Dhul hijjah is the last month of the Islamic calendar but it is one of the sacred months in the Islamic calendar. This month holds two major events of Islam which are Hajj and Eid ul Adha.
Significance of First 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah
In the Quran and Sunnah, The excellence of these ten days have been mentioned. Allah SWT says in the Quran.
[su_quote]By the dawn and by the ten nights …[/su_quote] [Al-Qur’ an 89:1-2]
According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir “the ten nights” here refers to the last 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah, Ibn Abbas, Ibn az-Zubair, Mujahid and others also agree with the statement of Ibn Kathir.
2. Our beloved Prophet Mohammed 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 Jihad?” He, peace be upon him, said, [su_quote]No, not even Jihad except a man who goes forth endangering his life and wealth and does not return with anything.[/su_quote] [Recorded by Imam al-Bukhari]
3. Allah SWT says in the Quran:
[su_quote]… and remember the name of Allah in the appointed days.[/su_quote][Al-Qur’ a 2:203]
Ibn Abbas and Ibn Kathir agree that these appointed days mean to be the first 10 days of the Quran.
4. he Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 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 tahlil (to say la illaha illallah), takbir (to say Allahu akbar), nd tahmid (to say alhamdulillah).” [Reported by at-Tabarani in al-Mu’jum al-Kabir]
5.When the days of Dhul-Hijjahbegan the noble companion Sa’id bin Jubair would strive to increase in good actions with great intensity until he was unable to increase anymore. [Reported by ad-Darimi]
6.Ibn Hajar says in Fath al-Bari:
“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. Salawat (prayers),siyam (fasting), sadaqah (charity) and the Hajj (pilgrimage). In no other periods do these great deeds combine.”
Recommended acts in first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah
1. Supererogatory prayers
We must perform our all obligatory acts very carefully and respond in these days. We should also spare time for supererogatory acts which will bring us closer to Allah SWT. We should offer supererogatory prayers to earn a maximum reward in these 10 days. Prophet Mohammed Peace be upon Him said:
[su_quote]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.[Muslim][/su_quote]
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Fasting
Some 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 Ashura and three days in every month.” [Recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, al-Nisa’s and others]
According to Imam an-Nawawi fasting in these ten days is extremely recommended.
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Saying Takbeer
Imam al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
“Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with them both, used to go out to the markets in the ten days saying the Takbir causing the people to follow them in this action.”
There are a number of ways of making Takbir that has been narrated by the companions and their followers and from these ways is the following:
- Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar kabirun.
- Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, wallahu akbar, wa lillahil hamd.
- Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd.
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Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah
Fasting has been affirmed on the day of ‘Arafah and Regarding the fasting on the of Arafah Prophet, peace be upon him said that:
[su_quote]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).[/su_quote] [Reported by Muslim]
However, it is not expected for arson who is whoever is at ‘Arafah as a pilgrim, as the Prophet peace be upon him, stopped at ‘Arafah to eat.
