The month of Dhul-Hijjah is a
season of worship, and seasons of worship bring along blessings,
benefits and opportunities to correct one's faith and make up for
shortcoming. Every one of these special opportunities involves some kind
of worship, which brings the slave closer to his Lord. And Allah
bestows His blessings and Favors on whom He wills. The fortunate person
is he who makes good use of these special months, days, and hours, while
worshiping Allah. He is most likely to be touched by the blessings of
Allah. [Ibn Rajab, al-Lataa'if pp. 8]
The
first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are marked blessed for both, the pilgrims
and the non-pilgrims. Rewards of good deeds are multiplied in these
days. Imaam Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullah) (d. 751H) said: “Indeed, its days are the most excellent of all the days with Allah.
It has been confirmed in Saheeh al-Bukharee from Ibn Abbas (radhi
allahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)
said: “No deed are more virtuous than deeds on these days.” The companions asked: 'Not
even Jihad (fighting in Allah's Cause)?' He (sallallahu alaihi
wa-sallam) replied: “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man
goes out risking himself and his wealth for the sake of Allah, and does
not come back with anything.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee vol: 2, no: 457] And it is these ten days, of which Allah takes an oath saying: “By the dawn; by the ten nights.”
[Soorah al-Fajr (89): 1-2] This is why it is recommended to increase in
making Takbeer, Tahlil and Tamhid during these days.” [Zaad al-Ma'aad
vol: 1, pp: 56]
Yawm al-Arafat: The 9th
day of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of Arafat. It is this day when the
pilgrims gather on the mountain plain of Arafat, praying and
supplicating to their Lord.
The
day of Arafat holds great importance in Islam since this is the Day
when Allah completed his revelation on His Messenger (sallahu alaihe
wa-sallam). It is reported in the Saheehayn (i.e. Saheeh al-Bukharee and
Saheeh Muslim), from Umar Ibn al-Khattab (radhi allahu anhu) that a
Jewish man said to him: “O Ameer al-Mumineen (O head of the Muslims)!
There is a verse in the Qur'aan, which if was revealed on us, the Jews,
we would have taken that day as an Eid (festival).” Umar asked: “Which
verse?” He said: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [Soorah
al-Maidah (5): 3] Umar (radhi allahu anhu) said: “We know on which day
and in which place was this verse revealed to Allah's Messenger (sallahu
alaihe wa-sallam). It was when he was standing in Arafat on a Friday.”
Arafat is the day on which
Allah took the covenant from the progeny of Adam (alaihis-salaam), it
was reported that Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) narrated: “The Messenger
of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) related: “(When Allah created
Adam (alaihis-salaam) Allah took covenant from him in a place Na'maan
on the day of Arafat, then He extracted from him all the descendants who
would be born until the end of the world, generation after generation,
and spread them out in front of Him in order to take a covenant from
them also. He spoke to them face to face saying: “Am I not your Lord?”
and they all replied: “Yes, we testify to it.” Allah then explained why
He had all of mankind bear witness that He was their Creator and only
true God worthy of worship. He said: “That was in case you (mankind)
should say on the Day of Resurrection, 'Surely, we were unaware of this.
We had no idea that You, Allah, were our Lord. No one told us that we
were only supposed to worship You.” …” [(Saheeh) by Shaikh
al-Albanee in Silsilah al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah vol: 4, no: 1623]
Indeed, the day of Arafat is a blessed day and there is no other
covenant greater than this covenant!
Arafat
is a day of Forgiveness from sins, freedom from the Hell-Fire for the
people who are present in the plain of Arafat. Aa'ishah (radhi allahu
anha) narrated the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)
saying: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the
Fire than the day of Arafat. He comes close and expresses His pride to
the angels saying, 'What do these people (the Hajis) want?'” [Saheeh Muslim]
This Haadeeth mentions
forgiveness for the pilgrims. In addition to this, fasting on the day of
Arafat is a Sunnah and an expiation of sins for the residents.
