The Virtues of the First 10 days of Dhul Hijjah

The Virtues of the First 10 days of Dhul Hijjah
by Shaykh Sa`d ash-Shitree حفظه الله
Albaseerah News letter Issue # 2 of Vol. 1

From the most virtuous of days are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th month in the lunar calendar, one of the sacred months and the month of Hajj). A group of those from the People of Knowledge say: “Verily they are the best days of the year just as the last ten nights of Ramadaan are the best nights of the year.” Some of the various types of righteous actions which are done in these first ten days are mentioned below:

REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAAH

The first of the righteous actions is the remembrance of Allaah سبحانه وتعالى. Allaah سبحانه وتعالى said: {…and the men and the women who remember Allaah much with their hearts and tongues - Allaah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).} [al-Ahzaab 33:35]

It is affirmed in a number of texts the encouragement of mentioning the takbeer. Allaah سبحانه وتعالى said: {…and mention the Name of Allaah on appointed days (i.e. 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah) } [al-Hajj 22:28]

It has been affirmed from the Sahaabah (Companions) of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and from him صلى الله عليه وسلم , that they increased in the takbeer (saying “Allaahu Akbar—Allaah is the Greatest) in the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah and they raised their voice with it, each one of them saying the takbeer on his own. They raised their voices until the mountains shook from their takbeer but they did not say the takbeer in unison (in Jamaa’ah). Each of them said the takbeer on his own.

VOLUNTARY ACTS OF WORSHIP

One should implement the voluntary acts of worship - whether prayer, fasting or charity. It is reported in hadeeth that the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم encouraged fasting the ten days and it is reported that he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Whoever fasts the Day of Arafah will have his sins expiated for two years (the past year and the coming year).” [Ibn Maajah]

DO NOT CUT HAIR OR NAILS FOR THE ONE DOING THE SACRIFICE

From what is considered as righteous actions on these ten days is that the one who wants to do the Udhiyyah (sacrificial slaughter) should not cut his hair or nails during these ten days. As such it is desired that he commits himself before these ten days by cutting his hair and nails. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When any one of you intending to sacrifice the animal enters in the month (of Dhul-Hijjah) he should not get his hair or nails touched (cut)”. [Muslim]

SUPPLICATE FOR THE HUJJAAJ

One should make du`aa (supplication) for the hujjaaj (pilgrims who have embarked upon the Hajj) that Allaah سبحانه وتعالى keeps them safe from all evil and that He returns them to their countries. This is because the hujjaaj are the guests of Ar-Rahmaan so they have a right upon us that we supplicate for them for ease in their affairs and their safe return.

UDHIYYAH - SACRIFICIAL SLAUGHTER

One should prepare to do the Udhiyyah (sacrificial slaughtering of an animal) and arranging distribution of the meat amongst family, friends, the needy etc. This is from the pious and righteous deeds. Abu Haneefah رحمه الله was of the opinion that it was from the obligatory acts but most of others say that it is desirable. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said “Who does not slaughter should not come to the salaah”. [Ibn Maajah]

ATTEND THE `EED SALAAH

From amongst the righteous actions is attending the salaatul `Eed, greeting one another, and leaving off fasting on the day of `Eed and on the days of Tashreeq (i.e. the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah).

Based on a lectured by Shaykh Sa`d ash-Shitree (may Allaah preserve him).

We all should ask guidance and forgiveness from Allah (swt).