Dhul-Hijjah
the most blessed 10 days of the year
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
Welcome the blessed month of Dhul-Hijjah.
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are often referred to as the best ten days of the year, and a second chance after Ramadan. For those of us not performing the Hajj pilgrimage this year, this is still a great time of blessing and immense reward.
By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights. (Qur'an | 89:2)
According to many scholars of the Qur’an, the days mentioned as significant enough for Allah to swear by them are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Join us on May 27 at 7:15pm for a talk by Shaykh Waleed Elbatrawish on the Significance of Dhul-Hijjah.
Reciting dhikr
Whoever is not able to go to Hajj should use this blessed time to complete even more righteous deeds than usual. These can include anything such as giving charity, honoring one’s parents, upholding the ties of kinship, and enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil.
Our Prophet (saw) said: “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)
Qurbani/Udhiyah
Qurbani/Udhiyah is the tradition of sharing meat with your family and with those in need at the end of the Hajj season, or Eid al-Adha. The sacrifice is how Muslims around the world honor the obedience of the prophet Ibrahim (AS) and follow in his footsteps.
“Whoever offers a sacrifice after the prayer has completed his rituals (of Eid) and has followed the way of the Muslims.” (Al-Bukhari)
Avoid Cutting of Nails and Hair
“Whoever has an animal to slaughter , when the new moon of Dhul Hijjah appears, let him not remove anything from his hair or nails until he has offered the sacrifice.” Abu Dawud (2791) and Muslim (1977)
On the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah is Yawm al-Arafah (the Day of Arafah).
Fasting the day of `Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one. (Hadith | Muslim)
The day of Arafat is the day which all pilgrims performing Hajj stand on Mount Arafat (also known as Jabal al-Rahmah - Mountain of Mercy) and make duah from morning through the night. Allah completed and perfected Islam on this day. “Today I have perfected for you your religion, and completed upon you My blessing, and I have chosen for you Islam as (your) religion.” (Qu’ran, 5:3). It is also the day which the Prophet (saw) gave his farewell sermon.
It is recommended to fast, complete dhikr, read the Quran and ask Allah for forgiveness.
There will be dinner at NIA Masjid for those observing fasting on June 5th.
Sheikh Daud Haqq delivered a kutbah covering the significance of Dhul-Hijjah and gave reminders and reflections for the community.
Eid Al-Adha
(10th of Dhul-Hijjah)
The day of Eid Al-Adha, signifies the end of Hajj. It is also a time of remembrance, to reflect on the story of Prophet Ibrahim (as), who intended to sacrifice his son Ismaeel (as) out of his love for Allah. On this day, each and every one of us, who is able to, must offer a Qurbani – just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did – in devotion to Allah (SWT) and to help vulnerable communities in need.
NIA Masjid will be celebrating Eid Al-Adha on Sunday, June 6th at Branch Brook Park.
May Allah reward us for our efforts during this blessed month, forgive us and answer our supplications, ameen!
Excerpts in this article are taken from Islamic Relief UK : https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/giving/islamic-giving/qurbani/dhul-hijjah/
Resources from Yaqeen Institute, additional articles can be found on their website
11 Things to do on the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah.
