The moon of Dhul Hijjah has been sighted and announced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, August 12 will be the first of Dhul Hijjah 1439A.H. And The 9th of Dhul hijjah which will be the day of Arafah(the best day on earth) has been announced to be 20th of August, 2018. While the Eid ul Adhaa will be on the 21st of August, 2019.
No matter the counting of your country or where you resides, for this Dhul hijjah, Arafah and eid ul adhaa, the Saudi counting is to be followed even if they are mistaken on the counting, this is the sunnah.
I wish you all a blissful and meritorious EID MUBARAK in Advance. May we witness more of it on goodness and may Allah accept our ibaadat.
And do not forget that "There is no deed that is better in the sight of Allah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of Al-Adha”
Allah blessed the nation of Muhammad with opportunities to reap rewards and blessings every day of the year.
The last ten nights of Ramadan are among the most blessed nights of the year; in particular Laylatul-Qadr is extremely sacred.
Similarly, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja carry special status during the blessed month of “Pilgrimage.” The above Hadith of the Prophet spells out the importance of these ten days in the sight of Allah and the amplified reward for all good deeds during this blessed season.
Just like the last ten nights of Ramadan are the best ten nights out of the year, these first ten days of Dhul-Hijja are the best days of the year and the most beloved to Allah as they combine acts of worship in a way unlike any other time.
So, the questions we should be asking ourselves are, “How do we make the most of this season of blessings?”
“What deeds can I perform to attain His pleasure?”. The following are some examples of the acts of worship that will help us gain His pleasure In shaa Allah.
1. *Perform Hajj*
2. *Fast all nine days and especially on the ‘Day of Arafah’*
The Prophet said: “ Anyone who fasts for one day for Allah’s pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years. ” (Bukhari, Muslim)
The Prophet used to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijja and he said: “ Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year. ” (Muslim)
3. *Perform Dhikr and Takbeer*
The Prophet said: “ There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allah than on these ten days, so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (saying Alhamdu Lillaah). ” (Ahmad -Saheeh)
Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. (Bukhari)
Takbeer at this time is a Sunnah that has mostly been forgotten, especially during the first few days. So say it in the masjid, in your home, on the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah. Revive the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten and earn great rewards for doing so.
4. *Stand the Night in Prayer*
Seeking Allah’s forgiveness and humbling ourselves in front of Him in supplication and prayers during the latter part of the night is an act of worship that is very beloved to Allah
5. *Make Sincere Repentance*
Allah loves those who repent to Him in complete submission. The act of sincere repentance to Allah with intention to never return to His disobedience and sin is very dear to Him.
Return to Allah by giving up all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes. Be regretful of your sins and disobedience and resolve to never return to sin and to firmly adhere to the path which Allah loves.
6. *Return to Book of Allah (The Quran)*
It is time to dust off your copy of the Quran. Establish a beautiful new relationship with the book of Allah starting in these ten days of Dhul-Hijja. Recite its verses and you will reap its blessings. Understand its message. Implement the commandments of this book in your life. This relationship with the Quran will open for you the doors of wisdom and happiness in your life.
This will ultimately lead to guidance and success in this life and the Hereafter.
7. *Increase in doing ALL good deeds*
If you are not able to perform Hajj this year, occupy yourself during these blessed days by any and every possible good deed. Every act that is done with sincerity for the pleasure of Allah will bring you closer to Him.
8. *Slaughter an animal and distribute the meat (Sacrifice)*
Ibn Umar said: “ The Prophet lived in Madeenah for ten years and every year he slaughtered an animal"
(Ahmad-Saheeh)
9. *Attend Eid prayers*
Attending Eid prayers is from the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet . We should be keen on practicing this Sunnah and performing it according to the teachings of our Prophet.
Eid is a time of joy and happiness and we should be inclusive of all of our brothers and sisters who may not be as fortunate to have enough to enjoy this blessed occasion.
10. *Thank Allah, give sodaqah and lots more.*
Taqabala Allahu minnaa wa minkum sooliha l 'aamaal!
© Ibn Taofeeq Abdul Azeez
