Virtues of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah

[S_87]

i thought id post this, since even though we may be at home, we are still about to encouter some blessed days,


The first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah:

Days of virtue and righteous deeds
...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 (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet :s: (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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 :sw: , 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." (Bukhaari).

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. (Ibn Katheer)

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 Katheer- this means the 1st 10 days)

*The Prophet :s: testified that these are the best days of this world, as we have already quoted above from saheeh ahaadeeth.

*The Prophet :s: 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 :s: commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allaah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar") during this time. ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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)
*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.


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 :s: 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 :s: 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 :s: said: "The Prophet :s: 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." ( al-Nisaa’i, and by Abu Dawud).

*Takbeer. It is Sunnah to say Takbeer (Allahu akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdu Lillah), Tahleel (La ilaha ill-Allah) and Tasbeeh (Subhaan Allah) during the first ten days of Dhul-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.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

[b]"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)..." [/b][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 (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father): "The ‘appointed days’ are the first ten days (of Dhu’l-Hijjah)."

*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.

*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.

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[ABDULLAH SAOOD]

Assalamo-alaikum-warahmatullahi-wabrakatu

ALL praise is due to Allaah, and may He render our Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) safe from every derogatory thing, and exalt his mention, and the mention of his household and Companions.

Ibn Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days; meaning the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. They inquired: Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah? He said: Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, unless one goes out for Jihad sacrificing both his life and property and returning with neither. (Al-Bukhaari)

In another version, Ibn Umar (radiallahu anhumaa) reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam), said: There are no days during which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allah than these ten days. So recite more often the Tahleel (Laa Ilaaha Illallah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah). (Imam Ahmad) Jaabir reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: The best day is the Day of Arafah. There are no days during which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allaah than these ten days. So recite more often the Tahleel (Laa Ilaaha Illallah) , Takbeer (Allahu Akbar),
Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).

Ten Kinds of Observances In These Days

With regard to 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 duty of a Muslim 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 Dhul Hijjah are:

First: Performing Hajj and Umrah, which are the best of all observances. Its excellence is signified by many Prophetic traditions. The Prophet (sallallaahualaihi wa sallam) said: Performing Umrah and following it with another expiates sins that are committed in between. And the perfect Hajj would be requited with nothing other than Jannah. There are also many
authentic traditions to that effect.

Second: Observing fasting on all or some of these days, particularly on the Day of Arafah. There is no doubt that fasting is the best of observances; for it is one of the observances which Allah relates to Himself, according to the holy tradition (hadith Qudsi): Fasting is for Me, and I shall requite it. My
slave relinquishes his desires, food, and drink for My sake.

Abu Saeed al-Khudri (radiallahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Any slave of Allah who observes fast of a day in the cause of Allah, Allah would separate between him and the Fire a distance of seventy years on account of observing that day. (Agreed upon).

Abu Qataadah (radiallahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Observing fasting on the Day of Arafat; I expect Allah to expiate the sins that were committed during the preceding year, and the sins that will be committed in the year after. (Imam Muslim)

Third: Reciting takbeer, and Dhikr in these days according to the words of Allah, the Exalted: And mention the name of Allah in certain days [Al-Baqarah 2:203]. These certain days are said to be the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Therefore, scholars recommend Dhikr more often during these days, according to a tradition which is reported by Ibn Umar (radiallahu anhumaa): Therefore, recite more often, tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed. Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah (radiallaahu anhum) used to go out to the marketplaces during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and recite out loud the takbeer and people would repeat it after them. Ishaaq (rahimahullah) reported that the jurists (rahimahumullah) used torecite during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa Ilaaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, wa lillaahil-hamd. It is commended to recite them out loud in marketplaces, at homes, roads, mosques and elsewhere. According to the commands of Allaah: That you may exalt Allah for having guided you, and that you may be grateful to Him. [Al-Baqarah 2:185]

Fourth: Repentance and relinquishing acts of disobedience and all sins, in order to acquire forgiveness and mercy. Acts of disobedience are means of banishing, while acts of obedience are means of gaining favour with Allaah. Abu Hurairah (radiallahuanhu) reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Verily Allah feels jealous, and the jealousy of Allaah is aroused when man violates what Allaah prohibits. (Agreed upon)

Fifth: Accomplishing more good deeds of voluntary observances, such as: salaat, charity, Jihad, Qur'ânic recitation, enjoining the good and forbidding the wrong, and the like; for the rewards of such observances are multiplied during these days. Observances during these days are unsurpassed in excellence and they are better and more beloved to Allaah than other excellent observances including Jihad, which is the best of deeds, unless one sacrifices both, his life and his steed.

Sixth: It is legal during these days the recitation of the takbeer in general at all times, day or night until Eid prayer. The restricted takbeer is that which is to be recited after the obligatory prayers. As for the non-pilgrims, the takbeer begins from the Day of Arafah, and for pilgrims it begins from the noon prayer of the Day of Sacrifice and continues until Asr prayer of the last of the days of Tashreeq.

Seventh: Offering the sacrificial animal during the day of sacrifice and the Days of Tashreeq. It is the sunnah of our father Ibraheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, in commemoration of the occasion when Allaah ransomed Ibraheems son with a large ram. It has been authentically confirmed that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) sacrificed two black and white rams with horns. He killed them with his own hand, and invoked the name of Allaah upon them, recited the takbeer, and placed his foot on their sides, when he
killed them. (Agreed upon.)

Eighth: Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: 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 toenails. In another version: Let him not cut his hair or his fingernails until he has slaughtered his sacrificial animal. This perhaps is enjoined on non-pilgrims to have something in common with the pilgrims who bring along with them their sacrificial animals. Allaah, the Exalted, says: And do not shave off your heads until the sacrificial animal is slaughtered. [Al-Baqarah 197] This prohibition seems to apply only to a person who is making the
offering, not his dependents, unless one of them has his own sacrificial animal. There is no harm in washing the head even if some hairs fall off.

Ninth: The Muslim must make sure to observe Eid prayer in its designated place, and attend the khutbah of the Eid. He should also know the purpose of the Eid, and that its a day of giving thanks and a chance for accomplishing good deeds. He should not turn it into a day of mischief, disobedience, or an excuse for violating the prohibited things; such as singing music, illegitimate amusements, consuming liquor, or the like. All of these things are detestable and nullify the good deeds that one may have accomplished during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

Tenth: After knowing all the above observances, every Muslim, male or female, must utilise these days in obedience to Allaah, remembering Him, expressing gratefulness to him, fulfilling all the obligatory observances, avoiding the reprehensible things and taking advantage of this season to acquire His mercy and the pleasure. It Allah alone who grants success and guides to the right path. May He exalt the mention of Muhammad, and his household, and Companions, and may He render them safe from every derogatory thing.

 

[Makky]

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Now we are in the 4th day of the month Zulhijah....if you want to know The Virtue of The First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah read the following 2 hadiths

Al-Bukhari narrated from Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him), that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "There are not any days in which righteous deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah than these days, i.e. the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah). They said: O, Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the path of Allah? He said: Not even Jihad in the path of Allah Most High, except if a man goes out (for Jihad) with his self and his wealth, then he doesn't return with anything from that."

Al-Bukhari narrated from Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him), that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "There are not any days in which righteous deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah than these days, i.e. the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah). They said: O, Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the path of Allah? He said: Not even Jihad in the path of Allah Most High, except if a man goes out (for Jihad) with his self and his wealth, then he doesn't return with anything from that."


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Shaikh Abdullaah Ibn Jibreen wrote:

The Types of Deeds in These Ten Days:

First: The performance of Hajj and Umrah, and these are the best of deeds that may be done. And what indicates their superiority are a number of Hadiths, one of which is the saying of (The Prophet) (p.b.u.h.): "Performance of Umrah is an expiation of the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah, and the reward of the Hajj which is accepted by Allah Most High is nothing but Paradise." (Bukhari and Muslim).

Second: Fasting during these days as many of them as may be easy (for one to fast) - especially the Day of Arafah. There is no doubt that the act of fasting is one of the best deeds, and it is from what Allah, Most High has chosen for himself, as in the Hadith Qudsi: "Fasting is for Me, and it is I who give reward for it. Verily, someone gives up his sexual passion, his food and his drink for my sake..." (Bukhari, Muslim, Malik, Tirmidhi, Nasaa'ee and Ibn Majah).

Also, from Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree (May Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said: "No servant (of Allah Most High) fasts one day in the way of Allah, except that Allah Most High removes his face from the fire because of it (the distance of traveling) seventy years." (Bukhari and Muslim).

Muslim narrated from Abu Qutaadah that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "Fasting the Day of Arafah will be credited with Allah by forgiving one's sins of the previous year and the following year."

Third: at-Takbeer (saying: Allahu-Akbar) and adh-Dhikr (remembrance of Allah, the Most High) in these (ten) days, because of the saying of Allah in Soorah al-Hajj verse 28: "...And mention the name of Allah on the appointed Days..."

This has been explained (by some) to mean the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah), and the scholars consider it desirable to increase adh-Dhikr (remembrance of Allah Most High) in these days, because of the Hadith of Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated by Ahmad, which says in it: "...so increase in these days the Tahleel and Takbeer and Tahmeed."

Al-Bukhari mentioned about Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with them) that the two of them used to go out to the market place during the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah) saying 'Allahu-Akbar', causing the people to also say it."

Ishaq narrates from the scholars of the Taabi'een that in these ten days they used to say: Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar; Laa-ilaaha-ill-Allah Wallaahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar; Wa-lillaahil-hamd.


It is a beloved act to raise the voice when saying the Takbeer in the markets, the houses, the streets, the Masjids and other places, because of the saying of Allah, the Most High in Soorah al-Hajj verse 37: "...that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you..."

The saying of Takbeer in congregation, i.e., everyone pronouncing the Takbeer with one voice, is not permissible since this has not been transmitted (to us) from the early generations of the companions and those who followed their ways. Verily the Sunnah is for everyone to say the Takbeer individually. And this is applicable for all Dhikr and supplications, except if the person doesn't know what to say. In that case he may repeat after someone else until he learns (the words to be said). It is also permissible to make Dhikr with all the different wording of Takbeer (Allahu-Akbar) and Tahmeed (al-hamdu-lillaah) and Tasbeeh (Subhaan-Allah), and the rest of the Islamic legislated supplications (from Quran and Sunnah).

Fourth: at-Tawbah (repentance) and abstaining from disobedience and all types of sins, since forgiveness and mercy are the results of deeds. Disobedience is the cause of being far away (from Allah, the Most High) and repulsion, while obedience is the cause of being near (to Allah, the Most High) and His love. In the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him), he said that the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said: "Verily Allah has a sense of 'Ghayrah' (honor, prestige and anger over it's violation), and Allah's sense of Ghayrah is provoked when a person does that which Allah has made prohibited". (Bukhari and Muslim).

Fifth: Doing plenty of voluntary (Nafl) righteous deeds of worship like prayer, charity, Jihad, reciting Quran, commanding what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other deeds like this. Verily they are of those deeds which are multiplied in these days. Because, even those deeds which are less preferred, in these days are superior and more beloved to Allah than superior deeds done at other times - even the Jihad which is one of the most superior of all deeds, except in the case of one whose horse is killed and his blood is spilled (loss of life in Jihad).

Sixth: It is legislated in these days to make at-Takbeer al-Mutlaq (unrestricted to specific times or form) at all times of night and day until the time of the Eid Prayer. Also, at-Takbeer al-Muqayyid (restricted to specific times and done in a particular manner) is legislated, and it is done after the (five) obligatory prayers which are performed in congregation. This begins from Dawn (Fajr) on the Day of Arafah (the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah) for those not performing Hajj, and from Noon (Dhuhr) on the Day of Sacrifice (10th of Dhul-Hijjah) for those performing Hajj (pilgrims); and it continues until Asr prayer on the last day of the days of Tashreeq (13th of Dhul-Hijjah).

Seventh: The slaughtering of a sacrificial animal (Adhiyyah) is also legislated for the Day of Sacrifice (10th) and the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th and 13th). This is the Sunnah of our father Ibraheem (May Allah be pleased with him) - from when Allah, the Most High redeemed his son by the great sacrifice (of an animal in his place). It is authenticated that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) slaughtered (sacrificed) two horned rams, black and white in color, and that he slaughtered them with his own hands, mentioned the name of Allah, the Most High (saying Bismillaah), said Takbeer (Allahu-Akbar), and placed his foot on their sides (while slaughtering them). (Bukhari and Muslim. Bukhari English translation - Dr. Muhsin Khan, Vol.2, Pg. 447-448 #770 and 772, 1979).

Eighth: Muslim and others narrated from Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said: "If you see the Hilaal (new moon) of Dhul-Hijjah, and any one of you wants to make a sacrifice, then he should not cut (anything) from his hair and his nails." and in one narration he said: "...then he should not take (cut) anything from his hair, nor from his nails, until he performs the sacrifice." Perhaps this is because of the similarity with the one who is bringing a sacrificial animal for slaughter (in Hajj). As Allah, the Most High said: "...and do not shave your heads until the Hadee (sacrifice) reaches the place of sacrifice..."

The apparent meaning of this prohibition is that it is particularly for the one whom the sacrifice is for, and does not include the wife or children, unless there is an individual sacrifice for one of them. There is no harm in washing the head, or scratching it, even if some hairs may fall out.

Ninth: It is incumbent for the Muslim (who is not making Hajj) to make every effort to perform the Eid Prayer wherever it is performed, and to be present for the Khutbah and benefit. He must know the wisdom behind the legislation of this Eid (celebration). It is a day of thankfulness and performing deeds of righteousness. So, he must not make it a day of wildness, pride and vanity. He should not make it a season of disobedience and increase in the forbidden things like music and singing, uncontrolled amusement, intoxicants and the like - those things which could cause the cancellation of the good deeds done in these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah).

Tenth: After what has been mentioned, it is fitting that every Muslim, male and female, take advantage of these days by obeying Allah, the Most High, remembering Him, thanking Him, fulfilling all the obligatory duties, and staying far away from the prohibited things. He must take full advantage of this season, and the open display of Allah's gifts to attain the pleasure of his Lord.

Surely, Allah, the Most High is the One who grants success, and He is the Guide to the Straight Path. And may the blessings of Allah, the Most High, and Peace be upon Muhammad and his family and companions

 

[1m@@n]

The first 10 days of Zul Hijjah: why they matter

The first 10 days of Zul Hijjah: why they matter​

by Sound Vision Staff Writer​

Even for those not performing the pilgrimage, Hajj, the first ten days of this month are considered very sacred and a time for increased reflection, seeking Allah's forgiveness, doing good and various other forms of worship.

Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) has said about the first ten days of Zul Hijjah: 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 (Bukhari).

So sacred are the first ten days of Zul Hijjah that Allah swears an oath by them when He says in the Quran: "By the dawn; by the ten nights" [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Swearing an oath by something indicates its importance and great benefit.

