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 radiyallahu 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 radiyallahu 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 radiyallahu 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 radiyallahu 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 radiyallahu 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 radiyallahu 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 radiyallahu 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 radiyallahu 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 radiyallahu 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 radiyallahu 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 ‘Eidul 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 radiyallahu anhu related that ‘Ã’ishah radiyallahu 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 radiyallahu 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,

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: Women should not say it loudly but softly.

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

It’s been a long time coming! Mina Halal is now offering zabihah by hand, whole halal turkey through large grocery retailers like Walmart, Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Sobey’s, Metro, Food Basics, Longos, FreshCo, Adonis and T&T at select locations throughout Ontario.

READ FULL ARTICLE ON HALAL FOODIE

Alḥamdulillāh, the blessed Hajj season and ‘Īd al-Aḍḥa are quickly approaching. Remember the story of Prophet Ibrahim ? His willingness to sacrifice something so dear to him—his son—for Allāh is a great example all of us:

Even though he loved his son more than anything in the world, Prophet Ibrahim knew he must obey the command of Allāh—and his righteous son agreed. So the father and son resolved to carry out Allāh’s will. But, Allāh, the Most-Merciful, seeing their willingness, replaced Ismail with a ram, which was sacrificed instead.

The Udhiyah/Qurbani season provides us with the opportunity to follow Prophet Ibrahim’s example …
… to show our willingness to give … 

Give Udhiyah/Qurbani to those in need!

But what is Udhiyah/Qurbani all about? Well, the word Qurbani is an Urdu and Farsi word derived from the Arabic Qurban, which means an act performed to seek Allāh’s pleasure. It and Udhiyah are used in reference to the sacrifice of an an’aam animal (camel, cattle, sheep, goat), made in the name of Allāh, to serve as charity. And in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s story, Muslims sacrifice an animal at the end of Hajj season, on ‘Īd al-Aḍḥa, and share the meat with the needy.

Islamic Relief’s annual Udhiyah/Qurbani program can help you fulfill that tradition and bring joy to those who receive a share of the meat. In fact, for many impoverished families, Udhiyah/Qurbani gifts from IRUSA donors like you provide the only meat they get all year long. (Here’s more information.)

And, beyond that, giving charity like this inshā’Allāh increases your hasanat (good deeds) with Allāh:

“… It is neither the meat nor the blood [of the sacrificed animal] that reaches Allāh (swt), but the piety from you that reaches Him.” [The Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Haj, 37).

So, please, remember the importance of this season and of your Udhiyah/Qurbani donation.
Show you care by giving your share.

Here is how you can give through IRUSA in 2013:

JAZAKUM Allāh KHAIRAN. THANK YOU.

PLEASE NOTE: An * indicates that the Udhiyah/Qurbani in that country will be delivered as a canned item. An ** indicates that the Udhiyah/Qurbani in that country will be delivered as a frozen item. Also, a portion of all Udhiyah/Qurbani purchases for Jordan and Lebanon will go to help Syrian refugees in need. Finally, in rare cases where donations exceed what is needed or where local conditions prevent program implementation, Islamic Relief will redirect the funds to help provide Udhiyah/Qurbani meat in another location(s) as needed.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is an inspiration to hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Here are some sayings of the Prophet Muhammed (Hadith)  that help us understand his inspirational character…

• “A Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field, from which man, birds and animals can eat, is committing an act of charity.” (Muslim)

• “There is a polish for everything that takes away rust; and the polish for the heart is the remembrance of Allah.” (Bukhari)

• “What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of human beings, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured.” (Bukhari)

• “The most excellent Jihad is that for the conquest of self.” (Bukhari)

• “If you put your whole trust in Allah, as you ought, He most certainly will satisfy your needs, as He satisfies those of the birds. They come out hungry in the morning, but return full to their nests.” (Tirmidhi)

• “Allah will not give mercy to anyone, except those who give mercy to other creatures.” (Abdullah b. Amr: Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi)

• “Say what is true, although it may be bitter and displeasing to people.” (Baihaqi)

• “Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.” (Muslim)

• “When you see a person who has been given more than you in money and beauty, look to those, who have been given less.” (Muslim)

• “If you do not feel ashamed of anything, then you can do whatever you like.” (Abu-Masud: Bukhari)

• “It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad; and it is better still to sit with the good than alone. It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent; but silence is better than idle words.” (Bukhari)

• “Verily, a man teaching his child manners is better than giving one bushel of grain in alms.” (Muslim)

• “Whoever is kind, Allah will be kind to him; therefore be kind to man on the earth. He who is in heaven will show mercy on you.” (Abu Dawud: Tirmidhi)

