American Muslim

The First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Asalaam Alaikum,

I know that Muslims will commence Dhul-Hijjah (an Islamic month) at different times based on different moon sightings. Regardless, the importance of this month should be observed and accepted by all Muslims. My friend YaQutullah sent me this email:

Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "There are no days more loved to Allaah 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]." [This is related by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]

Next Thursday: 26th November will be the 9th of the month, the day of Arafat. It is strongly advised to fast on this day as it will clear your sins of the past year and the following year.

Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of 'Ashurah is an expiation for the year preceding it." [This is related by "the group," except for al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi]

What sort of extra good deeds can you do?

1. Fasting these 10 days.
2. Giving more charity during these 10 days.
3. Say the "Eid" Takbeers wherever you go. (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha illa Allah. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Walillaahil hamd.)
4. Try to pray more prayers in the Masjid.
5. Increase ties of kinship (visit family, say kind words to them, etc.)
6. Perform more voluntary prayers at home.
7. Read more Qur'an, and contemplate the meaning of the suwar (chapters).
8. Do more Dhikr (remembrance and praise of Allah SWT).
9. Ask for forgiveness more frequently from Allah SWT first and from other people you might have wronged or maligned.
10. Smile!! It's a great form of charity, and it's beneficial to your health!!

:-)Keep everyone in your du'a (prayers).