In preparation for Dhul Hijjah

As you all know we are approaching the season of Hajj. Unfortunately, none of us can perform Hajj this year due to the pandemic. But the importance and value of this time doesn’t reduce to any less. So, we must understand and utilize the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah which are extremely meritorious. As of now it seems as though that 1st Dhul Hijjah will be Wednesday July 22, and Eid al Adha will be on Friday July 31. However please keep abreast with our website and social media platforms for final announcements.
Good deeds during these days are beloved to Allaah, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said about the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah: There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” Then the Sahaaba 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).”
The first 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah present an amazing opportunity to sincerely seek forgiveness and get closer to Allah because they are the most precious than any other times of the year. Please be sure to follow us on social media and lookout for the guidance about valuable actions that you can perform in the first 10 days.
So sacred are the first ten days of Dhul 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 E’baadah 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 Zikr (remembrance) of Allah.
In terms of fasting, it is particularly encouraged to fast on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, known in Arabic as “Yawm al 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 remembrance (Zikr) of Allah is another meritorious act during these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet (peace be 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 Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with them both, two of the Prophet’s companions, used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul 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, reciting Quran, making Dua (supplication), giving in charity and being good to our families, friends, associates and in general being a good human being.
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 for His compassion and mercy.
Please do not miss out these blessed days and make sure you utilize this great gift and seasons of blessings from Allah. May Allah accept from us all. Aameen!