By the best 10 days
Dhul Hijjah is upon us once more, alhamdulillah — it begins on Sunday, July 11th. This is one of the most holy times for Muslims, as these 10 days are referred to as “the best 10 days.” Scholars say that these days are superior to even the last 10 days of Ramadan. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” (Bukhari).
This month is the month to offer hajj and is also the month in which we observe Eid al-Adha. During this time, all who are able offer Qurbani, just as the Prophet Ibrahim did. Even if you are not able to attend Hajj, there are many things you can do to obtain blessings, such as keeping your prayers, reading Quran, giving charity, making dua, doing dhikr, and fasting, including on the Day of Arafah.
Fasting
Muslims should fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, as this is Sunnah: “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” (Bukhari, 1805) Another Hadith reports that “The Prophet used to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah and the day of Ashura, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays.” (Abu Dawood, 2/462) Fasting the day of Arafah is especially sacred, as the Prophet said: “Fasting the day of `Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.” (Muslim)
In the above video, Sheikh Omar Suleiman reminds us that fasting is not just abstaining from food, but also from restraining ourselves from sin.
remember Allah
Another Hadith of Prophet states, “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)
Here is a breakdown of the tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed:
- 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)
To recite the takbeer, say: Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd or Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise.
You can watch the video above to learn more about Dhul Hijjah and how to make the most of these blessed 10 days of worship.