What kinds of worship should be performed?
While any good deed done for the sake of Allah according to the way He approves will be rewarded immensely during the first ten days, Insha Allah, some of the more specific actions mentioned in the Traditions of the Prophet are fasting and verbal Zikr (remembrance) of Allah.

In terms of fasting, it is particularly encouraged to fast on the ninth day of Zul-Hijjah, known in Arabic as Yawm Arafa. The Prophet used to fast on this day (al Nisai and Abu Dawud). Fasting on this day will expiate a Muslim's sins for two years.

The verbal remembrance of Allah is another meritorious act during these first ten days of Zul Hijjah. The Prophet upon him) encouraged Muslims to recite a lot of Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allaah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allahu akbar") during this time.

The Takbeer may include the words "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah; wa Allahu akbar wa Lillahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise)," as well as other phrases.

Men are encouraged to recite these phrases out loud and women quietly.

Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah, two of the Prophet's Companions, used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Zul-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer individually when they heard them.

Generally, all good deeds are rewarded highly at this blessed time. These actions include praying, reading Quran, making Dua (supplication), giving in charity and being good to our families.

In addition, seeking Allah's forgiveness at this time is also encouraged. This means more than just a verbal expression of sorrow for past misdeeds. It also requires a firm resolution to avoid making the same mistakes in the future by giving up bad habits and behavior while sincerely turning to Allah

Walaikum Asalaam wr wb

 

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Re: The first 10 days of Zul Hijjah: why they matter

The First 10 Days Of Dhul-Hijjah​

Days of virtue and righteous deeds​

..................................​

Ibn 'Abbas says about the Aayah, "Remember Allaah during the well
known days," that it refers to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
[This is related by al-Bukhari]

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 10 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 Dhul-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: "This is the correct
opinion." [Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413]

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 ones 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-Lataaif, p.8]

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." [This is related by the group except Muslim and an-Nasa'i]

Ahmad and at-Tabarani record from Ibn 'Umar that the Messenger of
Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said,

"There is no day more honorable in Allaah's sight and no acts more
beloved therein to Allaah than those in these ten days. So say tahlil
(There is no deity worthy of worship but Allaah : Laa ilaaha
illallaah), takbir (Allaah is the greatest : Allaahu Akbar) and tahmid
(All praise is due to Allaah : alhumdulillaah) a lot [on those days]."
[Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated it is saheeh]

Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alaihi
wa sallam) said,

"There are no days more loved to Allaah for you to worship Him
therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijja. Fasting any day during it is
equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud
(late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the
late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr]." [This
is related by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]

Ibn 'Umar narrated that at Mina, the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu
'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Do you know what is the day today?" The
people replied, "Allaah and His Messenger know it better." He said,
"It is the forbidden (sacred) day. And do you know what town is this?"
They replied, "Allaah and His Messenger know it better." He said,
"This is the forbidden (sacred) town (Mecca). And do you know which
month is this?" The people replied, "Allaah and His Apostle know it
better." He said, "This is the forbidden (sacred) month." The
Messenger added, "No doubt, Allaah made your blood, your properties,
and your honour sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of
yours in this month of yours in this town of yours."

Narrated Ibn 'Umar:

On the Day of Nahr (10th of Dhul-Hijja), the Messenger
(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) stood in between the Jamrat during his
Hajj which he performed (as in the previous Hadith) and said, "This is
the greatest Day (i.e. 10th of Dhul-Hijjah)." The Messenger
(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) started saying repeatedly, "O Allaah!
Be Witness (I have conveyed Your Message)." He then bade the people
farewell. The people said, "(This is Hajjat-al-Wada)." [Bukhari 2.798]

FASTING DAY OF ARAFAT
.....................
Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi
wa sallam) said,

"Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for two years, the
year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of
'Ashurah is an expiation for the year preceding it." [This is related
by "the group," except for al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi]

Hafsah reported,

"There are five things that the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa
sallam) never abandoned: fasting the day of 'Ashurah, fasting the
[first] 10 [days of Dhul-Hijjah], fasting 3 days of every month and
praying two rak'ah before the dawn prayer." [This is related by Ahmad
and an-Nasa'i]

'Uqbah ibn 'Amr reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu
'alaihi wa sallam) said, "The day of 'Arafah, the day of sacrifice,
and the days of tashreeq are 'ids for us--the people of Islam--and
they are days of eating and drinking."[This is related by "the five,"
except for Ibn Majah. At-Tirmidhi grades it sahih]

Abu Hurairah stated,

"The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) forbade
fasting on the day of 'Arafah for one who is actually at 'Arafah."
[This is related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah]
At-Tirmidhi comments: "The scholars prefer that the day of Arafah be
fasted unless one is actually at 'Arafah."

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 Dhul-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 Dhul-Hijjah, because of the words of Ibn Abbas (may Allaah
be pleased with him and his father), "The appointed days are the first
ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah)."

The Takbeer may include the words "Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la
ilaaha ill-Allaah; wa Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahil- hamd (Allaah is Most
Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no deity worthy of worship 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 Hurairah (may Allaah be
pleased with them) used to go out in the marketplace during the first
ten days of Dhul-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.

May Allah swt accept the hajj of all our bros and sisters who Alhumdulillah are making pilgrimage this year subhanaAllah....and forgive all muslims for our sins and give us hidayah and guide us towards the right path...the path to Allah swt inshaAllah...ameen, summa ameen.....

 

[akulion]

Re: The first 10 days of Zul Hijjah: why they matter

masha'Allah good info

you know its the little things that most of us miss out on especially the new muslims I feel..

like the imprtance of shabaan and the 10 days of zil hajj etc

i really like such posts

ps: does anyone have any articles on the optional prayers like chaast etc ?

 

[FatimaAsSideqah]

Ten Days Allah Swore By: The First Ten Days of Dhu'l Hijjah

as-salaam alaykum

Ten Days Allah Swore By: The First Ten Days of Dhu'l Hijjah

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ten days Allah swore by: The first ten days of Dhu'l Hijjah


In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate

The first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah are blessed days: Allah Most High Himself swore by them in the Qur’an:

“By the Dawn,

and the Ten Nights...”

[Qur’an, Surat al-Fajr, 89.1-2]

The commentators generally concur that the ten nights refers, ‘the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah,’ as one may find in Shaykh al-Islam Abu Su`ud’sIrshad al-`Aql al-Salim ila Mazaya al-Qur’an al-Karim [famous as Tafsir Abi al-Su`ud, 9.153] or in Tafsir al-Jalalayn.

Imam Ahmad and Nasa’i report from the Mother of Believers, Sayyida Hafsa (Allah be pleased with her) that, “The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) did not leave four matters: Fasting `Ashura [10th of Muharram], [during] the ten days [of Dhu’l Hijja], and three days of each month.”

1. Fasting the First Nine Days, Especially the Day of `Arafah (9th)

The scholars concur that it is recommended to fast during the first nine days of Dhu’l Hijja. (The tenth day is the day of Eid, and is prohibitively disliked and sinful to fast this day.) [Buhuti, Kashshaf al-Qina`; Nawawi,Majmu`; Fatawa Hindiyya; Haskafi, Durr al-Mukhtar; Dardir,al-Sharh al-Saghir]

Of these, it is particularly recommended to fast the Day of `Arafah [9th of Dhu’l Hijjah], even for the one on Hajj in the Hanafi school, if it does not weaken the pilgrim from spending the day busy in worship. [Haskafi, Durr;Kasani, Bada’i`]

As for hadiths in which the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) commanded against fasting this day for the pilgrim at `Arafah, this was understood by the Hanafi imams to refer to those whom it would weaken or tire. [As explained by Imam Tahawi in Sharh Ma`ani al-Athar, 2.82-83]

This is because of the numerous hadiths that have come in praise of this day in particular and fasting in it. Among these is:

Abu Qatada (Allah be pleased with him) related that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “Fasting the Day of `Arafah [9th of Dhu’l Hijjah] expiates for two years, one prior and one forthcoming. And fasting the Day of `Ashura [10th of Muharram] expiates for the past year.” [Reported by Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasa’i, and Ibn Majah]

2. Increasing One’s Spiritual Works During these Ten Days

Similarly, it is recommended to busy oneself these days with worship of Allah. Imam Sharaf al-Din al-Hijjawi, the great Hanbali faqih, states in his primary text, al-Iqna`,:

“It is recommend to exert oneself in good works during the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah, such as remembrance of Allah (dhikr), fasting, charity, and other righteous actions, because they are the best of days.” [Buhuti, Kashshaf al-Qina`, 2.60]

This is confirmed by scholars of all the Sunni madhhabs. [Ibn Nujaym, al-Bahr al-Ra’iq; Haskafi/Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar `ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar; Nawawi, al-Majmu` and others]

Many scholars even stated that daytimes of these ten days are more virtuous than the ten daytimes of the last ten days of Ramadan, because of the strength of the primary texts related to them.

3. Spending the Nights of These Days In Prayer and Worship

It is especially recommended to spend some part of each of the nights of these ten days in prayer and worship. [Nawawi, Majmu`; Ibn Qudama, Mughni; Dardir, al-Sharh al-Saghir; Ibn Nujaym, al-Bahr al-Ra’iq;al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya; Ibn Abidin/Haskafi, Radd al-Muhtar `ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar]

This was deduced by clear primary texts, such as Prophet’s words (Allah bless him and give him peace) that, “There are no days in which good works are more beloved to Allah than these days – meaning the first ten days of Dhu’l Hijjah.” The Companions asked, ‘Not even jihad in the path of Allah, O Messenger of Allah?’ He said (Allah bless him & give him peace), “Not even jihad in the path of Allah, except for the one who goes forth with his person and wealth and does not return with any of it.” [Bukhari and others]

May Allah give us success in these blessed days and nights, and in every moment of our lives, to follow the path of the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace), and may He make us of those whom He loves and who love Him.

