10 best days of the Islamic year (Dhul-Hijjah)

Among the special seasons of worship in Islam are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which Allah has preferred over all the other days of the year. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has said:

“There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved by Allah than these [ten] days” (Al-Bukhari, At-Tirmidhi and others)

For this reason, all the good deeds we can do should be done during these days with more vigor and piety. In particular, fasting and dhikr (repetitive remembrance of Allah by both heart and tongue) need to be given special importance.

Increase in Worship, Increase in Reward

Prophet Muhammad exhorted his followers to do more righteous deeds, during this period, because of the virtue of these days.

He has commanded us to recite more tasbih (saying subhan Allah: ‘glory be to Allah’). This is as well as to tahmeed (saying al-hamdu lillah: ‘all praise be to Allah’) and takbir (saying Allahu Akbar: ‘Allah is Greatest’).

Abdullah ibn `Umar reported that Prophet Muhammad said:

“There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days. So, during this time, recite a great deal of tahlil (saying La ilaha illa-Allah: ‘there is no god but Allah’), takbir and tahmeed.” (Ahmad)”

The Day of `Arafah

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah include the days of Hajj. Of particular importance is the Day of `Arafah, on which Allah perfected His religion. Fasting on this day is one of the most important sunnah fasts, which can expiate the sins of two years. Fasting on all these days, however, is not obligatory, nor was it a constant practice of the messenger.

One of the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

Allah’s messenger used to fast the [first] nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of `Ashura’, and three days of each month. (Abu Dawud)

The day of `Arafah is the day when the pilgrims stand in worship on the Mountain of `Arafah. This has been called the best day of the year.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW)  has been quoted as saying:

Fasting the day of `Arafah expiates the sins of two years: a past one and a coming one. And, fasting the day of `Ashura’ (the tenth of the lunar month of Muharram) expiates the sins of the past year. (Muslim)

The Day of `Eid Al-Adha

The tenth of Dhul-Hijjah is `Eid Al-Adha–or the day of an-Nahr (sacrifice). It marks the conclusion of the major rites of Hajj. It also commemorates Allah’s bounty on His messenger Ibrahim (peace be upon him), when He gave him a ram to sacrifice, as ransom for his son, Isma`il, (peace be upon him).

 

`Eid Al-Adha is a day of festival for Muslims who do not perform Hajj. While the pilgrims complete their rites, other Muslims continue with their `Eid celebrations. Here, they are prohibited from fasting. These are days of fun, happiness, eating, drinking and glorifying of Allah.

The Sacrifice

Allah has mentioned the duty of the sacrifice together with the first and foremost worship in Islam, namely prayer. This obviously signifies its great importance. In the Qur’an, Allah says what means:

Therefore pray to your Lord and sacrifice. (Quran 108:2)

Sacrificing an animal, as part of `Eid observance, is an important sunnah, and a worship enjoined by the law of Allah. The sacrifice is not only to be enjoyed by the one who sacrifices and his family.

A main reason behind this ritual is to provide for the poor and let them share this moment of happiness. It is to give charity to the poor and give them portion of what you eat in your own house. Thus, becoming one big family, sharing the same belief, as well as the same joy.

Source: Courtesy