ACJU/NGS/2022/209
2022.07.01 (1443.12.01)
The month of Thul Hijjah teaches us sacrifice. The first ten days of this month are most blessed. Almighty Allah emphasizes the greatness of these days by promising upon these days in the Holy Quran.
‘By the dawn. And by Ten Nights’ (Surah Fajr: Verse 1, 2)
Ibn ‘Abbas (RadhiAllahu Anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than in these (ten) days’. (Sunan Abi Dawud 2438)
Ibaadah to be performed during the first 10 days of Thul Hijjah
- Fasting on the first 9 days of the month of Thul Hijjah
Hunaydah ibn Khalid (RadhiAllahu Anhu) narrated from his wife on the authority of one of the wives of the Prophet (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) who said: The Messenger of Allah (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, Ashura’ and three days of every month, that is, the first Monday (of the month) and Thursday. (Sunan Abi Dawud 2437)
- Observing the fast of A’rafah
The 9th day of the month of Thul Hijjah is the Day of A’rafah. It is Sunnah to fast on this day.
Abu Qatada (RadhiAllahu Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam), was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Arafa (9th of Dhu’I-Hijja), whereupon He Messenger of Allah (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year.’ (Sahih Muslim 1162)
- Recital of Takbeer, Tahmeed, Tahleel
Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (RadhiAllahu Anhuma) went out to the marketplace on the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah they would say Takbeer, and the people would say Takbeer along with them. (Sahih Bukhari)
Ibn Umar (RadhiAllahu Anhu) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘There no good deeds greater and more beloved to Allah than those performed in the first 10 days of Thul Hijjah, so recite ‘La ilaha illAllah’, ‘Allahu Akbar’, ‘Alhamdulillah’ in abundance’. (Musnad Ahmad: 5444)
- Performing Uldhiyyah
Uldhiyyah could be performed on the day of the festival or during the following 3 days.
Hazrat Anas (RadhiAllahu Anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) sacrificed with his own hands two horned rams which were white with black markings reciting the name of Allah (Bismillah) and glorifying Him (saying Allah-o-Akbar). He placed his foot on their sides (while sacrificing). (Sahih Muslim 1966)
We should engage in good deeds and strive to earn more virtues by fasting during the first nine days of the month of Thul-Hijjah, honoring the nights with Ibaadah (worships) and praising Allah by making Zikr abundantly.
Ash Shaikh A.C.M. Fazil
Acting General Secretary – ACJU