• “It is difficult for a man laden with riches to climb the steep path, that leads to bliss.” (Muslim)

• “The best of you are those who are best to the women.” (Tirmidhi)

• “Whoever loveth to meet God, God loveth to meet him” (Bukhari)

• “Once a man, who was passing through a road, found a branch of a tree with thorns obstructing it. The man removed the thorns from the way. Allah thanked him and forgave his sins.” (Bukhari)

• “Who are the learned? Those who practice what they know.” (Bukhari)

• “Allah has revealed to me, that you must be humble. No one should boast over one another, and no one should oppress another.” (Iyad b. Hinar al-Mujashi: Muslim)

• “A true Muslim is thankful to Allah in prosperity, and resigned to His will in adversity.” (Muslim)

• “A Muslim who meets with others and shares their burdens is better than one who lives a life of seclusion and contemplation.” (Muslim)

• “Serve Allah, as you would if you could see Him; although you cannot see Him, He can see you.” (Umar: Muslim)

• “Allah does not look at your appearance or your possessions; but He looks at your heart and your deeds.” (Abu Huraira: Muslim)

• “The best richness is the richness of the soul.” (Bukhari)

• “Keep yourselves far from envy; because it eats up and takes away good actions, like a fire eats up and burns wood.” (Abu Dawud)

• “Much silence and a good disposition, there are no two things better than these.” (Bukhari)

• “Verily, Allah is mild and is fond of mildness, and He gives to the mild what He does not give to the harsh.” (Muslim)

• “Once the Prophet was asked: “Tell us, which action is dearest to Allah?” He answered: “To say your prayer at its proper time.” Again he was asked: “What comes next?” Mohammad said: “To show kindness to parents.” “Then what?” he was asked, “To strive for the cause of Allah!” (Ibn Masad: Bukhari)

• “When two persons are together, two of them must not whisper to each other, without letting the third hear; because it would hurt him.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

• “Verily, it is one of the respects to Allah to honor an old man.” (Bukhari)

• “I command you to treat women kindly…” (Bukhari)

• “All Muslims are like a foundation, each strengthening the other; in such a way they do support each other.” (Abu Musa: Bukhari & Muslim)

• “Strive always to excel in virtue and truth.” (Bukhari)

• “You will not enter paradise until you have faith; and you will not complete your faith till you love one another.” (Muslim)

• “He, who wishes to enter paradise at the best gate, must please his father and mother.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

• “I am leaving two things among you, and if you cling to them firmly you will never go astray; one is the Book of Allah and the other is my way of life.” (Last Sermon on the Mount)

• “Allah is One and likes Unity.” (Muslim)

• “The best of alms is that, which the right hand gives and the left hand knows not of.” (Bukhari)

• “The perfect Muslim is not a perfect Muslim, who eats till he is full and leaves his neighbors hungry.” (Ibn Abbas: Baihaqi)

• “He is not of us who is not affectionate to the little ones, and does not respect the old; and he is not of us, who does not order which is lawful, and prohibits that which is unlawful.” (Ibn Abbas: Tirmidhi)

• “No man is a true believer unless he desires for his brother that, what he desires for himself.” (Abu Hamza Anas: Bukhari & Muslim)

• “To strive for the cause of Allah from daybreak to noon and sunset is better than the goods and enjoyment of the whole worldly life.” (Bukhari)

• “Be not like the hypocrite who, when he talks, tells lies; when he gives a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he proves dishonest.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

• “The proof of a Muslim’s sincerity is, that he pays no heed to that, which is not his business.” (Abu Hureira: Tirmidhi)

• “Do you know what is better than charity and fasting and prayer? It is keeping peace and good relations between people, as quarrels and bad feelings destroy mankind.” (Muslims & Bukhari)

• “Conduct yourself in this world, as if you are here to stay forever; prepare for eternity as if you have to die tomorrow.” (Bukhari)

• “The human being does not fill up any vessel worse than his stomach.” (Tirmidhi)

• “The worldly comforts are not for me. I am like a traveler, who takes a rest under a tree in the shade and then goes on his way.” (Tirmidhi)

• “Women are the twin halves of men.” (Tirmidhi)

• “A father gives his child nothing better than a good education.” (Tirmidhi)

• “The strong person is not the one who can wrestle someone else down. The strong person is the one who can control himself when he is angry.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

• “The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim.” (Tirmidhi)

Let us know in the comments section below which is your favourite saying of Prophet Muhammad  – Peace be upon him and all the Prophets.