When we think of Dhul Hijjah, what usually comes to mind is the feast to be enjoyed after the usual sacrifice (of ram, cow, camel etc). Although abundance of meat is the main characteristic of this season, dhul hajj entails a lot more.
Dhul Hajj or Dhul Hijjah is the last of the 12 months of the Islamic calendar. It is the month in which the Muslims perform the Hajj, which is one of the pillars of Islam. The Hajj is performed between the 8th and the 12th days of the month.
Whether one is on Pilgrimage or not however, it is a very blessed month. This is justified by Allah's oath, "By the dawn; by the ten nights."(Q89:1-2).
It is well known and established by scholars that Allah does not swear by anything except to show its importance. Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: "This is the correct opinion." (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413)
It was also reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There is no deed more precious in the sight of Allaah, nor greater in reward, than a good deed done during the ten days of Sacrifice." He was asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Reported by al-Daarimi, 1/357; its isnaad is hasan as stated in al-Irwaa’, 3/398). And, ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel ("La ilaaha ill-Allaah"), Takbeer and Tahmeed." (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).
What is Required of a Muslim During These Ten Days?
A Muslim is encouraged to do good deeds in general - giving in charity, increased prayers, being nice to people. In particular, a Muslim is encouraged to fast, especially on the day of Arafat as it has been reported to be a sunnah, which wipes away the sin of 2 years, as it was reported that Abu Qataadah (radiallahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Observing fasting on the Day of Arafat; I expect Allah to expiate the sins that were committed during the preceding year, and the sins that will be committed in the year after. (Muslim)
A Muslim is also encouraged to make a sacrifice, if he/she can afford to.
The recitation of tahleel, takbeer, and tahmid is also highly encouraged. Each person should do this individually. This should continue throughout the days of tashreeq i.e 11th, 12th and 13th days of dhul hajj. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade fasting on these days: “Do not fast on these days, for they are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allaah.” Narrated by Ahmad, 10286; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 3573.
It is also good to seize the opportunity and seek forgiveness for any sin one might have committed.
Eid Mubarak.
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