Significance of the First Ten Days of Zul Hijjah

The First Ten Days of Zul~Hijjah
By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat

Significance of the First Ten Days of Zul Hijjah

1. Allah has taken oath of ten nights in Soorah Al-Fajr. According to the majority of the commentators of Qur'ãn, the nights are those of the (first) ten days of Zul Hijjah.

2. Abdullah Ibne 'Abbãs radhiallahu anhu related that the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "Good deeds performed on other days are not superior to those performed on these (first ten days of Zul Hijjah)." The Companions radhiallahu anhum inquired, "Not even Jihãd?" He replied, "Not even jihãd, except for that person who goes out putting himself and his wealth in danger and does not return with anything." (Bukhãri)

3. Abdullah Ibne 'Abbãs radhiallahu anhu narrated that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "On no other days are good deeds more liked by Allah than on these ten days (i.e. The first ten days of Zul Hijjah)." The Sahãbah radhiallahu anhum asked, " O Rasoolullah ! Not even Jihãd in the Way of Allah?" Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam replied, "Not even Jihãd in the Way of Allah, except for that person who goes out with his life and wealth and does not return with anything." (Aboo Dãwood, Tirmizi, Ibne Mãjah)

4. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallahu anhu related that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "On no days is the worship of Allah desired more than in the (first) ten days of Zul Hijjah. The fast of each of these days is equal to the fast of a whole year, and the worship of each of these nights is equal to the worship of Laylatul Qadr." (Tirmizi, Ibne Mãjah)

5. The mother of the believers, Hafsah radhiallahu anhaa reports that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam used to fast the (first) nine days of Zul Hijjah. (Nasã'ee, Ahmad, Aboo Dãwood)

6. Abdullah Ibne 'Umar radhiallahu anhu related that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "No days are as weighty with Allah and so liked by Him for good deeds than the first ten days of Zul Hijjah. So on these days increasingly read Subhãnallah, Lã ilãha illallãh, Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar." (Musnad Ahmad)

Virtues of the Day of Arafah (9th Zul Hijjah)

1. 'Ã'ishah radhiallahu anhaa reports that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, " There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafah. And on that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His Pride remarks to the angels, 'What is the desire of these (servants of mine)?" (Muslim)

2. Talhah radhiallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "Apart from the day of the Battle of Badr there is no day on which the Shaytãn is seen to be more humiliated, more rejected, more depressed and more infuriated, than on the day of Arafah, and indeed all this is only because of beholding the abundance of descending mercy (on the day) and Allah's forgiveness of the great sins of the servants." (Mishkãt)

3. Aboo Qatãdah Al-Ansãri radhiallahu anhu narrated that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam was asked about the fast on the day of Arafah. He said, "It compensates for the (minor) sins of the past and the coming year." (Muslim, Tirmizi, Ibne Mãjah)

Night of 'Eedul Adh'hã

The nights of both 'Eed are described in the Hadeeth as amongst the great and sacred nights in the Muslim calendar. To remain awake on the nights of 'Eed and perform 'ibãdah is a source of great virtue and reward.

1. Aboo Umarah radhiallahu anhu related that 'Ã'ishah radhiallahu anhaa reports that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "Whosoever stays awake and performs 'ibãdah (worship) on the nights of the two 'Eed, with hope for abundant reward (from Allah), his heart will not die on the day (i.e. Qiyãmah) when all hearts will be dead." (Targheeb)

2. Mu'ãz Ibne Jabal radhiallahu anhu relates that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "Jannat is wãjib (incumbent) for those who stay awake with the intention of making 'ibãdah on the following nights: 8th, 9th and 10th of Zul Hijjah, the night of 'Eedul Fitr and the night of the 15th of Sha'bãn." (Targheeb)

Virtues of Qurbãni

Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbãni than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart." (Tirmizi, Ibne Mãjah)

Takbirãt of Tashreeq

The Takbirãt of Tashreeq are:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,
Lã ilãha illallãhu wallahu Akbar,
Allahu Akbar, Walil lahil hamd.

"Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest and all praises are for Allah only."

It is wãjib for every adult Muslim to recite these Takbirãt of Tashreeq audibly once after every fardh salaah which is performed with jamã'at (congregation) from the Fajr of 9th Zul Hijjah to the 'Asr of 13th Zul Hijjah (i.e. total of 23 salãh).

Mas'alah: It is not wãjib for women and shar'ee travellers. But, if they are performing salãh behind an imãm upon whom it is wãjib, then it will become wãjib upon them too. However it is mustahab for them to recite in any case.

Mas'alah: Women should not say it loudly but softly.

Mas'alah: Takbeer should be recited immediately after concluding the fardh prayer.