Hunaydah
ibn Khaalid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the
Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The Messenger of Allah
(sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah,
on the day of Aashoorah, on three days of each month, and on the first
two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.” [(Saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee
in Saheeh Abi Dawood vol: 2, no: 462]
It is reported in Saheeh Muslim
that when the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) was
asked about the fasting on the day of Arafat, he said: “It expiates the sins of the previous year and that of the following year.” [Saheeh
Muslim] This fasting is Mustahabb only for the non-pilgrims and not for
the Hajis (the pilgrims) because it was not the practice of Allah's
Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) to fast on the day of Arafat
during pilgrimage and in a narration he also forbade doing so. Imaam
at-Tirmidhee (rahimahullah) (d. 275H) said: “The People of Knowledge
consider it recommended (Mustahabb) to fast on the day of Arafat, except
for those at Arafat." [Jaami'ut-Tirmidhee (3/377)]
Yawm an-Nahr: The
tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah is the greatest day of Hajj. It is known as
Yawm an-Nahr (the day of Sacrifice), since it marks the ending of the
major rite of Hajj - the Sacrifice. And it is on this day that the
Muslims commemorate the bounties and blessings of Allah. It was recorded
in a Hadeeth by Imaam Ahmad (in his Musnad vol: 4, no: 350) that the
day of Nahr is the most virtuous day to Allah. The Messenger of Allah
(sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The greatest day of Hajj
(Pilgrimage) is the Day of an-Nahr (Slaughtering).” [(Saheeh) by Shaikh
al-Albanee in Irwa al-Ghaleel (no: 1101). Abu Dawood no: 1945]
Imaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728H)
said: “The most excellent day of the week is the day of Jumuah (Friday),
by the agreement of the Scholars. And the most excellent day of the
year is the day of an-Nahr. Some of them said that it is the day of
Arafat. However, the first opinion is the correct one, since it is
related in the Sunan collections that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi
wa-sallam) said: “The most excellent days with Allah is the day of
an-Nahr, then the day of al-Qarr (the day that the Muslims reside in
Mina).” [(Saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee in Irwa al-Ghaleel (no: 2018).
Related by Abu Dawood no: 1765].” [Majmoo al-Fatawa vol: 25, pp. 288]
The
day of An-Nahr is also known as 'Eid al-Adhaa' meaning the festival of
Sacrifice and it is one of the two festivals which Allah has granted to
the Ummah of Prophet (sallahu alaihe wa-sallam). Anas (radhi allahu
anhu) narrated, “Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) came to
Medina and the people of Medina in the days of Jahiliyyah had two days
of play and amusement. So, Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi
wa-sallam) said: “I came to you and you had in Jahiliyyah, two days
of play and amusement. Allah has replaced something better for you. The
Day of an-Nahr and the day of al-Fitr.” [(Saheeh) by Haafidh Ibn Hajr in Buloogh al-Maraam. Related by Musnad Ahmad vol: 3, no: 103]
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The
day of al-Fitr, and the day of an-Nahr, and the days of at-Tashreeq
(the three days after an-Nahr) are our days of Eid (festivity); and they
are days of eating and drinking.” [(Saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee in Saheeh al-Jamee (no: 8192). Related by Musnad Ahmad (no: 1945)]
Glorifying Allah with Takbeer: (Takbeer
al-Muqayyid): From the day of Arafat until the Asr prayer of the 13th
day of Dhul-Hijjah, one should make Takbeer after every obligatory
Salaat. Ibn Abee Shaybah relates that Alee (radhi allahu anhu) used to
make the Takbeer beginning after the Fajr prayer on the day of Arafat,
until after the Asr prayer on the last day of at-Tashreeq.” [(Saheeh) by
Shaikh al-Albanee in al-Irwa. Related by Ibn Abee Shaybah in
al-Musannaf]
Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah
(rahimahullah) said: “The most correct saying concerning the Takbeer -
that which the majority of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors), and the
Scholars from the Companions and Imams were upon - is to begin making
the Takbeer from Fajr (dawn) on the day of Arafat up until the last day
of at-Tashreeq (the thirteenth of Dhul-Hijjah), after every Prayer.”
[Majmoo al-Fatawa (24/220)]
Imaam
al-Khattaabee (rahimahullah) (d. 456H) said: "The wisdom behind saying
the Takbeer in these days is that in the times of Jahiliyyah
(pre-Islamic ignorance), they used to slaughter for their Taaghoots
(false objects of worship). So the Takbeers were prescribed in order to
indicate that the act of slaughtering is directed to Allah alone, and by
mentioning only His Name.” [Fath al-Baree]
As regards to the actual
wording of the Takbeers, then nothing authentic has been related from
the Messenger of Allah. However, the following have been reported from
the Sahabah:
1. Ibn Mas'ood (radiyallahu anhuma): “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-Hamd.” [(Saheeh)
Irwaa al-Ghaleel (650), Daraqutne, Ibn Shaibah] (Allah is the Greatest,
Allah is the Greatest, There is none worthy of worship except Allah.
