Allah said, “And by ten nights.” [Quran 89:2]
Ibn Abbas (d. 687) and other Companions explained that these “ten nights” refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
This interpretation has been confirmed in Sahih of Al-Bukhari from Ibn Abbas that the Prophet said, “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days (meant the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).”
His Companions asked, “Not even fighting Jihad in the way of Allah?”
He replied, “Not even Jihad in the way of Allah; except for a man who goes out for Jihad with his self and his wealth, and he does not return with any of that.”
These days are very precious for scholars until they have different opinions which ten days are more superior: the last ten days of Ramadan or the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah? Ibn Taimiyyah (d. 1328), Ibn Rajab (d. 1393), and majority of scholars chose that these early ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are more valuable.
Contrastly, most muslims do very well in the last ten days of Ramadan but they forget to increase worships in these first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Therefore, we should inform our families and friends to struggle in these coming days. Beside performing Hajj and sacrificing Qurban, there are several menus of worship to utilize this golden chance.
1. Saying Takbir and Other Sentence of Dhikr
Our 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 Tahlil (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar) and Tahmid (saying Alhamdu Lillaah).” [reported Ahmad]
We can say these sentences softly like other kinds of dhikr and we can say them loudly as well. Al-Bukhari reported that the Companions, such as Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah, used to go out in market during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, reciting Takbir, and people in the market recited Takbir after him when they heard them. Beginning from Fajr prayer of the nineth of Dhul-Hijjah we also urged to say Takbir after every prayers loudly.
2. Fasting All Beginning Nine Days or At Least The Nineth One
All mazhabs (schools of fiqh) encouraged us to fast all beginning nine days of this month. Al-Nawawi (d. 1277) said, “Fasting these nine days is extremely recommended.” This fasting is based on what out Prophet said, “Fast during the Sacred Months (and Dhul-Hijjah is one of them) and omit.” [narrated by Abu Dawud] and the very early hadith in this article.
If we cannot do so, let us fast only the ninth one since our beloved Prophet said: “Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah (ninth of Dhul-Hijjah) will remove all minor sins of the previous year and the coming year.” [reported by Muslim]
A big number of scholars also said that fasting the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah (Yawm Tarwiyah) is mustahabb (recommended) and Saudi Lajnah Daimah released fatwa that it is permissible. Moreover, Umar ibn Khattab endorsed women to fast for Ramadan’s qada’ (making-up fasting) in these glorious days.
3. Generally, all noble deeds are rewarded highly at this blessed time. We can perform more additional prayers including qiyamul layl, finish reading the whole Quran in these 10 days, make as much as Dua (supplication), give USD 1 everyday in charity, attending Islamic lessons in masjids, visit families and friends, etc. Said ibn Jubair (d. 714) narrated, “Ibn Abbas made a big effort in worships during this period of time until I cannot follow what he did.”
written by Nur Fajri Romadhon
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