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 Muhammad (SAW) has 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." [Sahih al-Bukhar].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].So what should we be doing?
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, some of the more specific actions mentioned in the traditions of the Prophet (SAW) are fasting and verbal Dhikr (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 Arafah. The Prophet used to fast on this day. Fasting on this day will expiate a Muslim's sins for two years.
Abu Qatadah reported that the Prophet (SAW) said:
"Fasting the Day of Arafah will be credited with Allah by forgiving one's sins of the previous year and the following year." [Muslim]The day of Arafah is the day when the pilgrims stand in worship on the Mountain of Arafah. It is the best day of the Whole Year.
There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire as He does on the day of Arafah. He comes close (to those standing on Arafah) and then revels before His angels, saying: "What are these people seeking?" [Muslim]Dhikr
The verbal remembrance of Allah is another meritorious act during these first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
"And mention the name of Allah on the appointed days" [12:28].The Prophet (SAW) encouraged Muslims to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (Subhanallah) , Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) and Takbeer (Allahu-Akbar) during this time.
Remembering Allah in this simple way is something we can all easily do. Be it on our commutes to and from work, in the car or on the train/bus, at our desks, during our lunch breaks, whilst in bed... anywhere, at any time! Let's all make an effort to do more Dhikr in the coming days.
Good Deeds
Generally, all good deeds are rewarded highly at this blessed time. These actions include praying, reading Quran, making Du'a, giving in charity and being good to our families, and other voluntary righteous deeds of worship. These are amongst the deeds that are multiplied in these days.
Seek Allah's Forgiveness and Repentance
In addition, seeking Allah's forgiveness and Tawbah (repentance) at this time is also encouraged. This means more than just a verbal statement 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 behaviour while sincerely turning to Allah.
Sacrifice
The slaughtering of a sacrificial animal is also legislated for the Day of Sacrifice (10th) and the Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th).
The tenth of Dhul-Hijjah is Eid ul-Adha or the day of an-Nahr (slaughtering) . It marks the conclusion of the major rites of Hajj and commemorates Allah's bounty on Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him), when He gave him a ram to sacrifice as ransom for his son.
Here's a Dua for everyone who is going on Hajj this week: May Allah protect them from harm and may their Hajj be accepted and blessed by the Almighty. May they use this opportunity to completely submerge themselves in the remembrance of Allah and may Allah make us all fortunate enough to complete this journey of a lifetime. May Allah be with the Hajis and the whole of the Muslim ummah always. Ameen.
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