SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 10 DAYS OF DHUL HIJJAH

“By the dawn; By the 10 nights” [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Subhanallah, for Allah to make a promise on the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, you can imagine how significant these days are.

Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allah (sallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijja. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr].” [Related by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]

The Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (“Subhan-Allah”), Tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”) and Takbeer (“Allaahu akbar”) during this time.

Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).





Even if we are not able to fast during the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, we should never miss out on fasting on the Day of Arafah. Fasting on the day of Arafah is of huge significance as well, and it has been stated that fasting on this day wipes out the sins committed during the previous year and the year to come Subhanallah!

During these 10 days, we should remember Allah abundantly, engage in doing a lot of Amal and do things that are sure to earn for us the pleasure of Allah.

Ibn Umar (ral) and Abu Huraira (ral) would go into the marketplaces during these days and raise their voices in Takbir. The people in the marketplace would then also raise their voices with the Takbir the Takbir in response [Sahih Bukhari]. This way, marketplaces, a place hated by Allah becomes a place filled with His remembrance, Subhanallah!

Now, being well aware of the significance of these ten days, we as Muslims, should welcome the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah with the same fervor and enthusiasm as we anticipate and welcome the blessed month of Ramadhan.

WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED ACTS IN THESE DAYS?

1. Prayer - It is highly recommended to perform the obligatory acts at their prescribed times (as early as possible) and to increase oneself in the superogatory acts, for indeed, this is what brings a person closer to their Lord. The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said:

"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." [Reported by Muslim]

2. Fasting - "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, an-Nisa'i and others]

Imam an-Nawawi said that fasting in these ten days is extremely recommended.

3. Saying allahu akbar, la illaha illallah and alhamdulillah - It is found in the aforementioned narration of Ibn 'Umar:

"So increase yourselves in saying la illaha illallah, allahu akbar and alhamdulillah."

Strive with us, O Muslims in reviving this Sunnah that has become lost in these times and it was almost forgotten, even amongst the people of righteousness.

There are a number of ways of making takbir that have 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.

4. Fasting on the day of 'Arafah - Fasting has been affirmed on the day of 'Arafah, where it has been confirmed from the Prophet, peace be upon him, that he said regarding fasting on the day of 'Arafah:

"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)." [Reported by Muslim]

Let's make the most of it, In Sha Allah.