 10 days of the entire year will soon be upon us and there are certain things a person can do to make the most of this blessed time, even if he or she cant go for hajj.

Ibn ‘Abbas reports that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these days [meaning the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah].” The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, not even jihad in the way of Allaah?” He said, “Not even jihad, except for the man who puts his life and wealth in danger [for Allaah's sake] and returns with neither of them.”

From amongst the good things a person can do, as mentioned by Haafidh Ibn Rajab in his book al-Lataa-if al-Ma’aarif are:

• Fasting during the day of ‘Arafah [if your not doing hajj] as has been reported in the saheeh of Imaam Muslim ‘Fasting the day of ‘Arafah wipes away the sins of the past and coming year’
• Protecting your limbs from sin on that day [day of 'Arafah] it has been reported in the Musnad of Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal that the Prophet said ‘This day whoever safeguards his hearing and sight and tongue will be forgiven’
• Increasing in saying the Kalimatu-at-Tawheed [i.e laa ilaaha illalAllah] with sincerity and truth. Because it is the essence of the religion of Islaam which Allah completed on the day of ‘Arafah.

Similarly there has been an on-going dispute between scholars, regarding the question, are the ten first days of Dhul-Hijjah more superior then the ten last nights of Ramadan?

And the best opinion regarding this is that, yes the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are infact better then the last ten nights of Ramadan [except laylatul Qadr].

So as Muslims we should try our best to increase in good deeds, whatever they may be during these blessed ten days, to reap the maximum benefit and reward.

www.khalduun.com

[Muhammad]

Aboo Moosa al-Ash'aree: The dua is not rejected during these days of Dhul Hijjah. [Lataaif p. 377]


Ibn Rajab: Stay away from sins during these blessed times (10 days of Dhul Hijjah) or you will miss out on forgiveness during this month of mercy. [Lataaif p. 381]


www.khalduun.com

[جوري]

[جوري]

But what of the first ten days of Dhul hijjah? Sometimes they come and pass anonymously with Muslims unaware of their importance, let alone knowing that they have begun. Sometimes these days are considered nothing but a countdown to the Eid. It was but two months ago that we raised our hands begging for Allah’s forgiveness. The roofs of mosques were almost taken off by the power of the qunoot beseeching the help of Allah and his victory. So what has changed?

In the Quran, the Al-Mighty took an oath by two aspects of His creation, both being great in their stature, both being symbols of Allah, and both being signs to reflect on:

“By the dawn, and by the ten nights”[1]

The dawn is truly a magnificent sign of Allah. It signifies the end of darkness and passing of the night, and heralds the beginning of a new day. It is a phenomenon that mankind recognises itself as having no control over, as Allah declared in the Quran:

“Say: Have you thought, if Allah made night everlasting for you till the Day of Resurrection, who is a God beside Allah who could bring you light? Will you not then hear?”[2]

So many acts of worship are connected to this time, such as the end of tahajjud prayer, the beginning of fajr prayer and the beginning of fasting.

Similarly, by association, the ten nights are a great sign of Allah. Something so profound, that Allah chose to take an oath by them. Something so important, that Allah connected it to the dawn itself. Ibn Abaas explained that these ten nights are indeed the first ten days of Dhul hijjah.

As we stand at the eve of these ten days, we might well reflect, do we as Muslims give these days their due importance? Consider the last ten nights of Ramadan; The mosques swell beyond their walls with men and women praying in every nook and cranny of the courtyard. The evenings resound with the sublime recitation of Quran in taraweeh prayer. In the dead of the night, empty streets come to life with Muslim households switching on lights, preparing food and waking up tired children. Wallets are emptied for the orphans, destitute and oppressed with every noble cause raising its flag. The generous compete to feed the fasting with invitations and grand meals. But what of the first ten days of Dhul hijjah? Sometimes they come and pass anonymously with Muslims unaware of their importance, let alone knowing that they have begun. Sometimes these days are considered nothing but a countdown to the Eid. It was but two months ago that we raised our hands begging for Allah’s forgiveness. The roofs of mosques were almost taken off by the power of the qunoot beseeching the help of Allah and his victory. So what has changed? Why has our conviction in Allah’s promise waned? Why have we become overcome with an apathy that subdues worship and stifles our longing for the hereafter?

This same companion, Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet (Peace and salutations be upon him) said:

"’There are no days wherein good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days’. The companions asked, ‘Not even Jihaad in the path of Allah?’ He said, ‘Not even Jihad in the path of Allah, with the exception of that person who went out to fight with his life and his wealth and did not return with either.’”[3]

No other motivation should be needed for us after these words of the Prophet (Peace and salutations be upon him). Jihad is the pinnacle of Islam. The noble act of worship where a servant puts on the line everything that is beloved to him, to make the word of Allah the highest. Even better than this, is to worship Allah in the first ten days of Dhul hijjah! Allah has opened every door of goodness to us in these ten days, so be weary not to turn your back on the Mercy of Allah, lest that door is not opened for you again.

So what should the worshipper busy themselves with from the athan for Maghrib on the evening of the first of Dhul hijjah?

