It has a been a year of adversity for people the world over. Even though we know that we are being tested, many of our struggles are relative. When we reflect on the story of Musa (AS) and Bani Israel, we see that after enduring oppression by Firawn, they were offered redemption. Allah cleared a path to greater success by parting the Red Sea.
In this life, we have been gifted the opportunity for redemption if we heed the signs inshallah. The blessed days of Dhul Hijjah are upon us - the 10 best days of the entire year for worship and good deeds. We have path of opportunity before us. But how and why are these days are considered the best in the year?
In the Quran Allah says:
This is powerful for many reasons. Allah has created the universe and beyond, with profound signs and lessons for us to reflect on. But when He chooses to take an oath by specific days – the first ten days and nights of Dhul-Hijjah, we must work to recognise their power, and to act upon the significance of the statement, by seeking Allah’s pleasure in these 10 days.
Dhul-Hijjah is one of the four sacred months of the Islamic calendar, during which fighting is forbidden, the others being the months of Dhul-Qa’dah, Muharram and Rajab.
The mission of the Prophet (PBUH) was completed during the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah, this verse was revealed on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, on the Day of Arafah. Some scholars also believe that this was the last ayah in the Quran to be revealed.
Yes, that’s correct. A beautiful narration by Abu Hurairah (RA) says:
SubhanAllah such an incredible opportunity for reward.
During the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the sacrifice of an animal is offered, following in the footsteps of the great sacrifice Ibrahim (AS) undertook when Allah asked him to slaughter his son, Ismail (AS). As we know, Ismail was spared at the last minute, and, in his place, a ram was slaughtered.
The Prophet (PBUB) also narrated that Allah said:
Fasting on the day of Arafah cleanses of sins from the year before and after. There is incredible virtue in this day that applies to pilgrims, as well as those observing the Day of Arafah at home.
Tip: Try and excel in each act of worship in a different way to usual. This will allow you plant new seeds of reward, and experience different moments of ibadah, and new ways to connect to Allah.
This is a great time to exert your efforts in good deeds by fasting, doing dhikr, reading quran, helping a family member or a neighbour, and giving charity.
“There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed during them.” (Ahmad)
Tahmeed: Al-hamdu lilLah (All praises be to God)
Tahleel: Laa iLaha ill-Allah (There is no god but Allah)
Tasbeeh: Subhaan-Allah (Glory be to God)
While there are different versions, the takbeer can also be recited as follows:
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa iLaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa lilLaah hil-hamd.
Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise.
On the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, Eid al-Adha is celebrated. Inshallah, if we continue to practice safe social distancing, we will be able to resume Eid prayer at our respective mosques.