Masjid Al-Iman Khutbah : 28.11.2008

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FIRST TEN DAYS OF THE MONTH OF HAJJ Download MP3

Allah says in the Holy Qur'an- "By the dawn; By the ten nights (i.e. the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijja)". (Sura 89 Verse 1). Allah has made Hajj an obligation for those who can afford, and Allah has also promised them with great rewards. But as for those who cannot afford, Allah has designed a worship of great rewards for both the pilgrims and the non-pilgrims. And the rewards are greater than Jihad (striving for the cause of Allah).

In the Hadith of Ibn. Abbass, and authorized by Bukhari, The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be onto him) says: "There are no days that good deeds are more loving to Allah like these days (The first ten days of the month of Hajj). Then his companions asked him, Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah? He said not even Jihad for the sake of Allah. Unless a man who go out to Jihad with his person and his money and does not return with any of them". This means that good deeds performed during the first ten days of the month of Hajj are distinguished from deeds in the rest of the days. And to that reason, the Muslim should increase in worshipping Allah. Like prayers, fasting, sadaqa (charity), etc. From within the ten days, the best of all is the day of Arafa, which is the ninth day within the ten. It is also the day on which Allah has completed this religion, as said by Allah in the Holy Qur'an- "This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion". (Sura 5 Verse 3). The day of Arafat is also the day of forgiveness of sins, and rescue from the Hell fire. In a narration of the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be onto him), Authorized by Aisha (Radiyallahu Anhaa), "There is no day when Allah frees his servants than on the day of Arafa, when Allah will descend onto the heavens of this world and say, what do these people want". It is also recommended that the Muslims should fast on the day of Arafat(a day before the Eid day) and it carries a great reward. As said by the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be onto him)- "Fasting on the day of Arafat results to forgiveness of sins committed during the past year, and the coming year". Then on the tenth day, which comes after the day of Arafat, Allah has declared it as a day of feast (Eid). So it is recommended that the Muslim should wash himself with the intention of the Eid prayer, wear his best clothes and while leaving for the Musallah(the prayer ground), he should be reciting the Talbiya- saying- Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa Ilaaha Illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Walillahil Hamd. Meaning- Allah is great. Allah is great, Allah is great, There is no god but Allah, Allah is great, Allah is great, and all praise is due to Allah. It is also recommended that, one should not eat before living for the prayer. The prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be onto him) does not eat before leaving for the prayer. And after the prayer, the first thing
he eats is from the lump He slaughters.

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