Begin with the Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah as Allah said in the Quran “and verily the Dhikr of Allah is greater”[4]. It is from the Mercy of Allah that he enjoined upon us acts of worship that bring peace and contentment to our hearts and that have an intrinsic enjoyment, as Allah said in the Quran, “Truly in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest”[5]. As soon as the declaration of the beginning of Dhul hijjah reaches you, increase profusely in the Dhikr of Allah. Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah upon the entering of Dhul hijjah would enter the market place and raise the takbeer of Allah. So much so that the entire market place would resound with the glorification and praise of Allah. Ibn Umar narrates that the Prophet (Peace and Salutations be upn him) said:

“There are no days during which good deeds are greater are beloved to Allah than these ten days. So recite more often the tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed.”[6]

Our religion is a communal faith that cannot be practised in isolation. When Muslims remind and aid each other to increase in the remembrance of Allah, and compete with each other for the hereafter, good deeds become so much easier on our souls.

Note the two types of takbeer to be made in these ten days. The generic takbeer which is made from the Maghrib of the first of Dhul hijjah until the tenth. And the specific takbeer which is made from the Fajr of the ninth of Dhul hijjah (the day of Arafah) until the Asr of the thirteenth of Dhul hijjah. The wording is flexible including statements such as those stated by Ibn Masood, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-Hamd.”

Fast, for it is a unique act of worship that Allah attributed to himself when he said “Fasting is for me and I will reward it”[7]. Ibn Hajr explains that one of the reasons fasting has been singled out is that showing off may enter into all good deeds except fasting, whereas no one can see when a person is fasting except Allah. Also fasting can be performed simultaneously with other good deeds such as prayer and charity, while good deeds besides fasting are to be performed alone. Abu Qatadah narrates that the Prophet (Peace and salutations be upon him) said regarding the fast of the day of Arafah, “It expiates the sins of the past year and coming year."[8] It is indeed reported from Hunaydah ibn Khalid that one of the wives of the Prophet (Peace and Salutations be upon him) stated that the Prophet (Peace and Salutations be upon him) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul hijjah and the day of Ashoorah, the three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays.[9]

Sacrifice, for it is the ancient ritual of our forefather Ibrahim and was ordered for our Prophet (Peace and salutations be upon him) when Allah said “so pray to your Lord and sacrifice”[10]. The Prophet (Peace and Salutations be upon him) said:

"The son of Adam does not perform any actions on the day of sacrifice which is more pleasing to Allah than the shedding of blood. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves. The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground...”[11]

Ensure the sacrifice takes place after the Eid prayer or it will not be considered a valid ‘udhiyyah’ or ‘qurbani’, and if you deputise a friend, relative or charity to carry out the sacrifice on your behalf, ensure due diligence and care that the conditions of sacrifice are fulfilled.

Resemble the people of Hajj. While the pilgrims assume their state of Ihram, heading towards the ka’bah, Allah has not deprived other Muslims of sharing in their nobility. The wife of the Prophet (Peace and Salutations be upon him), Umm Salamah stated, “when you see the new moon of Dhul hijjah, and one of you wants to sacrifice an animal let him refrain from cutting or shaving his hair or clipping his finger nails or toe nails.” It is therefore a great error that Muslim men especially, who intend to sacrifice, fill the saloons on the eve of Eid cutting and trimming their hair while the sacrificial animal has barely reached the place of sacrifice.

Increase greatly in your prayer for it is related of Saeed ibn Jubayr that he would increase in night prayer and good deeds during these ten days so much so that people could not bear the example he was setting and would ask him to relent.

Recite the Quran for it is the best form of Dhikr and the shortest route to draw closer to Allah. Set yourself an aspirational target for these days as you did set yourself a target for Ramadan.

Donate in charity for charity has been linked to bravery while miserliness has been linked to cowardice. The Prophet (Peace and Salutations be upon him) would invoke, “O Allah, I seek refuge in you from miserliness and cowardice.”

In summary, it is the responsibility of every Muslim, man and woman, old and young, to revive these ten days until they become for our community like the last ten nights of Ramadan. Ibn al-Qayim explained that the best nights of the year are the last ten nights of Ramadan while the best days of the year are the first ten days of Dhul hijjah. Our lives are short and our accountability great. We cannot afford to let golden moments like these pass by without expending ourselves in the worship of Allah. So let our mosques and homes resound with wave after wave of the takbeer of Allah until they resemble the market places of Medina in the era of the companions. As the Islamic year draws to a close, let us revive the ancient ritual of our forefather Ibrahim. And as the pilgrims set out for Hajj, hoping to return pure from sin like the day they were born, let us remember that we too have worship that will tire us and consume us, but will illuminate our faces on the day that we meet our Lord.

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Sources: www.islam21c.com
Notes: Islam21c requests all the readers of this article, and others, to share it on your facebook, twitter, and other platforms to further spread our efforts.

[1] Surah al-Fajr, verse 1
[2] Surah al-Qassas, verse 71
[3] Saheeh al-Bukhari
[4] Surah al-Ankabut, verse 45
[5] Surah al-Ra’d, verse 28
[6] Reported by Imam Ahmed
[7] Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim
[8] Sahih Muslim
[9] Al-Nasai and Abu Dawood
[10] Surah al-Kauthar, verse 2
[11] Tirmithi, Ibn Majah
















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jazak allah kahirian for shareing this may allah put it in your good deeds amen