Walaikum assalam,
Faraz Rabbani




بَابُ صَوْمِ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ وَتَأْكِيدِ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ لِغَيْرِ الْحَاجِّ1707 – ( عَنْ حَفْصَةَ قَالَتْ : { أَرْبَعٌ لَمْ يَكُنْ يَدَعُهُنَّ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم : صِيَامُ عَاشُورَاءَ , وَالْعَشْرِ , وَثَلَاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ , وَالرَّكْعَتَيْنِ قَبْلَ الْغَدَاةِ } . رَوَاهُ أَحْمَدُ وَالنَّسَائِيُّ ) . 1708 - ( وَعَنْ أَبِي قَتَادَةَ قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم : { صَوْمُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ يُكَفِّرُ سَنَتَيْنِ مَاضِيَةً وَمُسْتَقْبَلَةً , وَصَوْمُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ يُكَفِّرُ سَنَةً مَاضِيَةً } رَوَاهُ الْجَمَاعَةُ إلَّا الْبُخَارِيَّ وَالتِّرْمِذِيَّ ) .1709 - ( وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ : { نَهَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنْ صَوْمِ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ بِعَرَفَاتٍ } . رَوَاهُ أَحْمَدُ وَابْنُ مَاجَهْ ) .1710 - ( وَعَنْ أُمِّ الْفَضْلِ : { أَنَّهُمْ شَكُّوا فِي صَوْمِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ , فَأَرْسَلَتْ إلَيْهِ بِلَبَنٍ فَشَرِبَ وَهُوَ يَخْطُبُ النَّاسَ بِعَرَفَةَ } . مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ ) . 1711في الدر وَهُوَ ) أَقْسَامٌ ثَمَانِيَةٌ : ( فَرْضٌ ) وَهُوَ نَوْعَانِ : مُعَيَّنٌ ( كَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ أَدَاءً وَ ) غَيْرُ مُعَيَّنٍ كَصَوْمِهِ ( قَضَاءً وَ ) صَوْمُ ( الْكَفَّارَاتِ ) لَكِنَّهُ فَرْضٌ عَمَلًا لَا اعْتِقَادًا وَلِذَا لَا يَكْفُرُ جَاحِدُهُ قَالَ الْبَهْنَسِيُّ تَبَعًا لِابْنِ الْكَمَالِ . ( وَوَاجِبٌ ) وَهُوَ نَوْعَانِ : مُعَيَّنٌ ( كَالنَّذْرِ الْمُعَيَّنِ , وَ ) غَيْرُ مُعَيَّنٍ كَالنَّذْرِ ( الْمُطْلَقِ ) وَأَمَّا قوله تعالى - { وَلْيُوفُوا نُذُورَهُمْ } - فَدَخَلَهُ الْخُصُوصُ كَالنَّذْرِ بِمَعْصِيَةٍ فَلَمْ يَبْقَ قَطْعِيًّا ( وَقِيلَ ) قَائِلُهُ الْأَكْمَلُ وَغَيْرُهُ وَاعْتَمَدَهُ الشُّرُنْبُلَالِيُّ , لَكِنْ تَعَقَّبَهُ سَعْدِيٌّ بِالْفَرْقِ بِأَنَّ الْمَنْذُورَةَ لَا تُؤَدَّى بَعْدَ صَلَاةِ الْعَصْرِ بِخِلَافِ الْفَائِتَةِ ( هُوَ فَرْضٌ عَلَى الْأَظْهَرِ ) كَالْكَفَّارَاتِ يَعْنِي عَمَلًا لِأَنَّ مُطْلَقَ الْإِجْمَاعِ لَا يُفِيدُ الْفَرْضَ الْقَطْعِيَّ كَمَا بَسَطَهُ خُسْرو ( وَنَفْلٌ كَغَيْرِهِمَا ) يَعُمُّ السُّنَّةَ كَصَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ مَعَ التَّاسِعِ . وَالْمَنْدُوبَ كَأَيَّامِ الْبِيضِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ وَيَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ وَلَوْ مُنْفَرِدًا وَعَرَفَةَ وَلَوْ لِحَاجٍّ لَمْ يُضْعِفْهُ . وَالْمَكْرُوهُ تَحْرِيمًا كَالْعِيدَيْنِ . وَتَنْزِيهًا كَعَاشُورَاءَ وَحْدَهُ وَسَبْتٍ وَحْدَهُ وَنَيْرُوزَ وَمِهْرَجَانٍ إنْ تَعَمَّدْهُ وَصَوْمِ دَهْرِهِ وَصَوْمِ صَمْتٍ وَوِصَالٍ وَإِنْ أَفْطَرَ الْأَيَّامَ الْخَمْسَةَ , وَهَذَا عِنْدَ أَبِي يُوسُفَ كَمَا فِي الْمُحِيطِ فَهِيَ خَمْسَةَ عَشَرَ . .في البدائع:وَأَمَّا صَوْمُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ : فَفِي حَقِّ غَيْرِ الْحَاجِّ مُسْتَحَبٌّ , لِكَثْرَةِ الْأَحَادِيثِ الْوَارِدَةِ بِالنَّدْبِ إلَى صَوْمِهِ , وَلِأَنَّ لَهُ فَضِيلَةً عَلَى غَيْرِهِ مِنْ الْأَيَّامِ , وَكَذَلِكَ فِي حَقِّ الْحَاجِّ إنْ كَانَ لَا يُضْعِفُهُ عَنْ الْوُقُوفِ , وَالدُّعَاءِ لِمَا فِيهِ مِنْ الْجَمْعِ بَيْنَ الْقُرْبَتَيْنِ وَإِنْ كَانَ يُضْعِفُهُ عَنْ ذَلِكَ يُكْرَهُ لِأَنَّ فَضِيلَةَ صَوْمِ هَذَا الْيَوْمِ مِمَّا يُمْكِنُ اسْتِدْرَاكُهَا فِي غَيْرِ هَذِهِ السَّنَةِ , وَيُسْتَدْرَكُ عَادَةً , فَأَمَّا فَضِيلَةُ الْوُقُوفِ , وَالدُّعَاءِ فِيهِ لَا يُسْتَدْرَكُ فِي حَقِّ عَامَّةِ النَّاسِ عَادَةً إلَّا فِي الْعُمُرِ مَرَّةً وَاحِدَةً , فَكَانَ إحْرَازُهَا أَوْلَىالفتاوى لابن تيمية: 2/477354 - 24 - وَسُئِلَ رحمه الله تعالى , عَنْ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ , وَالْعَشْرِ الْأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ . أَيُّهُمَا أَفْضَلُ ؟ . أَجَابَ : أَيَّامُ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ أَيَّامِ الْعَشْرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ , وَاللَّيَالِي الْعَشْرُ الْأَوَاخِرُ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ لَيَالِي عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ . قَالَ ابْنُ الْقَيِّمِ : وَإِذَا تَأَمَّلَ الْفَاضِلُ اللَّبِيبُ هَذَا الْجَوَابِ . وَجَدَهُ شَافِيًا كَافِيًا , فَإِنَّهُ لَيْسَ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ فِيهَا أَحَبُّ إلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ أَيَّامِ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ , وَفِيهَا : يَوْمُ عَرَفَةَ , وَيَوْمُ النَّحْرِ , وَيَوْمُ التَّرْوِيَةِ . وَأَمَّا لَيَالِي عَشْرِ رَمَضَانَ فَهِيَ لَيَالِي الْإِحْيَاءِ , الَّتِي كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُحْيِيهَا كُلَّهَا , وَفِيهَا لَيْلَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ . فَمَنْ أَجَابَ بِغَيْرِ هَذَا التَّفْصِيلِ , لَمْ يُمْكِنْهُ أَنْ يُدْلِي بِحُجَّةٍ صَحِيحَةٍ .قال النووي في المجموع: 6/439( فَرْعٌ ) قَالَ أَصْحَابُنَا : وَمِنْ الصَّوْمِ الْمُسْتَحَبِّ صَوْمُ الْأَشْهُرِ الْحُرُمِ , وَهِيَ ذُو الْقَعْدَةِ وَذُو الْحِجَّةِ وَالْمُحَرَّمُ وَرَجَبٌ , وَأَفْضَلُهَا الْمُحَرَّمُ , قَالَ الرُّويَانِيُّ فِي الْبَحْرِ : أَفْضَلُهَا رَجَبٌ , وَهَذَا غَلَطٌ ; لِحَدِيثِ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ الَّذِي سَنَذْكُرُهُ إنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى { أَفْضَلُ الصَّوْمِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ شَهْرُ اللَّهِ الْمُحَرَّمُ } وَمِنْ الْمَسْنُونِ صَوْمُ شَعْبَانَ , وَمِنْهُ صَوْمُ الْأَيَّامِ التِّسْعَةِ مِنْ أَوَّلِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ , وَجَاءَتْ فِي هَذَا كُلِّهِ أَحَادِيثُ كَثِيرَةٌ , مِنْهَا حَدِيثُ مُجِيبَةَ الْبَاهِلِيَّةِ عَنْ أَبِيهَا أَوْ عَمِّهَا أَنَّهُ { أَتَى رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ثُمَّ انْطَلَقَ فَأَتَاهُ بَعْدَ سَنَةٍ وَقَدْ تَغَيَّرَتْ حَالَتُهُ وَهَيْئَتُهُ , فَقَالَ : يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ , أَمَا تَعْرِفُنِي ؟ قَالَ : وَمَنْ أَنْتَ ؟ قَالَ : أَنَا الْبَاهِلِيُّ الَّذِي جِئْتُكَ عَامَ الْأَوَّلِ , قَالَ : فَمَا غَيَّرَكَ وَقَدْ كُنْتَ حَسَنَ الْهَيْئَةِ ؟ قَالَ : مَا أَكَلْتُ طَعَامًا مُنْذُ فَارَقْتُكَ إلَّا بِلَيْلٍ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم : لِمَا عَذَّبْتَ نَفْسَكَ ؟ ثُمَّ قَالَ : صُمْ شَهْرَ الصَّبْرِ وَيَوْمًا مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ , قَالَ : زِدْنِي فَإِنَّ بِي قُوَّةً , قَالَ : صُمْ يَوْمَيْنِ قَالَ : زِدْنِي , قَالَ : صُمْ ثَلَاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ , قَالَ زِدْنِي , قَالَ : صُمْ مِنْ الْحُرُمِ وَاتْرُكْ , صُمْ مِنْ الْحُرُمِ وَاتْرُكْ , صُمْ مِنْ الْحُرُمِ وَاتْرُكْ , وَقَالَ بِأَصَابِعِهِ الثَّلَاثِ , ثُمَّ أَرْسَلَهَا } رَوَاهُ أَبُو دَاوُد وَغَيْرُهُ . قَوْلُهُ صلى الله عليه وسلم : { صُمْ مِنْ الْحُرُمِ وَاتْرُكْ } إنَّمَا أَمَرَهُ بِالتَّرْكِ ; لِأَنَّهُ كَانَ يَشُقُّ عَلَيْهِ إكْثَارُ الصَّوْمِ كَمَا ذَكَرَهُ فِي أَوَّلِ الْحَدِيثِ . فَأَمَّا مَنْ لَمْ يَشُقَّ عَلَيْهِ فَصَوْمُ جَمِيعِهَا فَضِيلَةٌ . وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم : { أَفْضَلُ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ شَهْرُ اللَّهِ الْمُحَرَّمُ وَأَفْضَلُ الصَّلَاةِ بَعْدَ الْفَرِيضَةِ صَلَاةُ اللَّيْلِ } رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ . وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ : { كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَصُومُ حَتَّى نَقُولَ : لَا يُفْطِرُ , وَيُفْطِرُ حَتَّى نَقُولَ : لَا يَصُومُ . وَمَا رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم اسْتَكْمَلَ صِيَامَ شَهْرٍ قَطُّ إلَّا رَمَضَانَ , وَمَا رَأَيْتُهُ فِي شَهْرٍ أَكْثَرَ مِنْهُ صِيَامًا مِنْ شَعْبَانَ } رَوَاهُ الْبُخَارِيُّ وَمُسْلِمٌ مِنْ طُرُقٍ . وَفِي رِوَايَةٍ لِمُسْلِمٍ { كَانَ يَصُومُ شَعْبَانَ كُلَّهُ , كَانَ يَصُومُ شَعْبَانَ إلَّا قَلِيلًا } . قَالَ الْعُلَمَاءُ : اللَّفْظُ الثَّانِي مُفَسِّرٌ لِلْأَوَّلِ وَبَيَانٌ ; لِأَنَّ مُرَادَهَا بِكُلِّهِ غَالِبُهُ وَقِيلَ : كَانَ يَصُومُهُ كُلَّهُ فِي وَقْتٍ وَيَصُومُ بَعْضَهُ فِي سَنَةٍ أُخْرَى , وَقِيلَ : كَانَ يَصُومُ تَارَةً مِنْ أَوَّلِهِ وَتَارَةً مِنْ وَسَطِهِ وَتَارَةً مِنْ آخِرِهِ وَلَا يُخَلِّي مِنْهُ شَيْئًا بِلَا صِيَامٍ , لَكِنْ فِي سِنِينَ . وَقِيلَ فِي تَخْصِيصِهِ شَعْبَانَ بِكَثْرَةِ الصِّيَامِ : لِأَنَّهُ تُرْفَعُ فِيهِ أَعْمَالُ الْعِبَادِ فِي سَنَتِهِمْ . وَقِيلَ غَيْرُ ذَلِكَ فَإِنْ قِيلَ , فَقَدْ سَبَقَ فِي حَدِيثِ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ أَفْضَلَ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ الْمُحَرَّمُ , فَكَيْفَ أَكْثَرُ مِنْهُ فِي شَعْبَانَ دُونَ الْمُحَرَّمِ . فَالْجَوَابُ : لَعَلَّهُ صلى الله عليه وسلم لَمْ يَعْلَمْ فَضْلَ الْمُحَرَّمِ إلَّا فِي آخِرِ الْحَيَاةِ قَبْلَ التَّمَكُّنِ مِنْ صَوْمِهِ . أَوْ لَعَلَّهُ كَانَتْ تَعْرِضُ فِيهِ أَعْذَارٌ تَمْنَعُ مِنْ إكْثَارِ الصَّوْمِ فِيهِ ؟ كَسَفَرٍ وَمَرَضٍ وَغَيْرِهِمَا . قَالَ الْعُلَمَاءُ : وَإِنَّمَا لَمْ يَسْتَكْمِلْ شَهْرًا غَيْرَ رَمَضَانَ لِئَلَّا يُظَنَّ وُجُوبُهُ . وَعَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم : { مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهَا أَحَبُّ إلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ يَعْنِي أَيَّامَ الْعَشْرِ قَالُوا : يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ , وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ؟ قَالَ : وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ إلَّا رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِنْ ذَلِكَ بِشَيْءٍ } رَوَاهُ الْبُخَارِيُّ فِي صَحِيحِهِ فِي كِتَابِ صَلَاةِ الْعِيدِ . وَعَنْ هُنَيْدَةَ بْنِ خَالِدٍ عَنْ امْرَأَتِهِ عَنْ بَعْضِ أَزْوَاجِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَتْ : { كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَصُومُ تِسْعَ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ وَيَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ , وَثَلَاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ وَأَوَّلَ اثْنَيْنِ مِنْ الشَّهْرِ , وَالْخَمِيسَ } رَوَاهُ أَبُو دَاوُد وَرَوَاهُ أَحْمَدُ وَالنَّسَائِيُّ وَقَالَا : وَخَمِيسَيْنِ . وَأَمَّا حَدِيثُ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ : { مَا رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم صَائِمًا فِي الْعَشْرِ قَطُّ } وَفِي رِوَايَةٍ { لَمْ يَصُمْ الْعَشْرَ } رَوَاهُمَا مُسْلِمٌ فِي صَحِيحِهِ , فَقَالَ الْعُلَمَاءُ : وَهُوَ مُتَأَوِّلٌ عَلَى أَنَّهَا لَمْ تَرَهُ وَلَمْ يَلْزَمْ مِنْهُ تَرْكُهُ فِي نَفْسِ الْأَمْرِ ; لِأَنَّهُ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَكُونُ عِنْدَهَا فِي يَوْمٍ مِنْ تِسْعَةِ أَيَّامٍ , وَالْبَاقِي عِنْدَ بَاقِي أُمَّهَاتِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ رضي الله عنهن , أَوْ لَعَلَّهُ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَصُومُ بَعْضَهُ فِي بَعْضِ الْأَوْقَاتِ وَكُلَّهُ فِي بَعْضِهَا , وَيَتْرُكُهُ فِي بَعْضِهَا لِعَارِضِ سَفَرٍ أَوْ مَرَضٍ أَوْ غَيْرِهِمَا , وَبِهَذَا يُجْمَعُ بَيْنَ الْأَحَادِيثِ .في المغني: 3/57-58( 2133 ) مَسْأَلَةٌ : قَالَ ( وَصِيَامُ عَاشُورَاءَ كَفَّارَةُ سَنَةٍ , وَيَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ كَفَّارَةُ سَنَتَيْنِ ) وَجُمْلَتُهُ أَنَّ صِيَامَ هَذَيْنِ الْيَوْمَيْنِ مُسْتَحَبٌّ ; لِمَا رَوَى أَبُو قَتَادَةَ , عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ { صِيَامُ عَرَفَةَ : إنِّي أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ وَالسَّنَةَ الَّتِي بَعْدَهُ } وَقَالَ فِي صِيَامِ عَاشُورَاءَ : { إنِّي أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ } . أَخْرَجَهُ مُسْلِمٌ . إذَا ثَبَتَ هَذَا فَإِنَّ عَاشُورَاءَ هُوَ الْيَوْمُ الْعَاشِرُ مِنْ الْمُحَرَّمِ . وَهَذَا قَوْلُ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيِّبِ , وَالْحَسَنِ ; لِمَا رَوَى ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ , قَالَ : { أَمَرَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم بِصَوْمِ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ الْعَاشِرِ مِنْ الْمُحَرَّمِ } . رَوَاهُ التِّرْمِذِيُّ , وَقَالَ : حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ . وَرُوِيَ عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ , أَنَّهُ قَالَ : التَّاسِعُ وَرُوِيَ { أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَصُومُ التَّاسِعَ } . أَخْرَجَهُ مُسْلِمٌ بِمَعْنَاهُ . وَرَوَى عَنْهُ عَطَاءٌ , أَنَّهُ قَالَ : { صُومُوا التَّاسِعَ وَالْعَاشِرَ , وَلَا تَشَبَّهُوا بِالْيَهُودِ , } إذَا ثَبَتَ هَذَا فَإِنَّهُ يُسْتَحَبُّ صَوْمُ التَّاسِعِ وَالْعَاشِرِ لِذَلِكَ . نَصَّ عَلَيْهِ أَحْمَدُ . وَهُوَ قَوْلُ إسْحَاقَ . قَالَ أَحْمَدُ : فَإِنْ اشْتَبَهَ عَلَيْهِ أَوَّلُ الشَّهْرِ صَامَ ثَلَاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ . وَإِنَّمَا يَفْعَلُ ذَلِكَ لِيَتَيَقَّنَ صَوْمَ التَّاسِعِ وَالْعَاشِرِ . ( 2134 ) فَصْلٌ : وَاخْتُلِفَ فِي صَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ , هَلْ كَانَ وَاجِبًا ؟ فَذَهَبَ الْقَاضِي إلَى أَنَّهُ لَمْ يَكُنْ وَاجِبًا . وَقَالَ : هَذَا قِيَاسُ الْمَذْهَبِ . وَاسْتَدَلَّ بِشَيْئَيْنِ ; أَحَدُهُمَا , { أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَمَرَ مَنْ لَمْ يَأْكُلْ } بِالصَّوْمِ , وَالنِّيَّةُ فِي اللَّيْلِ شَرْطٌ فِي الْوَاجِبِ . وَالثَّانِي : أَنَّهُ لَمْ يَأْمُرْ مَنْ أَكَلَ بِالْقَضَاءِ , وَيَشْهَدُ لِهَذَا مَا رَوَى مُعَاوِيَةُ قَالَ : سَمِعْت رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم { يَقُولُ : إنَّ هَذَا يَوْمُ عَاشُورَاءَ , لَمْ يَكْتُبْ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكُمْ صِيَامَهُ , فَمَنْ شَاءَ فَلْيَصُمْ , وَمَنْ شَاءَ فَلْيُفْطِرْ } . وَهُوَ حَدِيثٌ صَحِيحٌ . وَرُوِيَ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ , أَنَّهُ كَانَ مَفْرُوضًا ; لِمَا رَوَتْ عَائِشَةُ , { أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم صَامَهُ وَأَمَرَ بِصِيَامِهِ , فَلَمَّا اُفْتُرِضَ رَمَضَانُ كَانَ هُوَ الْفَرِيضَةَ , وَتَرَكَ عَاشُورَاءَ , فَمَنْ شَاءَ صَامَهُ وَمَنْ شَاءَ تَرَكَهُ } . وَهُوَ حَدِيثٌ صَحِيحٌ . وَحَدِيثُ مُعَاوِيَةَ مَحْمُولٌ عَلَى أَنَّهُ أَرَادَ : لَيْسَ هُوَ مَكْتُوبًا عَلَيْكُمْ الْآنَ . وَأَمَّا تَصْحِيحُهُ بِنِيَّةٍ مِنْ النَّهَارِ , وَتَرْكُ الْأَمْرِ بِقَضَائِهِ , فَيَحْتَمِلُ أَنْ نَقُولَ : مَنْ لَمْ يُدْرِكْ الْيَوْمَ بِكَمَالِهِ لَمْ يَلْزَمْهُ قَضَاؤُهُ . كَمَا قُلْنَا فِي مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَبَلَغَ فِي أَثْنَاءِ يَوْمٍ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ . عَلَى أَنَّهُ قَدْ رَوَى أَبُو دَاوُد { أَنَّ أَسْلَمَ أَتَتْ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ : صُمْتُمْ يَوْمَكُمْ هَذَا ؟ قَالُوا : لَا . قَالَ : فَأَتِمُّوا بَقِيَّةَ يَوْمِكُمْ , وَاقْضُوهُ } . ( 2135 ) فَصْلٌ : فَأَمَّا يَوْمُ عَرَفَةَ : فَهُوَ الْيَوْمُ التَّاسِعُ مِنْ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ , سُمِّيَ بِذَلِكَ , لِأَنَّ الْوُقُوفَ بِعَرَفَةَ فِيهِ . وَقِيلَ : سُمِّيَ يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ , لِأَنَّ إبْرَاهِيمَ عليه السلام أُرِيَ فِي الْمَنَامِ لَيْلَةَ التَّرْوِيَةِ أَنَّهُ يُؤْمَرُ بِذَبْحِ ابْنِهِ , فَأَصْبَحَ يَوْمَهُ يَتَرَوَّى , هَلْ هَذَا مِنْ اللَّهِ أَوْ حُلْمٌ ؟ فَسُمِّيَ يَوْمَ التَّرْوِيَةِ , فَلَمَّا كَانَتْ اللَّيْلَةُ الثَّانِيَةُ رَآهُ أَيْضًا فَأَصْبَحَ يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ , فَعَرَفَ أَنَّهُ مِنْ اللَّهِ , فَسُمِّيَ يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ . وَهُوَ يَوْمٌ شَرِيفٌ عَظِيمٌ , وَعِيدٌ كَرِيمٌ , وَفَضْلُهُ كَبِيرٌ . وَقَدْ صَحَّ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم { أَنَّ صِيَامَهُ يُكَفِّرُ سَنَتَيْنِ . } ( 2136 ) فَصْلٌ : وَأَيَّامُ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ كُلُّهَا شَرِيفَةٌ مُفَضَّلَةٌ يُضَاعَفُ الْعَمَلُ فِيهَا , وَيُسْتَحَبُّ الِاجْتِهَادُ فِي الْعِبَادَةِ فِيهَا ; لِمَا رَوَى ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ , قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم : { مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهِنَّ أَحَبُّ إلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ الْعَشْرِ . قَالُوا : يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ , وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ؟ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّه صلى الله عليه وسلم : وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ , إلَّا رَجُلًا خَرَجَ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ , فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِنْ ذَلِكَ بِشَيْءٍ } . وَهُوَ حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ . وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ , عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ : { مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أَحَبُّ إلَى اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَنْ يُتَعَبَّدَ لَهُ فِيهَا , مِنْ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ , يَعْدِلُ صِيَامُ كُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِنْهَا بِصِيَامِ سَنَةٍ , وَقِيَامُ كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ مِنْهَا بِقِيَامِ لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ } . وَهَذَا حَدِيثٌ غَرِيبٌ , أَخْرَجَهُ التِّرْمِذِيُّ . وَرَوَى أَبُو دَاوُد , بِإِسْنَادِهِ عَنْ بَعْضِ أَزْوَاجِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَتْ : { كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَصُومُ تِسْعَ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ , وَيَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ } .قال البهوتي في كشّاف القناع: 2/60( وَيُسْتَحَبُّ الِاجْتِهَادُ فِي عَمَلِ الْخَيْرِ أَيَّامَ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ مِنْ الذِّكْرِ وَالصِّيَامِ وَالصَّدَقَةِ وَسَائِرِ أَعْمَالِ الْبِرِّ لِأَنَّهَا أَفْضَلُ الْأَيَّامِ ) لِحَدِيثِ { مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهَا أَحَبُّ إلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ } .في الدر:وَإِحْيَاءُ لَيْلَةِ الْعِيدَيْنِ , وَالنِّصْفِ مِنْ شَعْبَانَ , وَالْعَشْرِ الْأَخِيرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ , وَالْأُوَلُ مِنْ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ , وَيَكُونُ بِكُلِّ عِبَادَةٍ تَعُمُّ اللَّيْلَ أَوْ أَكْثَرَهُ .ح:مَطْلَبٌ فِي إحْيَاءِ لَيَالِي الْعِيدَيْنِ وَالنِّصْفِ وَعَشْرِ الْحِجَّةِ وَرَمَضَانَ ( قَوْلُهُ وَإِحْيَاءُ لَيْلَةِ الْعِيدَيْنِ ) الْأَوْلَى لَيْلَتَيْ بِالتَّثْنِيَةِ : أَيْ لَيْلَةِ عِيدِ الْفِطْرِ , وَلَيْلَةِ عِيدِ الْأَضْحَى . ( قَوْلُهُ وَالنِّصْفِ ) أَيْ وَإِحْيَاءُ لَيْلَةِ النِّصْفِ مِنْ شَعْبَانَ . ( قَوْلُهُ وَالْأُوَل ) أَيْ وَلَيَالِي الْعَشْرِ الْأُوَلِ إلَخْ . وَقَدْ بَسَطَ الشُّرُنْبُلَالِيُّ فِي الْإِمْدَادِ مَا جَاءَ فِي فَضْلِ هَذِهِ اللَّيَالِيِ كُلِّهَا فَرَاجِعْهُ . ( قَوْلُهُ وَيَكُونُ بِكُلِّ عِبَادَةٍ تَعُمُّ اللَّيْلَ أَوْ أَكْثَرَهُ ) نُقِلَ عَنْ بَعْضِ الْمُتَقَدِّمِينَ , قِيلَ هُوَ الْإِمَامُ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ أَنَّهُ فَسَّرَ ذَلِكَ بِنِصْفِ اللَّيْلِ وَقَالَ " مَنْ أَحْيَا نِصْفَ اللَّيْلِ فَقَدْ أَحْيَا اللَّيْلَ " وَذَكَرَ فِي الْحِلْيَةِ أَنَّ الظَّاهِرَ مِنْ إطْلَاقِ الْأَحَادِيثِ الِاسْتِيعَابُ , لَكِنْ فِي صَحِيحِ مُسْلِمٍ عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ " مَا أَعْلَمُهُ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَامَ لَيْلَةً حَتَّى الصَّبَاحَ " فَيَتَرَجَّحُ إرَادَةُ الْأَكْثَرِ أَوْ النِّصْفِ , لَكِنَّ الْأَكْثَرَ أَقْرَبُ إلَى الْحَقِيقَةِ مَا لَمْ يَثْبُتْ مَا يَقْتَضِي تَقْدِيمَ النِّصْفِ . ا هـ . وَفِي الْإِمْدَادِ : وَيَحْصُلُ الْقِيَامُ بِالصَّلَاةِ نَفْلًا فُرَادَى مِنْ غَيْرِ عَدَدٍ مَخْصُوصٍ , وَبِقِرَاءَةِ الْقُرْآنِ , وَالْأَحَادِيثِ وَسَمَاعِهَا , وَبِالتَّسْبِيحِ وَالثَّنَاءِ , وَالصَّلَاةِ وَالسَّلَامِ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم الْحَاصِلُ ذَلِكَ فِي مُعْظَمِ اللَّيْلِ وَقِيلَ بِسَاعَةٍ مِنْهُ . وَعَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رضي الله عنهما بِصَلَاةِ الْعِشَاءِ جَمَاعَةً , وَالْعَزْمِ عَلَى صَلَاةِ الصُّبْحِ جَمَاعَةً , كَمَا قَالُوهُ فِي إحْيَاءِ لَيْلَتَيْ الْعِيدَيْنِ . وَفِي صَحِيحِ مُسْلِمٍ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم { مَنْ صَلَّى الْعِشَاءَ فِي جَمَاعَةٍ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَامَ نِصْفَ اللَّيْلِ , وَمَنْ صَلَّى الصُّبْحَ فِي جَمَاعَةٍ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَامَ اللَّيْلَ كُلَّهُ } " . ا هـ . [ تَتِمَّةٌ ] أَشَارَ بِقَوْلِهِ فُرَادَى إلَى مَا ذَكَرَهُ بَعْدُ فِي مَتْنِهِ مِنْ قَوْلِهِ وَيُكْرَهُ الِاجْتِمَاعُ عَلَى إحْيَاءِ لَيْلَةٍ مِنْ هَذِهِ اللَّيَالِي فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ , وَتَمَامُهُ فِي شَرْحِهِ , وَصَرَّحَ بِكَرَاهَةِ ذَلِكَ فِي الْحَاوِي الْقُدْسِيِّ . قَالَ : وَمَا رُوِيَ مِنْ الصَّلَوَاتِ فِي هَذِهِ الْأَوْقَاتِ يُصَلَّى فُرَادَى غَيْرَ التَّرَاوِيحِ . مَطْلَبٌ فِي صَلَاةِ الرَّغَائِبِ قَالَ فِي الْبَحْرِ : وَمِنْ هُنَا يُعْلَمُ كَرَاهَةُ الِاجْتِمَاعِ عَلَى صَلَاةِ الرَّغَائِبِ الَّتِي تُفْعَلُ فِي رَجَبٍ فِي أُولَى جُمُعَةٍ مِنْهُ وَأَنَّهَا بِدْعَةٌ , وَمَا يَحْتَالُهُ أَهْلُ الرُّومِ مِنْ نَذْرِهَا لِتَخْرُجَ عَنْ النَّفْلِ وَالْكَرَاهَةِ فَبَاطِلٌ ا هـ . قُلْت : وَصَرَّحَ بِذَلِكَ فِي الْبَزَّازِيَّةِ كَمَا سَيَذْكُرُهُ الشَّارِحُ آخِرَ الْبَابِ , وَقَدْ بَسَطَ الْكَلَامَ عَلَيْهَا شَارِحَا الْمُنْيَةِ , وَصَرَّحَا بِأَنَّ مَا رُوِيَ فِيهَا بَاطِلٌ مَوْضُوعٌ , وَبَسَطَا الْكَلَامَ فِيهَا خُصُوصًا فِي الْحِلْيَةِ وَلِلْعَلَامَةِ نُورِ الدِّينِ الْمَقْدِسِيَّ فِيهَا تَصْنِيفٌ حَسَنٌ سَمَّاهُ رَدْعُ الرَّاغِبِ , عَنْ صَلَاةِ الرَّغَائِبِ , أَحَاطَ فِيهِ بِغَالِبِ كَلَامِ الْمُتَقَدِّمِينَ وَالْمُتَأَخِّرِينَ مِنْ عُلَمَاءِ الْمَذَاهِبِ الْأَرْبَعَةِ .م:عَشْرُ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ التَّعْرِيفُ 1 - عَشْرُ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ : اسْمٌ لِلْعَدَدِ الَّذِي يَبْتَدِئُ مِنْ أَوَّلِ الشَّهْرِ إلَى الْعَاشِرِ مِنْهُ . الْأَحْكَامُ الْمُتَعَلِّقَةُ بِعَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ : مُضَاعَفَةُ الْعَمَلِ فِيهَا : 2 - ذَهَبَ الْفُقَهَاءُ إلَى : أَنَّ أَيَّامَ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ وَلَيَالِيَهَا أَيَّامٌ شَرِيفَةٌ وَمُفَضَّلَةٌ , يُضَاعَفُ الْعَمَلُ فِيهَا , وَيُسْتَحَبُّ الِاجْتِهَادُ فِي الْعِبَادَةِ فِيهَا , وَزِيَادَةُ عَمَلِ الْخَيْرِ وَالْبِرِّ بِشَتَّى أَنْوَاعِهِ فِيهَا , وَلِعِظَمِ شَأْنِهَا أَقْسَمَ اللَّهُ سُبْحَانَهُ بِهَا بِقَوْلِهِ : { وَالْفَجْرِ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ } حَيْثُ يَرَى جُمْهُورُ الْمُفَسِّرِينَ أَنَّ الْمَقْصُودَ مِنْ الْآيَةِ هِيَ عَشْرُ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ . وَهِيَ أَفْضَلُ أَيَّامِ السَّنَةِ لِمَا رَوَى ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ رضي الله عنهما قَالَ : { قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم : مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهَا أَحَبُّ إلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ , يَعْنِي أَيَّامَ الْعَشْرِ قَالُوا : يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ؟ قَالَ : وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ , إلَّا رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِنْ ذَلِكَ بِشَيْءٍ } . , وَلِمَا رُوِيَ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ : { مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أَحَبَّ إلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُتَعَبَّدَ لَهُ فِيهَا مِنْ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ , يَعْدِلُ صِيَامَ كُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِنْهَا بِصِيَامِ سَنَةٍ , وَقِيَامُ كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ مِنْهَا بِقِيَامِ لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ } .هندية:وَيُسْتَحَبُّ صَوْمُ تِسْعَةِ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ أَوَّلِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ كَذَا فِي السِّرَاجِ الْوَهَّاجِ .شرح الصغير: 1/692( وَ ) نُدِبَ ( صَوْمُ ) يَوْمِ ( عَرَفَةَ لِغَيْرِ حَاجٍّ ) , وَكُرِهَ لِحَاجٍّ ; أَيْ لِأَنَّ الْفِطْرَ يُقَوِّيهِ عَلَى الْوُقُوفِ بِهَا . ( وَ ) نُدِبَ صَوْمُ ( الثَّمَانِيَةِ ) الْأَيَّامِ ( قَبْلَهُ ) أَيْ عَرَفَةَ ( وَ ) صَوْمُ ( عَاشُورَاءَ وَتَاسُوعَاءُ وَالثَّمَانِيَةِ قَبْلَهُ ) أَيْ تَاسُوعَاءَ ( وَبَقِيَّةِ الْمُحَرَّمِ وَ ) صَوْمُ ( رَجَبٍ وَشَعْبَانَ , وَ ) نُدِبَ صَوْمُ ( الِاثْنَيْنِ وَالْخَمِيسِ ) , ( وَ ) نُدِبَ صَوْمُ يَوْمِ ( النِّصْفِ مِنْ شَعْبَانَ ) لِمَنْ أَرَادَ الِاقْتِصَارَ . وَالنَّصُّ عَلَى الْأَيَّامِ الْمَذْكُورَةِ - مَعَ دُخُولِهَا فِي شَهْرِهَا - لِبَيَانِ عِظَمِ شَأْنِهَا وَأَنَّهَا أَفْضَلُ مِنْ الْبَقِيَّةِ ; فَيَوْمُ عَرَفَةَ أَفْضَلُ مِمَّا قَبْلَهُ , وَعَاشُورَاءُ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ تَاسُوعَاءَ , وَهُمَا أَفْضَلُ مِمَّا قَبْلَهُمَا , وَهِيَ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ الْبَقِيَّةِ . ( وَ ) نُدِبَ صَوْمُ ( ثَلَاثَةٍ ) مِنْ الْأَيَّامِ ( مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ ) . ( وَكُرِهَ تَعْيِينُ ) الثَّلَاثَةِ ( الْبِيضِ ) الثَّالِثَ عَشَرَ وَتَالِيَاهُ فِرَارًا مِنْ التَّحْدِيدِ ( كَسِتَّةٍ مِنْ شَوَّالٍ إنْ وَصَلَهَا ) بِالْعِيدِ ( مُظْهِرًا ) لَهَا لَا إنْ فَرَّقَهَا أَوْ أَخَّرَهَا أَوْ صَامَهَا فِي نَفْسِهِ خُفْيَةً فَلَا يُكْرَهُ لِانْتِفَاءِ عِلَّةِ اعْتِقَادِ الْوُجُوبِ .حاشية الصاوي:قَوْلُهُ : [ وَنُدِبَ صَوْمُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ ] : لِمَا وَرَدَ أَنَّهُ يُكَفِّرُ سَنَتَيْنِ وَالْمُرَادُ بِنَدْبِ الصَّوْمِ تَأَكُّدُهُ وَإِلَّا فَالصَّوْمُ مُطْلَقًا مَنْدُوبٌ . قَوْلُهُ : [ وَنُدِبَ صَوْمُ الثَّمَانِيَةِ الْأَيَّامِ قَبْلَهُ ] : وَاخْتُلِفَ فِي صِيَامِ كُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِنْهَا , فَقِيلَ يَعْدِلُ شَهْرًا أَوْ شَهْرَيْنِ أَوْ سَنَةً . قَوْلُهُ : [ عَاشُورَاءَ ] : هُوَ عَاشِرُ الْمُحَرَّمِ وَتَاسُوعَاءُ تَاسِعُهُ وَهُمَا بِالْمَدِّ , وَقَدَّمَ عَاشُورَاءَ مَعَ أَنَّ تَاسُوعَاءَ مُقَدَّمٌ عَلَيْهِ فِي الْوُجُودِ لِأَنَّهُ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ تَاسُوعَاءَ . وَيُنْدَبُ فِي عَاشُورَاءَ التَّوْسِعَةُ عَلَى الْأَهْلِ وَالْأَقَارِبِ , بَلْ يُنْدَبُ فِيهِ اثْنَتَا عَشْرَةَ خَصْلَةً جَمَعَهَا بَعْضُهُمْ مَا عَدَا عِيَادَةَ الْمَرِيضِ فِي قَوْلِهِ : صُمْ صَلِّ صِلْ زُرْ عَالِمًا ثُمَّ اغْتَسِلْ رَأْسَ الْيَتِيمِ امْسَحْ تَصَدَّقْ وَاكْتَحِلْ وَسِّعْ عَلَى الْعِيَالِ قَلِّمْ ظُفْرًا وَسُورَةَ الْإِخْلَاصِ قُلْ أَلْفًا تَصِلْ قَوْلُهُ : [ وَصَوْمُ رَجَبٍ ] : أَيْ فَيَتَأَكَّدُ صَوْمُهُ أَيْضًا وَإِنْ كَانَتْ أَحَادِيثُهُ ضَعِيفَةً لِأَنَّهُ يُعْمَلُ بِهَا فِي فَضَائِلِ الْأَعْمَالِ . قَوْلُهُ : [ وَنُدِبَ صَوْمُ ثَلَاثَةٍ مِنْ الْأَيَّامِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ ] : وَالْحِكْمَةُ فِي ذَلِكَ أَنَّ الْحَسَنَةَ بِعَشْرَةِ أَمْثَالِهَا فَلِذَلِكَ كَانَ مَالِكٌ يَصُومُ أَوَّلَ يَوْمٍ مِنْهُ وَحَادِيَ عَشَرَهُ وَحَادِيَ عَشَرَيْهِ . قَوْلُهُ : [ الثَّلَاثَةُ الْبِيضُ ] : سُمِّيَتْ بِذَلِكَ لِبَيَاضِ اللَّيَالِيِ بِالْقَمَرِ . قَوْلُهُ : [ كَسِتَّةٍ مِنْ شَوَّالٍ ] : قَالَ فِي الْمَجْمُوعِ : إذَا أَظْهَرَهَا مُقْتَدًى بِهِ لِئَلَّا يَعْتَقِدَ وُجُوبَهَا أَوْ اعْتَقَدَ سُنِّيَّتَهَا لِرَمَضَانَ , كَالنَّفْلِ الْبَعْدِيِّ لِلصَّلَاةِ , وَإِنَّمَا سِرُّ حَدِيثِهَا أَنَّ رَمَضَانَ بِعَشَرَةِ أَشْهُرٍ وَالسِّتَّةَ بِشَهْرَيْنِ فَكَأَنَّهُ صَامَ الْعَامَ . وَتَخْصِيصُ شَوَّالٍ قِيلَ تَرْخِيصٌ لِلتَّمَرُّنِ عَلَى الصَّوْمِ حَتَّى إنَّهَا بَعْدَهُ أَفْضَلُ لِأَنَّهَا أَشَقُّ , وَلَا شَكَّ أَنَّهَا فِي عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ أَفْضَلُ فَلْيُتَأَمَّلْ ( ا هـ . ) قَوْلُهُ : [ لَا إنْ فَرَّقَهَا ] إلَخْ : اعْلَمْ أَنَّ الْكَرَاهَةَ مُقَيَّدَةٌ بِخَمْسَةِ أُمُورٍ تُؤْخَذُ مِنْ عِبَارَةِ الشَّارِحِ وَالْمَجْمُوعِ , فَإِنْ انْتَفَى قَيْدٌ مِنْهَا فَلَا كَرَاهَةَ وَعَلَى هَذَا يُحْمَلُ الْحَدِيثُ وَهِيَ أَنْ يُوصِلَهَا فِي نَفْسِهَا وَبِالْعِيدِ مُظْهِرًا لَهَا مُقْتَدًى بِهِ مُعْتَقِدًا سُنِّيَّتَهَا لِرَمَضَانَ كَالرَّوَاتِبِ الْبَعْدِيَّةَ