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest and to Allah belongs all
praises)
2. Ibn Abbas (radiyallahu anhuma): “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-Hamd; Allahu Akbar wa-ajal, Allahu akbaru ala mahadana.”
[(saheeh) - Bayhaqee (3/315)] (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the
Greatest, Allah is the Greatest and to Allah belongs all praises. Allah
is the Greatest to that which He has guided us to)
3. Salman (radhi allahu anhu) : “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar kabeera.” [(saheeh) - Bayhaqee (3/316)] (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest)
“Increase in these days you Tahlil, Takbeer and Tamhid.” (Takbeer al-Mutlaq)
“...And mention the name of Allah on the appointed Days...” [Soorah
al-Hajj (22): 28] This verse has been explained (by some) to mean the
ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Scholars consider it desirable to increase
Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) in these days, because the Messenger of
Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) is reported to have said: “There
are no days that are greater to Allah or in which deeds are more beloved
to Him than these ten days, so increase your Tahlil, Takbeer and Tamhid
during these days.” [Musnad Ahmad] Tahlil, Takbeer and Tamhid mean
saying 'La ilaha illa Allah', 'Allahu Akbar' and 'al-Hamdu lillah',
respectively.
Ishaaq
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;
waAllahu-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 Most High in Soorah
al-Hajj verse 37: “...that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to
you...” Imaam Bukharee (rahimahullah) said in the book of al-Idayn in
the chapter of the Virtue of good) deeds during the days of Tashreeq,
Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhuma) would go out in the
marketplace during the ten days and say Takbeer, and the people would
say Takbeer when they said Takbeer.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
The Sunnah is to say the Takbeer individually. 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 Sahaabah and those
who followed their ways. .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).
What You Can Do in these Blessed Days of Dhul-Hijjah?
The
days of Dhul-Hijjah are the most blessed ones; therefore every Muslim
should make much from this opportunity. Among the blessings of Allah is
that He has given us many ways to perform good deeds and to worship Him,
so that the Muslim may be constantly active and consistent in his
worship of his Lord. Here are some out of many good deed, which you can
perform in these days.
Remember, deeds, which are less preferred are made superior and more beloved to Allah in these days, than the superior deeds performed at other times!! This is indicated in the Hadeeth where the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said regarding Jihad which is the most superior of all deeds to be less superior than the voluntary fast in these days, except that the Mujahid, “goes out risking himself and his wealth for the sake of Allah, and does not come back with anything.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
Remember, deeds, which are less preferred are made superior and more beloved to Allah in these days, than the superior deeds performed at other times!! This is indicated in the Hadeeth where the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said regarding Jihad which is the most superior of all deeds to be less superior than the voluntary fast in these days, except that the Mujahid, “goes out risking himself and his wealth for the sake of Allah, and does not come back with anything.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
Hajj and Umrah are the best deeds performed in Dhul-Hijjah.
Fasting
as many days as possible, especially the day of Arafat, which is a
Sunnah. Fasting is one of the best of deeds. Allah chose fasting for
Himself from all the good deeds, as is stated in the Hadeeth Qudsee: “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.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee (1085)]
Takbeer
al-Muqayyid: The Takbeer, which is restricted to the time after the
five obligatory Salaat. This begins from after Fajr prayer of the day of
Arafat (for the non-pilgrims) until the Asr prayer of the last day of
Tashreeq.
Takbeer al-Mutlaq: The unrestricted Takbeer; ‘Allahu Akbar’, at all times of night and day until Eid al-Ahda.
Perform plenty of Nafl (voluntary) prayers.
Recite and Memorize the Qur'aan.
Abstain
from disobedience and sins, because disobedience is the cause of
Allah's Anger. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam)
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.” [Saheeh Bukharee
and Saheeh Muslim] Whereas, obedience and abstaining from all those
things, which Allah has prohibited, is a form of worship and a means to
achieve Allah's Love.
Hasten to make Sincere
Tawbah (Repentance) to Allah because repentance means coming back to
Allah. It is forgoing all those deed, which Allah dislikes in open and
in secret, out of regret for what has passed, abandoning them
immediately and being determined not to return to it again. When a
Muslim combines repentance with good deeds during the most virtuous
days, this is a sign of his success. Allah says: “But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful.” [Soorah al-Qasas (28): 67]
Give Charity
Attend Salaat al-Eid and the Khutbah.
Slaughter Udhiyah (Sacrifice) on the day of Eid al-Adha is another good deed which brings the slave closer to his Lord.
There is much to be gained, so make the most of this these invaluable and irreplaceable days.