[SOURCE: http://www.idauk.org/pub/leaf/islmcalen/39.html]

RADIO HAJJ - Broadcasting for the first-time in Leicester!

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullah,

Alhamdulillah, the Radio Ramadhan team of Leicester are back early this year. For the first time ever they have launched a Hajj Radio station.

Radio Ramadhan Leicester is renowned all over the world for the beneficial and enjoyable programmes they offer. So, we are truly blessed to have them broadcasting for the Hajj period.

For all those fortunate to reside in Leicester, tune in on: 87.7 FM.

For the rest of us, listen live online: http://www.radiohajj.com

RadioHajj.com - bringing you the best moments of Hajj to your homes.

Tune in and listen to your favourite presenters and spread the word.

Wassalam.

HAJJ: A Guide For Intending Pilgrims

HAJJ A Guide For Intending Pilgrims

By Islamic Dawah Academy, Leicester. U.K.

NIYYAH
1. The person who intends to perform Hajj must do so with the express niyyah of attaining Allah’s Pleasure, and to fulfil one’s fardh, and also to diligently carry out the Commands of Allah and His Rasool sallallahu alayhi wasallam. The rewards for deeds depend greatly on the niyyah that is formed. Sincerity is extremely important.

2. The ‘ibaadah of Hajj has the exclusive status of being fardh only once a lifetime, for those who can afford it. It is therefore important that the sincerity of intention must be given due regard. In other ‘ibaadaat and devotions it is possible to gradually develop ikhlaas, whereas the time available for Hajj is usually limited. The need for ikhlaas is vital because a fardh Hajj can never be repeated. During your journey to Hajj a concerted effort towards developing this all important sincerity must be made.

3. It is important that Hajj should be kept free of ulterior and worldly motives. Joining worldly objectives with religious aims is like adding water to milk. There are three types of adulteration which are possible in the performance of Hajj;

To ruin the Hajj even before departing from home by having a desire to be called a haji, and using haraam or doubtful earnings for this ‘ibaadah.

To engage in improper acts while performing Hajj e.g. to commit sins during the time that one is engaged in the performance of Hajj, to have arguments, not to make tawbah (repentance).

To complete the Hajj and then to indulge in such deeds that defile the Hajj, e.g. to neglect the fardh salaat, to indulge in sin etc.

Perform the Hajj with all its aadaab and requisites, for anything done in keeping with this is well accomplished.

4. While in Hajj do not do things to display to others. Do not announce your Hajj to all and sundry. (To avoid riyaa which is to show off and act to gain fame). On returning from Hajj do not emphasize the difficulties which may have been endured, instead turn your attention towards the eternal benefits and rewards you will receive. One must understand that the difficulties endured during this sacred journey are insignificant compared to the high position one will receive in jannah.


TAWBAH

5. Before beginning one’s journey repent sincerely. Perform two rakaats nafl with the niyyah of tawbah. The effect of sincerely repenting and then proceeding for hajj will be, that one will be favoured by Allah Ta‘ala and blessed with the strength to continually do good deeds.

6. Develop a relationship with the pious person for guidance. This will assist you in making a true and sincere tawbah.


FULFILMENT OF DEBT

7. If you have monetary debt or are responsible for any moral transgression, then fulfil your debt or have it waived, and have your moral violations forgiven. It is important that one settles all outstanding matters and transactions, and has his faults and shortcomings forgiven.
8. All amaanaat (trusts) and anything borrowed must be returned. A detailed and final will must be made regarding all important matters.


EDUCATION

9. It is compulsory for a person who wishes to perform Hajj to learn the necessary masaail well before the time of Hajj. When a firm intention is made then first learn the necessary masaail, or acquire these from a reliable and recognized aalim (scholar).


DEPARTURE

10. Depart with happiness from home. A Hajj which is performed with a feeling of love and keenness is conducive to religious upliftment. Inconvenience during travel should not hamper this love and keenness.

11. Perform two rakaats nafl before departing. Take care that this salaat is not performed during the makrooh times. Give some sadaqah to the poor before leaving home and also after commencing your journey.

12. Ask your near and dear ones, neighbours and friends to overlook and forgive your shortcomings. Make a request for their du‘aa. Make musafahah (shake hands) using both hands when leaving. Do not make musafahah with non-mahrams (those of the opposite sex whom you can marry).

13. Be at your best behaviour amongst your companions. Assist them in their needs. The person who helps his companions on this journey will be regarded as a mujaahid (one who strives to uplift Islaam).


IBAADAH
Salaat, Du‘aa, Tawaaf and Tilaawat

14. Take great care and be punctual in the performance of all salaat with jama‘at whilst visiting the sacred places. Do not delay any salaat at all.