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wa-salaam alaykum

 

[proud_to_be_mus]

The Ten Blessed Days Abou Easa

The Ten Blessed Days

- Abu 'Eesa (www.propheticguidance.co.uk)

So what is it?

With the onset of the 12th and final month in the Islamic Calender, Dhul Hijjah, we have the most blessed days of the year (with the last 10 nights of Ramadhan being the most blessed nights) as explained in a number of narrations.

To understand this, we must appreciate that from Allah 'azza wa jall's immense Mercy upon us, is His giving us specific extra opportunities during our lives to really take advantage and grab the chance to please Him and worship Him even more, thanking Him for his countless bounties and grace.

When we're told that praying in the Haram in Makkah is equal to 100,000 prayers, we don't stand around and ask why! We get on with it! That's because we all appreciate what a great opportunity it is to seize the moment.

Likewise Allah 'azza wa jall gives up special times and places and occasions to use in a similar way i.e. the Day of Nahr (or Hajj i.e. 10th of Dhul Hijjah), the Day of 'Arafah, the Month of Ramadhan, the Hour of acceptance before Maghrib on the Day of Jumu'ah, the time beween the Adhan and Iqamah etc.

Likewise we have certain places too such as the two sacred Mosques of Makkah and Madinah, Masjid al-Aqsa, the Rawdha of the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam), the Black stone, the Multazam, the plain of 'Arafah, the Masjid of Khaif, etc etc.

All these times and places are there to make use of just like these 10 days and when we have the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) informing us in Sahih al-Bukhari that, "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days" then we'd be mad not to act!

What shall we do then?

In no particular order:

1. Fast – every one of these days if possible and if not then especially the 9th of Dhul Hijjah for those back in their homes. For us and others doing the Hajj, we shall not be doing that. And why are you fasting this day of 'Arafah? Because the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Fasting the day of ‘Arafah; I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it." (Sahih Muslim)

2. Make a sacrifice on behalf of yourself and your dependents. And with the Tsunami disaster at the moment, who wouldn't use this excellent opportunity to use their charity to an even greater use? Visit Human Appeal to give the Qurbani aswell as other charities (HAI is one of my recommendations). Remember, no cutting hair or nails during this period of time until after the sacrifice has been done i.e. after 'Eed day. And if you're a 'stud' who likes to prepare himself for 'Eed – well, you should have of thought of that one before…

3. Read as MUCH dhikr as you can; this includes the Qur'an of course, sending salawaat upon our beloved Messenger ('alayhis salatu was-salam) and as the Salaf used to do: much takbeers, 'Alhamdulillah', 'Subhanallah' and 'Laa ilaaha Illallaah' as possible, loudly and proudly.

4. Think. Yes, think for a little while and reflect upon your year so far. Reflect how quickly the time has passed by between the last Hajj and this Hajj. Reflect whether you've improved since Ramadhan, whether you have benefited yourself and others.

5. After that, I'm sure like me you'll realise that we can do much better and we've probably underachieved big time. So it's forgiveness and repentance time. And Du'a time! Use the day, use the NIGHTS, increase in extra prayers, increase in charity to wipe the slates clean, and increase all your happy good actions cos' remember folks, Allah says:

وَأَقِمِ الصَّلاةَ طَرَفَيِ النَّهَارِ وَزُلَفًا مِنَ اللَّيْلِ إِنَّ الْحَسَنَاتِ يُذْهِبْنَ السَّيِّئَاتِ ذَلِكَ ذِكْرَى لِلذَّاكِرِينَ

"Establish Prayer at each end of the day and in the first part of the Night. Good actions eradicate bad actions. This is a reminder for a people who pay heed." (al-Hood, 114)

May Allah accept our good deeds and make it easy for us, Ameen!

So what happens after?

Then it's 'Eed! And BIG 'Eed as Mum always used to call it, the better of the two! Enjoy yourselves, eat, drink and be very merry as the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) told us!

“The day of 'Arafah, the day of Sacrifice, and the days of al-Tashreeq (the 3 days after) are our festival, us Muslims, and they are days of eating and drinking.” (al-Tirmidhi, Sahih)

Don't be guilty about it either; if you've done your duties correctly, observed the Sunnah correctly, given charity correctly, then this is the time to smile! And for three days too! And don't forget to keep making those takbeers LOUDLY and PROUDLY all over town.

 

[madeenahsh]

Thul-Hijjah: A Month of Blessings

Previously we featured some quotes from Ibn Katheer’s Tafseer about the four sacred months refered to in the aayah (which means);
«The number of months according to Allaah is twelve, as ordained by Allaah the day He created the heavens and the Earth. Of them, four are sacred, that is the right religion, so do not wrong yourselves in them...» (At-Tawbah 9:36)

Thul-Hijjah is the twelveth month of the Islaamic calendar, and in it there are thirteen special days; the first ten days, which include the Day of ‘Arafah (the ninth); and the tenth, which is the day of ‘Eed ul-Adhhaa (sacrifice), also known as the Day of Nahr (slaughter). The three days following the Day of ‘Eed are known as the Days of Tashreeq (this refers to the process of drying the meat in the sun). All of these days are special days for Muslims. The following are some important points for emphisis, hoping that they will benfit those who are not performing Hajj this year.[1]

1. The Importance of the Ten Days
About the importance of the first ten days, the Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) said;
There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these days. (Al-Bukhaaree and at-Tirmithee)

Many people may believe that all of these days, with the exception to the day of ‘Eed, are special only for the pilgrims performing hajj. This is not the case.


2. Things to Avoid From the Beginning of Thul-Hijjah
The Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhi was-Sallam) has ordered those able to obtain a sacrifice for ‘Eed ul-Adhhaa to refrain from cutting their hair and nails after the beginning of Thul-Hijjah;
For the one who has a sacrifice to perform, then once the hilaal of Thul-Hijjah is sighted, let him not cut any of his hair or nails until he sacrifices. (Muslim and an-Nasaa’ee, similar with others)

3. The Takbeer
It is common among the Muslims to say the takbeeraat on the days of ‘Eed. However we find that many of them are under the impression that this is to be done for a duration of three days for both ‘Eed ul-Adhhaa and ‘Eed ul-Fitr. This is not the case. The takbeer for ‘Eed ul-Fitr is done on the way to the musallaaa, and ends with the ‘Eed prayer.

