Dhul Hijjah 2023

Dhul Hijjah 2023

This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you. (Holy Qur’an 05:03)

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar, are considered the best ten days of the year for Muslims, even more so than the last ten days of Ramadan. Indeed, Sunan Ibn Majah states that ‘there are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days’.

On the Day of Arafah, the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah 632, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) delivered his final sermon on Mount Arafat, and it was on this day that Allah (SWT) completed His favour and perfected the religion of Islam. It is during this period that millions of Muslims from all corners of the world come together in the holy city of Mecca to take part in Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam.

Although we may not be able to perform Hajj this year, there are still plenty of ways for us to reap the rewards of these blessed ten days by engaging in voluntary fasting, worship, charitable giving and offering Qurbani. Here are a few tips to help you make Dhul Hijjah 2023 a truly memorable one!

VOLUNTARY FASTING

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.”
(Ibn Majah)

Fasting on the Day of Arafah on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah is a great way for us to seek forgiveness for our sins and to draw closer to Allah (SWT). If we are unable to fast on the Day of Arafah, then fasting on any one of the first ten days of the month is still incredibly beneficial; according to a Tirmidhi narrated hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) is reported to have said it’s like fasting for an entire year!

Let’s make the most of this blessed opportunity to seek forgiveness and start afresh for the new year.

THE NIGHT PRAYER

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “To offer salatul tahajjud [night prayer] during one of its nights is like performing the late-night prayer on the night of power [Lailatul Qadr].” (Tirmidhi)

Known as ‘Tahajjud’, the voluntary Night Prayer brings many blessings. But did you know that performing it in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah provides even greater rewards? Let’s take advantage of the generous benefits offered by this beautiful prayer!

SALAWAT RECITATION

Verily, God and His angels bless the Prophet (ﷺ): “[hence,] O you who have attained to faith, bless him and give yourselves up [to his guidance] in utter self-surrender!” (The Holy Qur’an 33:56)

Salawat is a way to ask Allah (SWT) to give peace and blessings to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Just like the Night Prayer, we are taught in numerous hadiths that when we recite Salawat, Allah (SWT) will bless us. So why not take this opportunity to show our love for Allah’s (SWT) noble Messenger and receive His blessings in return?

THE TAKBEER TASHREEQ

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, laa ilaha ill-Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi’l hamd.

This translates to: Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no God but Allah; Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.

We are encouraged to increase our remembrance of Allah (SWT) by reciting Takbeer Tashreeq in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, beginning at Fajr Prayer on the Day of Arafah, the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, and continuing until the end of the Asr Prayer on the last day of Eid, the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah.

May Allah (SWT) grant us the blessing of drawing closer to Him in this way.

GIVE SADAQAH

For those who give in Charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and they shall have [besides] a liberal reward. (Holy Qur’an 57:18)

Sadaqah, derived from the Arabic word ‘sidq’, which means sincerity, is a sign of sincere faith. As the holy Qur’an states, whatever is given in charity will not only be increased but will also bring blessings of Barakah or abundance to our lives.

Sadly, as a result of the ongoing pandemic, global crisis and impact of the floods last year, our poorest cancer patients are particularly vulnerable at this time. Your Sadaqah can make a difference to their treatment, and recovery, so please consider adding a small Sadaqah donation to your Qurbani offering this year.

OFFER QURBANI

A believer who performs Qurbani with sincerity will reap a reward for every hair of the animal they sacrifice. (Tirmidhi)

Qurbani is the practice of sacrificing an animal to demonstrate our sincere devotion to Allah (SWT). It is an act of piety and worship that comes to us from the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS). Find out more.

To be valid, Qurbani must be performed within four days of the Eid prayer on the first day of Eid ul-Adha and before sunset on the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah.

To place your Qurbani order, simply book online today or call +44 (0)1274 424 444 during office hours and provide us with the names of those on whose behalf the sacrifice will be carried out. Orders can be accepted up to and on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah – two days before Eid ul-Adha.

 
Did you know that we’re working to complete our third and largest cancer hospital in Karachi next year? Join our race to the finish line by donating Sadaqah Jariyah with your Qurbani this year. Find out more.

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