15. After every salaat beseech from Allah ta‘aalaa that He grant you a mabroor Hajj (one that is accepted and free from sin). A Hajj which is full of Allah ta‘aalaa’s Blessings and Favours.

16. A haji is fortunate in being present at the various sacred places where du‘aa are assured acceptance. Therefore repeatedly ask Allah ta‘aalaa for your needs of this world and the Hereafter. Your du‘aa must be appropriate and made with respect and humbleness. Do not ask for meaningless and unrighteous things.

17. There are three persons whose du‘aa are assured acceptance; the oppressed, the traveller and the father’s du‘aa for his son, (meaning children).

18. The qadhaa (fulfilment in arrears) of ‘ibaadaat which are owing to Allah ta‘aalaa should be correctly fulfilled or compensated.

19. The reward for one salaat in the Masjidul Haraam (Makkah) is 100,000 fold (with jama‘at 2,700,000). The reward for salaat in the Masjidun Nabawi (Madeenah) is 50,000 fold. Each good deed done in Makkah is equivalent in reward to 100,000 good deeds done elsewhere.

20. Whenever entering either of the two masjid or any other masjid, form a niyyah for nafl i‘tikaaf.

21. Your stay in the Masjidul Haraam and Masjidun Nabawi must be with utmost dignity and honour.
22. Perform as many tawaaf, umrah and nafl salaat as you can and make du‘aa that the thawaab (reward) of this be presented to Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

23. Complete the Qur’aan at least once in each of the two Holy Masjid, i.e. Makkah and Madeenah.

24. Perform nafl salaat with the niyyah of expressing one’s gratitude to Allah ta‘aalaa.


MAKKAH MUKARRAMAH

25. During your stay in Makkah abundantly increase your recital of the Kalimah Tayyibah: Laa’ilaha il lal’lahu·, and istighfar: ‘Astaghfirullah·.

26. If you desire, give an excellent gift to your near dear ones, friends who are living, and especially those who have passed away. The gift of the rewards of tawaaf and umrah will please their souls very much. There will be no reduction from your own reward for these acts.

27. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said that the water of Zamzam will have the desired effect of whatever intention is made at the time of drinking Zamzam. Zamzam should be drunk with the intention of quenching the thirst of the Day of Qiyaamah (resurrection). It should also be taken with the intention of shifaa (cure) from spiritual and physical ailments. It is commendable to drink Zamzam with the niyyah of being granted the tawfeeq of conforming to the sunnah of our beloved Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

MADEENAH MUNAWWARAH

28. It is stated in hadeeth:
(i) “Whoever comes with the sole intention of visiting my grave, my intercession will become incumbent for that person”.
(ii) “Whoever visits my grave after my death is like the one who has visited me during my lifetime”.

29. Recite durood (salutations) in abundance on Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, on beginning your journey to and from Madeenah Munawwarah, and during your stay there.

30. To hurt or cause inconvenience to any Muslim and especially the people of Madeenah Munawwarah is a great sin.


GENERAL

31. Choose an able pious companion who will assist you in times of need, and it is better if this companion is a reliable recognized aalim (scholar).

32. Regard the time in Hajj as a blessing. One never knows when one may be favoured with this good fortune again.

33. Since your stay there is a short one, you should value every moment there. Do not waste your time roaming in the bazaars and do not indulge in meaningless things and idle talk.

34. Do not allow your attention to drift towards the decoration and splendour of the buildings, nor indulge in humour and ridicule.

35. One must be extremely cautious with regard to the etiquette of these sacred places. Any disrespect in this regard will be a cause for retribution.

36. Do not criticize the conditions and people there. After all, the local residents are human and are prone to faults just as we are. When noticing the shortcomings of others, special attention must immediately be drawn to one’s own faults and weak points.

37. One must make a concentrated effort to avoid sin, especially casting passionate glances at female who are present at Hajj. One must keep one’s gaze lowered when women gather for tawaaf and salaat-u-salaam.

38. Hadhrat ‘Umar radhiyallahu anhu said, “For me to commit a sin in Makkah is worse than committing seventy sins outside Makkah”. Just as the rewards of good deeds are multiplied in Makkah, so too is the retribution of misconduct multiplied.

39. One must show consideration and take care that one does not trouble or inconvenience those who are present for Hajj and ziyaarah.

40. One must not deceive or trick others in buying or selling. To swindle or cheat the residents of Makkah or Madeenah would result in one’s own destruction. One must be extremely cautious in this regard. Transactions must be carried out with honesty.


Source: http://www.idauk.org/pub/leaf/hajj/3.html