But during the month of Thul-Hijjah the takbir begins on the Day of ‘Arafah, (the ninth), it continues after the prayer of ‘Eed ul-Adhhaa (the tenth), as well as the three days following it.[2]

It also should be noted that the takbir is said by the individuals, it is not to be sung in a group as unfortunately is common among the people now.[3] As for the wording of the takbeer there are a few authentic reports from the companions about that. The most common takbeer on ‘Eed is that of Ibn Mas‘ood;
“Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, laa ilaha illa ’llaah; Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaah il-hamd.”[4]

4. Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah
The Day of ‘Arafah is the ninth day of Thul-Hijjah, about which the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) said;
Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah expiates the sins of two years; a past one and a coming one... (Muslim)

As for the report from Abu Hurayrah (radi-Allaahu anhu); “Allaah’s Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) prohibited fasting the day of ‘Arafah while at ‘Arafah”

This is not authentic due to a defeciency in its chain of narration.[5]

5. The ‘Eed Prayer
Of course the prayer is an important part of the ‘Eed celebration, for those not performing Hajj. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhi was-Sallam) commanded even menstruating women to attend the place of the prayer, although they were not to perform salaah.[6]

The status of the ‘Eed prayer is that it is waajib (obligatory) on the non-pilgrim, this is deduced from the command of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhi was-Sallam) to attend it, and the fact that he never neglected it. This is the view of a number of scholars, among them Abu Haneefah (radi-Allaahu anhu), Ahmad and ash-Shaafi‘ee, Ibn Taymiyah, ash-Shawkaanee and others.[7]

6. The Sacrifice of Aadhhaa
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) said; He who has the capacity, but does not sacrifice, may not approach our musallaa (for ‘Eed prayer). (Ahmad, Ibn Maajah and others)[8]

This address commands the intent for those capable, because the sacrifice is not performed until after the prayer! So if one is able, but he does not intend to perform the sacrifice, then he is not come to the prayer. Since the prayer is waajib, and not intending the sacrifice is a preventive from attending it, then it has been made a condition for the prayer. This is why most of the scholars who do not consider it waajib, still consider it sinful to leave it off without an excuse![9]

7. The Type of Animal
There are a number of different animals that may be sacrificed for al-Adhhaa. Examples include camels, cows, goats, sheep and rams;
“ During the time of the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ), one man used to sacrifice a goat for himself and his houshold, from which they would eat some and feed others...”(At-Tirmithee, Ibn Maajah and others)[10]
“ It has not been reported from the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ), nor his companions (radi-Allaahu anhu) - that they sacrificed other than camels, cows, or sheep/goats.”[11]

8. The Celebration of the Days of Tashreeq, and the Prohibition of Fasting During them
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) said;
Do not fast these days, the days of Tashreeq, for they are days of eating and drinking. (Ahmad, an-Nasaa’ee and al-Haakim)[12]

And;
The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking and mentioning Allaah. (Muslim and Ahmad)

These are the three days following the ‘Eed as mentioned earlier.

According to the statements of the companions, fasting on these days is allowed only in the case of the pilgrim who cannot afford the sacrificial animal for hajj.[13]

9. Particular Blessings for the Non-Pilgrim
Allaah (T) has given the Muslims a wonderful oppurtunity for good deeds. He (T) has ordered them to perform Hajj, and for those capable, who perform it properly, they will be forgiven thier past sins. Yet for those performing the rites of Hajj, there is no ‘Eed prayer on ‘Eed ul-Adhhaa, instead they are involed it the rites of Hajj. But it is for those who stay behind that the ‘Eed prayer has been legislated!

The same is the case with the sacrifice of Adhhaa; although the pilgrims offer a sacrifice (called hadee), and that sacrifice is part of hajj for those who are capable of going and can afford the animal, yet Allaah has left a similar means of blessing with those who cannot perform hajj, that is the sacrifice of al-Adhhaa!

In summary, between fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah (for which one may be forgiven for the sins of the previous and upcoming year), the ‘Eed prayer, the sacrifice, the additional takbeeraat, and the three extra days of celebration, the beginning of the last month of the year is full of blessings for the believing non-pilgrims.


Footnotes
The reader is encouraged to consult “Celebrations in Islaam”, and “The Regulations of ‘Eid”. Both books are widely available in English and contain numerous beneficial and important discussions that are not mentioned here.
See Majmoo‘ al-Fataawaa (24:220) Ibn Taymiyah. This view is grounded in authentic reports from the companions. Al-Albaanee states; “This is correctly narrated from ‘Ali and Ibn ‘Abbaass, and I have recorded thier routes in al-Irwaa’ (3:125), and al-Haakim recorded it from Ibn Mas‘ood.” Tamaam al-Minnah p. 356.
See as-Saheehah 1:121, al-Albaanee.
Recorded by Ibn Abee Shaybah (2:168) with an authentic chain.
It is recorded by Ahmad, Abu Daawood, an-Nasaa’ee, and Ibn Maajah. “Its chain is weak, its routes rest upon Mahdee Bin al-Hijree, an unknown as an-Nawawee said (6:380), and al-Haafiz [Ibn Hajr] in at-Talkhees (6:469). Similarly Ibn al-Qayyim, ash-Shawkaanee and others graded it weak. Its routes are shown in adh-Dha‘eefah no. 404. (al-Albaanee (Tamaam al-Minnah p. 410)
Al-Bukharee, Muslim and others.
See Majmoo‘ al-Fataawaa 23:161, Haasheeyatu Ibn ‘Aabidayn 2:166, as-Sayl ul-Jarraar 1:315 and Tamaam ul-Minnah p. 344. For the sake of justice, it is noted here that there is a difference of opinion among the noteworthy scholars about this, however, we have mentioned what seems the strongest view.
See Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah no. 2533.
See al-Muwataa’, Haasheeyatu Ibn ‘Aabideen, Nayl al-Awtaar. That it is waajib was the view of Ibn Taymiyah. It is worth noting here that most of the early Hanafee’s including Abu Haneefah himself supported the view that the sacrifice is waajib for the one capable. Additionally, there is quite a list of scholars who have detailed discussions about its status, and we have not neglected to view them! For example; Fath ul-Baaree, Subul Salaam, Mushkil al-Aathaar, al-Muhallaa etc., as well as those mentioned above. However, due to the arguments presented, the argument for waajib is the more resonable and prooven one. This is true in light of the claims by many that most of the companions did not consider it waajib. For example; Ibn ‘Umar is reported to have been asked if it was waajib and said; “The Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhi was-Sallam) and the Muslims after him sacrificed.” This was recorded by at-Tirmithee, by way of Jubalah Bin Suhaym. Similar is mentioned by al-Bukhaaree without isnaad. The report from at-Tirmithee was graded weak by al-Albaanee, see Dha‘eef Sunan at-Tirmithee (no. 260). Al-Mubaarakpooree explained that it is weak due to one of the narrators (Al-Hajaaj Bin Art’ah) who is a mudalis, and he said ‘from’ Jubaylah, i.e. he was not clear about hearing it (Tuhfat al-Ahwathee no. 1542). Then Ibn Hajar states that this report from Ibn ‘Umar was connected by Hamaad Bin Salamah wih a good chain in his Musanaf. (Fath ul-Baaree) But its chain contains Ziyaad Bin ‘Abdur-Rahmaan from Ibn ‘Umar who said, “The udhhiyah is a sunnah.” And this Ziyaad is not in good enough condition to give witness to the previous report. Then there are absurd reports to argue that it is not waajib. Ibn Hazm says (al-Muhalla); “By way of Wak‘ee; Abu Ma‘shar al-Madeenee informed us from ‘Abdullaah Bin ‘Umayr, the freed servant of Ibn ‘Abbaas, from Ibn ‘Abbaas that he gave a freed servant of his two dirhams and said, ‘Buy some meat with them and tell whoever you meet; “This is Ibn ‘Abbaas’ udhhiyah.”!!! This report is weak due to Abu Ma‘shar whose name is Najeeh as-Sindee, listed by an-Nasaa’ee among the abandoned narrators, and “Munkar in hadeeth” according to al-Bukhaaree. Whatever the case regarding these reports, it is as ash-Shawkaanee asserts, “There is no proof in any of this.”! (Nayl al-Awtaar)
So they include Ibn ‘Abbas among those who did not consider it waajib based upon the likes of this “report”!? So the evidence remains with the authentic hadeeths from the Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhi was-Sallam). And Allaah knows best.
It is authentic, see Irwaa’ ul-Ghaleel no. 1142.
Nasb ar-Raayah. Vol. 4, p. 216 [7174]. It has been said that Bilaal (radi-Allaahu anhu) sacrificed a chicken. Although this has been stated by some esteemed scholars, they have only mentioned this as part of the argument of those who deem the sacrifice to be less than waajib. Since I have heard of some brothers acting on what they have heard about Bilaal (radi-Allaahu anhu): Ibn Rushid says, “It is reported that Bilaal sacrificed a chicken.” (Bidaayaat al-Mujtaahid) As-Sa‘naanee (Sublus-Salaam) said, “It is reported that Bilaal sacrificed a chicken.” Ibn Hazm said (Al-Muhallaa); “By way of Sa‘eed Bin Mansoor, reported to us Abu al-Ahwaas, reported to us ‘Imraan Bin Muslim - he is al-Ja‘fee - from Suwayd Bin Ghafalah, who said, ‘Bilaal said to me, “There is no problem for me in sacrificing a chicken. Because if I take the value of the udhhiyah and give it in charity to the needy then it would be better to me than to make a sacrifice with it.”’” This report, if it is authentic, states that a companion of the Messenger (sal-Allaahu 'alayhi was-Sallam) is claiming that one general good deed is better than another one that was specifically prescribed -without mentioning a reason for doing so - and this cannot be known by person except the Messenger (sal-Allaahu 'alayhi was-Sallam) who established it. Rather more appropriate is what az-Za‘lee said above, that such animal has not been reported to have been sacrificed by the Messenger (sal-Allaahu 'alayhi was-Sallam) nor any of his companions. And Allaah knows best.
Al-Albaanee graded it saheeh in Saheeh ul-Jaami‘ no. 7355.
See Saheeh al-Bukhaaree: the Book of Fasting; Fasting on the days of Tashreeq, where it is recorded that ‘Aa’ishah (radi-Allaahu anhu) said; “No one was allowed to fast on the days of Tashreeq except those who did not have the hadee [sacrifice].” A somewhat similar statement is quoted from Ibn ‘Umar. In his Tafseer, Ibn Katheer said that this view is also reported from ‘Ali, ‘Ikrimah, al-Hasan al-Basree, and ‘Urwah Bin az-Zubayr.

 

[Makky]

few days left before the begining of Month thuAl hijaa ... Get ready , prepare yourself by Tawbah 'repentance' and increase your ' practice ' gradually to reach your peak in the 1st day insha Allah .

 

[Muhammad]

Indeed, Dhul Hijjah is approaching us and we should all hasten not to let this blessed time slip away, especially if we did not benefit much from the last nights of Ramadhaan. Here are a couple of other relevant threads:

http://www.islamicboard.com/islamic-etiquettes/15253-easy-actions-rewards-multiplied.html - #20

http://www.islamicboard.com/hajj-eid-ul-adha/12247-fasting-9-dhul-hijjah.html

http://www.islamleicester.com/Portals/0/newsletters/volume 5/At-Taqwa Newsletter 5_9.pdf
http://www.islamicboard.com/hajj-ei...ah-month-blessings.html?highlight=thul+hijjah

I think the 1st of Dhul Hijjah will next Wednesday or Thursday Insha'Allaah; we can make a proper announcement closer to the time.

May Allaah help and strengthen us all to reap the benefits of this time, Aameen.

 

[Pure]

The Best Day of the Year.. (do you know??)

The first ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah will begin this Thurs. Dec. 21!!

From One to Ten … All Merits! (www.islamonline.net)

"Allah says in the Qur'an what means:
*And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty.*(Al-Hijr 15:99)
"Scholars explain: "The 'certainty' means death."

"Then, among the special seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which Allah has preferred over all the other days of the year…"

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has said:

"There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved by Allah than these [ten] days." (Reported by Bukhari, Tirmidhi and others.)

For this reason, all the good deeds we can do should be done during these days with more vigor and piety. In particular, fasting and dhikr (repetitive remembrance of Allah by both heart and tongue) need to be given special importance.

Prophet Muhammad exhorted his followers to do more righteous deeds, during this period, because of the virtue of these days. He has commanded us to recite more tasbih (saying subhan Allah: 'glory be to Allah'). This is as well as to tahmeed (saying al-hamdu lillah: 'all praise be to Allah') and takbir (saying Allahu Akbar: 'Allah is Greatest').

Abdullah ibn `Umar reported that Prophet Muhammad said:

"There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days. So, during this time, recite a great deal of tahlil (saying La ilaha illa-Allah: ‘there is no god but Allah’), takbir and tahmeed." (Reported by Ahmad.)

The Day of `Arafat (the day before Eid-ul-Adha)

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah include the days of Hajj. Of particular importance is the Day of `Arafat, on which Allah perfected His religion. Fasting on this day is one of the most important sunnah fasts, which can expiate the sins of two years. Fasting on all these days, however, is not obligatory, nor was it a constant practice of the messenger.

One of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Allah's messenger used to fast the [first] nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of `Ashura', and three days of each month." (Reported by Abu Dawud.)

The day of `Arafat is the day when the pilgrims stand in worship on the Mountain of `Arafat. This has been called the best day of the year.

The Prophet Muhammad has been quoted as saying:

"Fasting the day of `Arafat expiates the sins of two years: a past one and a coming one. And, fasting the day of `Ashura' (the tenth of the lunar month of Muharram) expiates the sins of the past year." (Reported by Muslim.)

The Day of `Eid Al-Adha (Dec. 31)

The tenth of Dhul-Hijjah is `Eid Al-Adha or the day of an-Nahr (sacrifice). It marks the conclusion of the major rites of Hajj. It also commemorates Allah's bounty on His messenger Ibraheem (peace be upon him), when He gave him a ram to sacrifice, as ransom for his son Isma`il, (peace be upon him).

`Eid Al-Adha is a day of festival for Muslims who do not perform Hajj. While the pilgrims complete their rites, other Muslims continue with their `Eid celebrations. Here, they are prohibited from fasting. These are days of fun, happiness, eating, drinking and glorifying of Allah.

The Sacrifice

Allah has mentioned the duty of the sacrifice together with the first and foremost worship in Islam, namely prayer. This obviously signifies its great importance. In the Qur'an, Allah says what means:
*Therefore pray to your Lord and sacrifice.*(Al-Kawthar 108:2)
Sacrificing an animal, as part of `Eid observance, is an important sunnah, and a worship enjoined by the law of Allah. Many scholars stand to the view that the sacrifice is obligatory only on those who can afford it and not obligatory on those who cannot.

The sacrifice is not only to be enjoyed by the one who sacrifices and his family. A main reason behind this ritual is to provide for the poor and let them share this moment of happiness. It is to give charity to the poor and give them portion of what you eat in your own house. Thus, becoming one big family, sharing the same belief, as well as the same joy.

 

[Karimeldib]

The Greatest Days of This World..

What is the significance of the first ten days of Dhul Hijja?

1)Allah honored them when he swears an oath by them in the Qur'an as well, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit.
Allah says: (interpretation of the meaning): "By the dawn; by the 10 nights" [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Ibn Abbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: "This is the correct opinion."

2)Allah completed our religion in our of its days, the day of Arafa, as He revealed to the Prophet peace be upon him: 5-3 (This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.) It was a Friday and the Prophet peace be upon him was standing on mount Arafa.

3)These ten days are the completion of the forty days that Allah appointed for Musa peace be upon him, Allah says: 7-143 (We appointed for Musa thirty nights, and completed (the period) with ten (more): thus was completed the term (of communion) with his Lord, forty nights.) Ibn kathir may Allah have mercy on him said: “The scholars of tafseer have different opinions on the meaning of these ten days. The majority are of the opinion that the thirty days are the month of Dhul Qiada and the ten are the first of Dhul Hijja; Mujahid, Masrouq, and Ibn Jarij said this, it was also related to Ibn Abbas and others.”

4)These ten days complete the months of Hajj 2-197 (For Hajj are the months well-known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj and whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it.)

