As the blessed first ten days of Dhul
Hijja arrive, Hiba Magazine encourages the readers to reap the most possible
blessings Allah (swt) has spread in front of us at this time of the year.
“Indeed from the favours of Allah (swt) is
that He made for His righteous servants fixed days/time periods, in which they
can increase in the performance of righteous actions. And amongst these fixed
days/time periods are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja. Indeed, the virtues of
these first days have been stated in the Quran and the Sunnah.”
Allah (swt) said: “By the dawn; By the ten
nights (i.e., the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijj).” (Al-Fajr, 1-2)
Imam Ibn Katheer said that the intended
meaning behind this verse is the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja, as stated by
Bukhari, Ibn Abbaas, Ibn Zubayr, Mujaahid and others.
According
to Ibn Abbaas (rta), the Messenger (sa) said: “There are not any days in which righteous actions are done that
are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” They said, “Oh Messenger of
Allah, not even Jihad in Allah’s cause?” He said, “Not even Jihad in Allah’s
cause, except for a man, who left out with his self and his wealth, and he did
not return with either.”
Allah (swt) said: “And mention the Name of
Allah on appointed days (i.e., 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul-Hijja).” (Al-Hajj,
82)
Ibn Abbaas (rta) said: “They are the (first)
ten days.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer)
According
to Ibn Umar (rta), the Messenger (sa) said: “There are no days greater in the
(sight) of Allah, nor in which righteous actions are more beloved to Him than
these (first) ten days; so increase Tahleel (i.e., Laa-ilaaha-ilal-laah),
Takbeer (i.e., Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (i.e., Al-Hamdulil-laah).” (Ahmad)
And
Saeed Ibn Jubayr, who narrated the aforementioned Hadeeth of Ibn Abbaas (rta)
used to strive earnestly, when the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja would start. (Reported
by Daarimee)
Ibn
Hajr said in “Al-Fath”: “What is apparent is that the reason the first ten days
of Dhul Hijja are distinguished (with excellence) is because of what it gathers
of the main foundational acts of worship, and they are: Salah, fasting, charity
and Hajj, which are not found in others than them.”
The recommended acts of worship in these
first ten days
(1) Salah: Give more emphasis and concern to the obligatory prayers and
increase in optional prayers, because the prayer is amongst the greatest means
of seeking nearness to Allah (swt).
(2) Fasting: Fasting is included amongst the righteous deeds. Imaam Nawawi said that fasting in the first
days of Dhul-Hijja is strongly recommended.
(3) The Takbeer, Tahleel and Tahmeed: Ibn Umar (rta) reports: “Increase
in Tahleel, Takbeer and Tahmeed in it (i.e., during these days).” Imam Al-Bukhari said: “Ibn Umar and Abu
Hurairah (rta) used to go to the market place during the first days of
Dhul-Hijja whilst uttering the Takbeer, and the people also used to do so
alongside them.”
How
is the Takbeer performed?
.الله
أكبر. الله أكبر. الله أكبر. لا إله إلا الله. والله أكبر. الله أكبر. الله أكبر ولله
الحمد
(4) Fasting on the day of Arafah: Fasting on the
day of Arafah is emphasized because the Messenger (sa) has said that the one,
who fasts the day of Arafah, will receive from Allah (swt) the forgiveness of his
(minor) sins of the previous year and the year to come. (Muslim) However, as for the one
who is physically present at Arafah, it is disliked that he should fast,
because the Messenger (sa) stood at Arafah, whilst he was not fasting.
How should Muslims approach these days
of goodness?
Muslims
should approach these first days of goodness with sincere repentance to Allah
(swt), keeping away from sins and disobedience, because sins prevent a person
from receiving the favours of His Lord and veils his heart from his Protector –
Allah (swt).
Likewise,
a person should approach these days with all good deeds. He should strive to benefit from them by
performing deeds that are pleasing to Allah.
Allah (swt) said:
“As
for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our
Paths (i.e., Allah’s Religion – Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allah is with
the Muhsinun (good doers).” (Al-Ankaboot, 69)
Brothers
and sisters in Islam! Let us be eager to take benefit from the ten days of Dhul
Hijja before they elapse, leaving us with regrets only. We ask Allah (swt) to
benefit us and yourselves in these days of goodness; and we ask Him (the Most
High) to aid us to obey Him and perform acts of worship for His sake.
*****
This article was
abridged and paraphrased from an article posted in the following link:
http://www.sahab.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=132815
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