The Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah and Us

Written by: Hafiz Nadeem Zaheer

Many opportunities for forgiveness and pardon come into a person’s life, which he does not value. Gradually, a time comes when he loses his worth in the sight of Allah Almighty. Allah the Exalted says:

"And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient."

(Al-Hashr: 19)


This means they became heedless of their salvation and, as a result, indulged in sins and did not adopt the path of righteous deeds to escape the punishment of the Hereafter. (Ashraf al-Hawashi, p. 654)

It hasn't been long since the month of Ramadan (which is entirely a period of mercy and forgiveness) passed, and now Allah has granted the month of Dhul-Hijjah, providing a great opportunity (with its first ten days being highly virtuous). This is so that My servants can make up for any deficiencies and strive further for My love and closeness during these days.

Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah).” The Companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in the way of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad in the way of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth at risk and returns with nothing.”

(Sahih Bukhari: 969)

The righteous deeds performed during these ten days are extremely beloved to Allah, thus it is understood that they are a great means to attain the love of Allah.
Take advantage of these days by self-accountability and incorporate those righteous deeds into your life that you may have missed out on intentionally or unintentionally. Completely refrain from all kinds of wrongdoings and superstitions that may occur deliberately or unintentionally.

Fasting on the Day of Arafah​


The 9th of Dhul-Hijjah is called the Day of Arafah. Fasting on this day is like “icing on the cake,” meaning not only the virtue of these ten days but also performing a highly virtuous act on these virtuous days.

Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah. He said: “It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim: 1162/196)

SubhanAllah! How forgiving and merciful is the Lord of Glory. With one act, He forgives the sins of two years for the fasting person. Even now, if someone remains lazy and negligent, who can be more unfortunate and miserable than him? There is a slight difference of opinion regarding fasting on the Day of Arafah.

Some believe that the fast should be observed on the Day of Arafah itself, regardless of whether it falls on the 8th or 9th according to the lunar date of the country because the Hadith mentions the Day of Arafah. Others say that the fast should be observed on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah because, besides this Hadith, there is another narration: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah." (Sunan Abi Dawood: 2437, and its chain is authentic)
The latter opinion is more correct. Nonetheless, a reconciliation between the two opinions is possible, and that is to observe two fasts. And Allah knows best.
We pray to Allah Almighty to grant us the ability to fully embrace the virtues of the Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah and to overlook our shortcomings. Ameen.
 
Back
Top