5)These ten days are the appointed days that Allah prescribed for us to celebrate His name for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Allah says: 22-28 (That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days Appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them.) Ibn Rajab may Allah have mercy on him said: “The majority of scholars agree that the "appointed days" are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah”
6)Good deeds in these ten days are more beloved to Allah than in the rest of the year. The Prophet peace be upon him said: “There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days; meaning the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. They inquired: Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah? He said: Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, unless one goes out for Jihad sacrificing both his life and property and returning with neither.”

7)These days are the greatest days of the year. The Prophet peace be upon him said: “The greatest days of the World are (these) ten days” Ibn Rajab may Allah have mercy on him said: “The apparent reason for the preference of the ten days of Dhul Hijja is that it all the main form of worship are performed in it; Prayer, Fasting, Zakah, and Hajj, and this does not happen in any other days”.

8)These ten days are in the sacred months (The sacred months are Dhul Qiada, Dhul Hijja, Muharam, and Ragab.) 9-36 (The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year), so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred: that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselves therein)

9)It has the day of Arafa in it. The Messenger of Allah peace be upon him said:” There is no day when Allah sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of Arafah. He draws near, then praises them to the angels, saying: What do these seek?”

10)It has the day of Nahr. The Prophet peace be upon him said: “"This is the greatest Day (i.e. 10th of Dhul Hijjah)."

What should we do in these days?

1)Making remembrance of Allah, this is general, all kinds of dhikr, reading Quran, making salah and salam on the Prophet peace be upon him, Allah says: 22-28 (and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days Appointed). There is also specific dhikr which should be done in these days, the Prophet peace be upon him 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. So say tahlil (There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah : La ilaha illAllah ), takbir (Allah is the greatest : Allahu Akbar) and tahmid (All praise is due to Allah : alhamdulillah) a lot [on those days]." Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with them) used to go out to the marketplaces during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and recite out loud the takbeer and people would repeat it after them. It is commended to recite them out loud (women should do it silently) in marketplaces, at homes, roads, mosques and elsewhere.

2)Fasting the first nine days (the tenth day is the day of eid, and you are not allow to fast this day) especially the day of Arafa (the ninth day). It was related by the wives of the Prophet may Allah be pleased with them that the Prophet peace be upon him used to fast all of these nine days. The Prophet peace be upon him said: “Any slave of Allah who observes fast of a day in the cause of Allah, Allah would separate between him and the Fire a distance of seventy years on account of observing that day. The Prophet also said about fasting the day of Arafa: “I expect Allah to expiate the sins that were committed during the preceding year, and the sins that will be committed in the year after.”

3)Praying at night (qiyam). Saeid ibn jubair may Allah have mercy on him used to say: “do not turn out your lights during the ten night”, and he would do acts of worship until he was barely able to do any more.

4)Sacrificing and slaughter of an animal on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. Some scholars say this is Wajib, but the jimhoor (vast majority) say it is Sunnah Mu'akadah (important sunnah). When you sacrifice you say "bismillah Allahu akbar Allahuma 3any wa3an ahl baity" ("In the name of Allah - Allahu akbar - oh Allah this is for me and my family.") Reputable scholars all agree that doing the sacrifice is better than giving its equivalent, because sacrifice is a worship in and of itself. A leader of the household can sacrifice for himself and for his dependants such as children, women and men like the sahabah and salaf used to do. One planning on sacrificing should not cut his hair or nails until sacrifice is complete. This only applies to the head of the house who is paying for the sacrifice and not his dependants. It is not requested that you do it by hand however that is the best, you may oversee the sacrifice as well or if unable give the power to someone to do this for you. The sacrifice should be done after 'Eid prayer and you have until three days after, the Prophet peace be upon him ordered those who sacrificed before prayer to do it again.

5)The Muslim must make sure to observe Eid prayer in its designated place, and attend the khutbah of the Eid. Makhnaf ibn Seleem, who is counted as a companion, said: “Going out to the prayer of the day Fitr is equivalent to (doing) Umrah and going out to the prayer of the day of Addha is equivalent to (doing) Hajj.

6)One should generally try to do more good deeds and try to stop the evil deeds. Here are some examples of deeds that you can do: The Prophet peace be upon him said:” Whoever walks to a prescribed prayer in congregation it is like (doing) one Hajj” he also said “He who observed the Isha in congregation it was a if he prayed until the middle of the night and he who observes Fajr in congregation it is as if has prayed the whole night” he also said “A person can attain with his good manners the levels of the one who fasts (everyday) and stands (all night praying).

7)Performing Hajj and Umrah, which are the best of all observances. Its excellence is signified by many Prophetic traditions. The Prophet peace be upon him said: “Performing Umrah and following it with another expiates sins that are committed in between. And the perfect Hajj would be rewarded with nothing other than Jannah.” He also said: “"Whoever performs hajj to this Ka'ba and does not approach his wife for sexual relations nor commit sins (while performing hajj), he will come out as sinless as a new-born child, (just delivered by his mother)."

These ten days will start on Thursday or Friday insha’ Allah.
May Allah help us to use these days the best way we can, and may He accept from us our deeds and forgive our shortcomings.

 

[Maimunah]

Re: The Greatest Days of This World..

mashaAllah great post bro
jazakaAllah khyar

wasalaam

 

[tresbien]

Re: The Greatest Days of This World..

It is mustahabb to fast the first eight days of Dhu’l-Hijjah for pilgrims and others

Question:
What is the ruling on fasting on the first eight days of Dhu’l-Hijjah for the pilgrims? I know that it is makrooh for them to fast on the Day of ‘Arafah.

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

Fasting on the first eight days of Dhu’l-Hijjah is mustahabb for pilgrims and others, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” They said: O Messenger of Allaah, not even jihad for the sake of Allaah? The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out with his self and his wealth and comes back with neither.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (969) and al-Tirmidhi (757), from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him).

It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (28/91): The fuqaha’ are unanimously agreed that it is mustahabb to fast during the first eight days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, before the day of ‘Arafah. The Maalikis and Shaafa’is stated that it is Sunnah to fast on these days for the pilgrim too. End quote.

It says in Nihaayat al-Muhtaaj (3/207): It is Sunnah to fast the eight days before the day of ‘Arafah, as is stated in al-Rawdah, and that applies equally to pilgrims and others, but it is not Sunnah for the pilgrim to fast on the day of ‘Arafah, rather it is mustahabb for him not to fast then, even if he is able for it, following the example of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and so that he will have more strength for du’aa’. End quote.

And Allaah knows best.

 

[Karimeldib]

Tomorrow (Thursday) Start the 10 days of Dhul Hijja

May Allah accept our deeds.

 

[waji]

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 (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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 (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) testified that these are the best days of this world, as we have already quoted above from saheeh ahaadeeth.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allaah" ), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar") during this time.

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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.
Prohibitions for the Muslim Offering Sacrifice

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 (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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.


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:


1-Fasting.
It is Sunnah to fast on the ninth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

"The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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).


2-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 (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father): "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 (may Allaah be pleased with them) 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 (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):

"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).

3-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 (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): .

"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.

4-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).

5-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 (www.islam-qa. com)



Takbeer at specified times and all the time
What is the takbeer at specified times and all the time? When does it start?.
Answer :
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly – The virtue of Takbeer

The first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are venerated days. Allaah swore by them in His Book, and swearing by a thing is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“By the dawn; By the ten nights (i.e. the first ten days of the month of Dhul‑Hijjah)”[al-Fajr 89:1]

Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid and others among the earlier and later generations said: This refers to the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: This is the correct view. Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413

Good deeds during these days are beloved to Allaah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Not even jihad 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.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 969; al-Tirmidhi, 757. This version was narrated by al-Tirmidhi and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 605.
One of the righteous deeds during these days is to remember Allaah by reciting takbeer (saying “Allaahu akbar”) and tahleel (saying “Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah”), because of the following evidence.

1 – 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” [al-Hajj 22:28]

The “appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

2 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And remember Allaah during the appointed Days” [al-Baqarah 2:203]
These are the days of al-Tashreeq, i.e. the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

3 – The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The days of tashreeq are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allaah.” Narrated by Muslim, 1141.

Secondly: Description of the Takbeer

The scholars differed concerning the form of the Takbeer.
1 – The first view is that it is:
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, and to Allaah be praise).

2 – The second view is that it is:
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, and to Allaah be praise).

3 – The third view is that it is:
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, and to Allaah be praise).

The matter is broad in scope because there is no text narrated from the Prophet SAW which specifies a particular form of the Takbeer.

Thirdly – The time of the Takbeer

The takbeer is divided into two categories:

1 – Takbeer at any time. This is takbeer that is not limited to a specific time, and it is Sunnah to say it all the time, morning and evening, before prayer and after prayer, at all times.

2 – Takbeer at certain times. This is takbeer that is limited to the time immediately after prayer.

It is Sunnah to recite takbeer at any time during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and all the days of Tashreeq, starting from the beginning of the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah (i.e., from sunset on the last day of Dhu’l-Qa’dah) until the end of the days of al-Tashreeq, which is when the sun sets on the thirteenth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah) .

With regard to at certain times, it starts from Fajr on the day of ‘Arafah and lasts until the sun sets on the last day of the days of Tashreeq, in addition to the takbeer that may be recited at any time. So when a person says the tasleem at the end of the obligatory prayer, he should pray for forgiveness (by saying Astaghfir-Allaah) three times, and say, “Allaahumma anta al-salaam wa minka al-salaam, tabaarakta yaa dhaa’l-jalaali wa’l-ikraam (“O Allaah, You are al-Salaam [the One Who is free from all defects and deficiencies) , and from You is all peace, blessed are You, O possessor of majesty and honour)”, then start the takbeer.

This is for those who are not on Hajj. The pilgrims should start the takbeer recited after prayer from Zuhr on the Day of Sacrifice (the 10th of Dhu’l-Hijjah) .
And Allaah knows best.

See Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), 13/17; al-Sharh al-Mumti’ by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him), 5/220-224.
Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa. com)


Title of Fatwa: Excellence of the Day of `Arafah

Question: Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Could you please explain the excellence of the Day of `Arafah? Jazakum Allah khayran.
Content of Reply:
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear questioner, thank you very much for having confidence in us, and we hope our efforts, which are purely for Allah's Sake, meet your expectations.

It is very important to note that there is no day better in the sight of Allah than the Day of `Arafah. On this day Allah descends to the nearest heaven, and He is proud of His slaves on the earth and says to those in heaven,

“Look at My servants. They have come from far and near, with hair disheveled and faces covered with dust, to seek My mercy, even though they have not seen My chastisement.”

In this regard, we will cite what Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq states in his well-known book, Fiqh Us-Sunnah:

“Jabir reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah are the best days in the sight of Allah.”

A man asked, “Are these days better than an equivalent number of days that are spent fighting for the cause of Allah?”

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) answered, “They are better than an equivalent number of days spent fighting in the cause of Allah. And there is no day better in the sight of Allah than the Day of `Arafah. On this day Allah, the Almighty and the Exalted One, descends to the nearest heaven, and He is proud of His slaves on the earth and says to those in heaven, ‘Look at My servants. They have come from far and near, with hair disheveled and faces covered with dust, to seek My mercy, even though they have not seen My chastisement. Far more people are freed from the Hellfire on the Day of `Arafah than on any other day. ’”

Al-Mundhri said that this hadith was reported by Abu Ya`la, Al-Bazzar, Ibn Khuzaymah, and Ibn Hibban, in whose wording it is given here.
Ibn Al-Mubarak reported from Sufyan Ath-Thawri, from Az-Zubayr ibn `Ali, from Anas ibn Malik that he said: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spent the day at
`Arafah until almost sunset. Then he said,

“O Bilal, ask the people to be quiet and listen to me.”

Bilal stood up and asked the people to be quiet and listen to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). When the people were quiet, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“O people, a little while ago Gabriel (peace and blessings be upon him) came to me. Gave me salutations from Allah and informed me that Allah has forgiven those who spend the Day at `Arafah and those who stop at Al-Mash`ar Al-Haram, and that He has guaranteed their debts.”

At this `Umar ibn Al-Khattab stood up and asked,

“O Allah’s Messenger, is this for us only?”

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“This is for you and for all those who will come after you until the Day of Judgment.” `Umar exclaimed, “How plentiful and blissful Allah’s bounties are!”

Muslim and others have reported from `A’ishah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“Allah frees far more people from Hellfire on the Day of `Arafah than on any other day, and Allah comes closer this day and proudly says to the angels, ‘What do these people want and seek?’”

Abu Ad-Darda reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“On no other day does the Satan feel so belittled, humiliated, and angry as he does on the Day of `Arafah.”

The reason for this is the mercy of Allah that descends (this day) and the forgiveness that He grants to people for major sins, except the day of the Battle of Badr, which witnessed a far greater mercy of Allah descending upon people, which caused great sadness to Satan.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked,
“O Prophet of Allah, what did Satan see on the day of the Battle of Badr?” “He saw Gabriel leading the troops of angels,” he replied (Reported by Malik and Al-Hakim).”


Title of Fatwa: Fasting on the Day of `Arafah
Question of Fatwa: Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it Sunnah for pilgrims to fast on the day of `Arafah? Jazakum Allah khayran!
Content of Reply:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you place in us, and we implore Allah, the Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for
His Sake alone.
It is not Sunnah for pilgrims to fast on the Day of `Arafah so that they will be strong enough to devote themselves to worship and supplicating. However, it is Sunnah for non-pilgrims to fast on that day.

In this regard, we will cite what Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq, states in his well-known book, Fiqh As-Sunnah:

“It is confirmed that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not fast on the Day of `Arafah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Verily the Day of `Arafah, the Day of Sacrifice (Yawm An-Nahr), and the days of Tashriq (the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah) are our days of festivities. These are the days of eating and drinking."

It is also established that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade fasting on the Day of `Arafah for those who are at `Arafah (for pilgrimage).
Abu Hurayrah, (may Allah be pleased with him), narrates that the Prophet, (peace and blessings be upon him),

“Forbade fasting on the day of `Arafah for one who is actually at `Arafah." (Reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah.)

This has led most scholars to conclude that it is desirable not to fast on the Day of `Arafah, so that the pilgrim will be strong enough to devote himself wholeheartedly to worship and supplicating.
Some of the hadiths that encourage fasting on the Day of `Arafah are concerned with the people who are not staying at `Arafah as pilgrims performing Hajj.”



What is meant by sacrifice and what are its rulings?
Sacrifice is the act of slaughtering. Some of the rulings concern the persons who are slaughtering and others concerned when the slaughter should take place.

Who should sacrifice and what are the conditions?
First, one must have the intention (niyyah) of sacrificing before doing so. The sacrifice has to meet certain conditions, the first of which is the intention. The person who sacrifices must set his or her intention before slaughtering. The sacrifice is not accepted without it because slaughtering is done for different reasons: It could be done for the meat or to get closer to Allah. If the slaughtering is done to seek closeness to Allah, then the intention has to precede the act. It is not required that the person who is actually doing the slaughter mention on whose behalf he is slaughtering because the intention will suffice.

Second, the person who does the slaughtering should be a Muslim. It is preferable that a Muslim do the slaughtering because the sacrifice is an act of worship for the purpose of pleasing Allah Almighty. Therefore it is better if a Muslim does the slaughtering himself or herself. If a Muslim delegates a non-Muslim to slaughter on his behalf, it is acceptable but hated (makruh). This is the opinion of the schools of Ibn Hanbal and Ash-Shafi`i, Abu Thawr, and Ibn Al-Mundhir.

On the other hand, Imam Ahmad and Imam Malik forbid the non-Muslim to slaughter the sacrificial animal; Imam `Ali, Ibn Abbas and Ghabir said it is hated (makruh) for a non-Muslim to slaughter. But Ibn Qudamah argued that if it is permissible for a non-Muslim to slaughter for Muslims for the meat, why should he not be permitted to slaughter for the sacrifice? If a non-believer is permitted to participate in the building of mosques for Muslims, why should he not also be permitted to slaughter the sacrifice for them?

Third, it is preferable for the person who sacrifices to slaughter the sacrificial animal himself or herself. It is preferable for the person sacrificing- be it a man or a woman-to slaughter the animal with his or her own hands. The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) slaughtered two rams with his own hands.

Fourth, one should say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) before slaughtering. It was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say when slaughtering, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest). Ibn `Umar and Qutadah said they don’t know anyone who disagrees with the foregoing. If one has forgotten to utter these words, the sacrifice will be acceptable; and if one adds to it the following supplication it would be even better according to many scholars: “O Allah, This is from You and unto You, so please accept it from me or from the person on whose behalf I am slaughtering.”

The Time of Sacrifice:
The earliest time to slaughter is after the `Eid Prayer and sermon; the latest time is the end of the second Day of Tashreeq (the days following `Eid). The slaughtering days, therefore, are three: the `Eid and the two days following it, i.e., 10, 11, and 12 Dhul-Hijjah. This is according to `Umar, `Ali, Ibn `Umar, Ibn Abbas, Abu Hurayrah, Anas, and the opinion of Ibn Hanbal.

What to Do with the Sacrificial Meat
The person who is sacrificing should take one-third of the meat for his or her family, give one-third as a gift, and give one-third to the poor. If he or she keeps more than one-third it is all right. The followers of Ibn Hanifah say the more you give to the poor the better.

Paying the Butcher
The followers of Ibn Hanbal declared that the butcher should not be paid with the meat of the sacrificed animal instead of with money. Ash-Shaf`i and the scholars of his school supported this opinion but said that if the butcher is a poor man, it is all right to give him part of the meat as a present the same as others, especially when he has slaughtered the animal and seen the meat that he is deprived of .

Selling the Meat or Skin
The followers of Abu Hanbal declared that it is forbidden to sell any of the meat or the skin of the sacrificial animal, whether this animal is slaughtered to fulfill a vow or slaughtered voluntarily. Imam Ahmad and Imam Shaf`i forbade selling its meat or any part of it. Al-Hasan and An-Nukha`i permitted selling the skin and buying with the money something beneficial to oneself and others; thus he differentiated between the meat and the skin.

Abu Hanifah said to sell the meat and donate the money to the poor. It was reported that Ibn `Umar said to sell the meat and donate the money. Ibn Qudamah, on the other hand, forbid selling the meat and the skin because they are part of one another, but one can use it or donate it as one does with the meat. It was known that `Alqama and Masruq used to tan the skins of their sacrificial animals and use them as prayer rugs.

How to Slaughter
Local health or animal rights laws may restrict where the actual slaughter may take place. Please check with your local mosque for information. If this is the first time you will be doing the slaughtering with your own hands, have someone experienced in this with you to advise and assist.
The conditions for the actual slaughter are this:
1. The animal should be slaughtered by a sharp object which is capable of making it bleed by severing blood vessels, even if the sharp object is a stone or a piece of wood.
2. The slaughtering is to be done by cutting the throat of the animal or by piercing the hollow of the throat, causing its death. The best way is to cut the windpipe, the gullet, and the two jugular veins.
3. No name other than Allah’s should be mentioned over the animal at the time of slaughter.
4. The name of Allah should be mentioned while slaughtering the animal. You should say, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”
For more details on this, see the section The Conditions of Islamic Slaughtering in The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam by Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.
This originally appeared as a section of a longer article, “Al-Ahkam Al-Hajj,” inIslamOnline’ s Arabic Special Hajj Page.

 

['Abd al-Baari]

The Superiority of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,

The Superiority of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah
By Shaykh ibn al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him


All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Chief of the Messengers, Muhammad.

Indeed it is a great favour and blessing from Allah that He has made for His righteous servants periods of time within which they can increase in good deeds to attain great rewards and one of these opportunistic periods is the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (the final month of the Islamic Calendar, in which the hajj is performed).


Superiority of the FIRST Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

The excellence of these ten days have been mentioned in the Qur'ân and the Sunnah.

1. Allah says in the Qur'ân:

"By the dawn and by the ten nights … " [Al-Qur'ân 89:1-2]

Ibn Kathîr said that "the ten nights" referred to here are the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and this opinion was also held by Ibn Abbâs, Ibn az-Zubair, Mujâhid and others.


2. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

"There are no deeds as excellent as those done in these ten days." They (the companions listening) said, "Not even Jihâd?" He, peace be upon him, said, "No, not even Jihâd except a man who goes forth endangering his life and wealth and does not return with anything." [Recorded by al-Imâm al-Bukhârî]



3. Allah says:

" … and remember the name of Allah in the appointed days." [Al-Qur'ân 2:203]

Ibn Abbâs and Ibn Kathîr said this means in the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.



4. The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said:

"There are no other days that are as great as these in the sight of Allah, the Most Sublime. Nor are there any deeds more beloved to Allah then those that are done in these ten days. So increase in tahlîl (to say lâ illaha illallah), takbîr (to say allahu akbar) and tahmîd (to say alhumdulillâh)." [Reported by at-Tabarânî in al-Mu'jum al-Kabîr]



5. With regards to the noble companion Saîd bin Jubair, when the days of Dhul-Hijjah began he would strive to increase in good actions with great intensity until he was unable to increase anymore. [Reported by ad-Dârimî]



6. Ibn Hajar says in Fath al-Bârî:

"The most apparent reason for the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah being distinguished in excellence is due to the assembly of the greatest acts of worship in this period, i.e. salawât (prayers), siyâm (fasting), sadaqah (charity) and the hajj (pilgrimage). In no other periods do these great deeds combine."


What are the recommended acts in these days?

1. The Prayer - It is highly recommended to perform the obligatory acts at their prescribed times (as early as possible) and to increase oneself in the superogatory acts, for indeed, this is what brings a person closer to their Lord. The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said:

"Upon you is to increase in your prostration to Allah, for verily you do not prostrate to Allah with even one prostration, except that He raises you in degrees and decreases your sins because of it." [Reported by Muslim]

2. Fasting - This has been mentioned as one of the acts of righteousness where Hanbada ibn Khâlid reports on the authority of his wife who reports that some of the wives of the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:

The Prophet, upon whom be peace, would fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of Âshûra and three days in every month. [Recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dâwûd, an-Nisâî and others]

Al-Imâm an-Nawawî said that fasting in these ten days is extremely recommended.


3. Saying allahu akbar; lâ illaha illallah and alhamdulillâh - It is found in the aforementioned narration of Ibn 'Umar:

"So increase yourselves in saying lâ illaha illallah, allahu akbar and alhamdulillâh."

Al-Imâm Bukhârî, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

"Ibn 'Umar and Abû Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with them both, used to go out to the markets in the ten days saying the takbîr causing the people to follow them in this action."

He also said:

"Umar ibn al-Khattâb used to say the takbîr in his minaret in Mina, whereupon the people of the mosque hearing 'Umar, would start to say the takbîr as would the people in the markets until the whole of Mina was locked in glorifying Allah."

Ibn 'Umar used to say the takbîr in Mina during these ten days and after prayers, whilst on his bed, in his tent, in his gathering and whilst walking. What is recommended is to say the takbîr aloud due to the fact that 'Umar ibn al-Khattâb, his son and Abû Hurayrah used to do likewise, may Allah be pleased with them all.

Strive with us O Muslims in reviving this sunnah that has become lost in these times and it was almost forgotten, even amongst the people of righteousness and goodness all of which is unfortunately in opposition to what the best of generations were upon (preserving and maintaining the superogatory acts).

There are a number of ways of making takbîr that have been narrated by the companions and their followers and from these ways is the following:

- Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, allahu akbar kabîrun.

- Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, lâ ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, wallahu akbar, wa lillahil hamd.

- Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, allahu akbar, lâ ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, allahu akbar wa lillâhil hamd.



4. Fasting on the day of 'Arafah - Fasting has been affirmed on the day of 'Arafah, where it has been confirmed from the Prophet, peace be upon him, that he said regarding fasting on the day of 'Arafah:

"Be content with the fact that Allah will expiate for you your sins for the year before (the day of 'Arafah) and the year after (the day of 'Arafah)." [Reported by Muslim]

However, whoever is at 'Arafah as a pilgrim then fasting is not expected of him, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, stopped at 'Arafah to eat.


May the peace of Allah be upon his Prophet, the family of the Prophet and all of his companions

Source

 

[Umm Yoosuf]

Re: The Superiority of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Jazakallahu Khayr

 

[chacha_jalebi]

Re: The Superiority of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

lol mashallah bro abdullah i was gona post up something but ya beat moi to it

here what i was gona post . . . .

Virtues Of Dhul Hijjah

Ibn Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days; meaning the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. They inquired: Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah? He said: Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, unless one goes out for Jihad sacrificing both his life and property and returning with neither. (Al-Bukhaari)

In another version, Ibn Umar (radiallahu anhumaa) reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam), said: There are no days during which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allah than these ten days. So recite more often the Tahleel (Laa Ilaaha Illallah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah). (Imam Ahmad) Jaabir reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: The best day is the Day of Arafah. There are no days during which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allaah than these ten days. So recite more often the Tahleel (Laa Ilaaha Illallah) , Takbeer (Allahu Akbar),
Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).

Ten Kinds of Observances In These Days

With regard to 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 duty of a Muslim 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 Dhul Hijjah are:

First: Performing Hajj and Umrah, which are the best of all observances. Its excellence is signified by many Prophetic traditions. The Prophet (sallallaahualaihi wa sallam) said: Performing Umrah and following it with another expiates sins that are committed in between. And the perfect Hajj would be requited with nothing other than Jannah. There are also many
authentic traditions to that effect.

Second: Observing fasting on all or some of these days, particularly on the Day of Arafah. There is no doubt that fasting is the best of observances; for it is one of the observances which Allah relates to Himself, according to the holy tradition (hadith Qudsi): Fasting is for Me, and I shall requite it. My
slave relinquishes his desires, food, and drink for My sake.

Abu Saeed al-Khudri (radiallahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Any slave of Allah who observes fast of a day in the cause of Allah, Allah would separate between him and the Fire a distance of seventy years on account of observing that day. (Agreed upon).

Abu Qataadah (radiallahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Observing fasting on the Day of Arafat; I expect Allah to expiate the sins that were committed during the preceding year, and the sins that will be committed in the year after. (Imam Muslim)

Third: Reciting takbeer, and Dhikr in these days according to the words of Allah, the Exalted: And mention the name of Allah in certain days [Al-Baqarah 2:203]. These certain days are said to be the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Therefore, scholars recommend Dhikr more often during these days, according to a
tradition which is reported by Ibn Umar (radiallahu anhumaa): Therefore, recite more often, tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed. Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah (radiallaahu anhum) used to go out to the marketplaces during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and recite out loud the takbeer and people would repeat it after
them. Ishaaq (rahimahullah) reported that the jurists (rahimahumullah) used torecite during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa Ilaaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, wa lillaahil-hamd. It is commended to recite them out loud in marketplaces, at homes, roads, mosques and elsewhere. According to the commands of Allaah: That you may exalt Allah for having guided you, and that you may be grateful to Him. [Al-Baqarah 2:185]

Fourth: Repentance and relinquishing acts of disobedience and all sins, in order to acquire forgiveness and mercy. Acts of disobedience are means of banishing, while acts of obedience are means of gaining favour with Allaah. Abu Hurairah (radiallahu
anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Verily Allah feels jealous, and the jealousy of Allaah is aroused when man violates what Allaah prohibits. (Agreed upon)

Fifth: Accomplishing more good deeds of voluntary observances, such as: salaat, charity, Jihad, Qur'ânic recitation, enjoining the good and forbidding the wrong, and the like; for the rewards of such observances are multiplied during these days. Observances during these days are unsurpassed in
excellence and they are better and more beloved to Allaah than other excellent observances including Jihad, which is the best of deeds, unless one sacrifices both, his life and his steed.

Sixth: It is legal during these days the recitation of the takbeer in general at all times, day or night until Eid prayer. The restricted takbeer is that which is to be recited after the obligatory prayers. As for the non-pilgrims, the takbeer begins from the Day of Arafah, and for pilgrims it begins from the noon
prayer of the Day of Sacrifice and continues until Asr prayer of the last of the days of Tashreeq.

Seventh: Offering the sacrificial animal during the day of sacrifice and the Days of Tashreeq. It is the sunnah of our father Ibraheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, in commemoration of the occasion when Allaah ransomed Ibraheems son with a large ram. It has been authentically confirmed that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) sacrificed two black and white rams with horns. He killed them with his own hand, and invoked the name of Allaah upon them, recited the takbeer, and placed his foot on their sides, when he
killed them. (Agreed upon.)

Eighth: Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: 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 toenails. In another version: Let him not cut his hair or his fingernails until he has slaughtered his sacrificial animal. This perhaps is enjoined on non-pilgrims to have something in common with the pilgrims who bring along with them their sacrificial animals. Allaah, the Exalted, says: And do not shave off your heads until the sacrificial animal is slaughtered. [Al-Baqarah 197] This prohibition seems to apply only to a person who is making the
offering, not his dependents, unless one of them has his own sacrificial animal. There is no harm in washing the head even if some hairs fall off.

Ninth: The Muslim must make sure to observe Eid prayer in its designated place, and attend the khutbah of the Eid. He should also know the purpose of the Eid, and that its a day of giving thanks and a chance for accomplishing good deeds. He should not turn it into a day of mischief, disobedience, or an excuse for violating the prohibited things; such as singing music, illegitimate amusements, consuming liquor, or the like. All of these things are detestable and nullify the good deeds that one may have accomplished during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

Tenth: After knowing all the above observances, every Muslim, male or female, must utilise these days in obedience to Allaah, remembering Him, expressing gratefulness to him, fulfilling all the obligatory observances, avoiding the reprehensible things and
taking advantage of this season to acquire His mercy and the pleasure. It Allah alone who grants success and guides to the right path. May He exalt the mention of Muhammad, and his household, and Companions, and may He render them safe from every derogatory thing.