The month of Dhul-Hijjah is one of the highly revered months among Muslims. This is one of the four forbidden months (Rajab, Dhul-Hijjah, Dhul-Qaada, Muharram), during which Allah Almighty forbade wars, conflicts, and blood feuds. The first ten days of this month are especially valuable.
The month of Dhul-Hijjah contains main holiday Muslims - Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha), which falls on the 10th. In the month of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims perform Hajj - one of the five fundamental duties of Muslims, which are the pillars of Islam. It also contains one of the holy days - the day of Arafah (9th day). On this day, pilgrims performing Hajj stay in the area of Arafah. On the day of Arafah, it is advisable to read Surah “Ikhlyas” a thousand times, starting each of them with “Bismillah...”. One hadith says that whoever reads Surah Ikhlas a thousand times will have all his sins forgiven.
The hadith also says that the most beloved and dearest days to Allah are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. In the first nine days of this month, and especially on the day of Arafah (and the previous day), it is advisable to fast (except for pilgrims performing Hajj).
A hadith from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) says that one young man observed fasting in the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was told about this, and he asked why he was fasting. “O light of my eyes, these are the days of Hajj, and I hope for good from the dua (prayer) of the pilgrims,” replied the young man. And then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said that for each day of fasting on these days he will receive such a reward as for the liberation of one hundred slaves, the distribution of one hundred animals as alms and the issuance of one hundred horses for jihad, and for fasting on the day of Arafah - such reward as for the liberation of two thousand slaves, the distribution of the same number of animals for sadaqa and the allocation of the same number of horses for jihad.
The hadith also says that the reward for fasting on the day of Arafah is equal to the reward for fasting for two years; that those who fast on this day are forgiven the sins of two years - the previous and the following; that the one who fasts two days before Araf will receive a reward like Prophet Ayyub (peace be upon him), and the one who fasts on the day of Araf will receive a reward like Prophet Isa (peace be upon him).
It is advisable to spend these days in worship of the Creator (ibadah) and give alms to the needy.
It is undesirable (karakhat) for anyone who is going to slaughter a sacrificial animal (qurban) to cut their hair and nails during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, that is, before the sacrifice.
Virtues of the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah
The words of Allah Almighty in Surah “Dawn”: “I swear by the dawn, I swear by ten nights...” - mean the first 10 days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. The oath of Allah testifies to the greatness of these days. And in Surah “Pilgrimage” the Almighty says: “(In order) to glorify the name of the Lord in certain days" Here we also mean the first 10 days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah.
Truly, our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) testified that these days are the most blessed in this world. From Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) it was reported that our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The most blessed days of this world are the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah.” They asked him: “Are there any people similar to them (i.e., people engaged in serving God these days)?” He replied: “There is no one like them in the path of Allah, except a person who was killed in the path of Allah (i.e., a martyr).” Only a martyr is higher before Allah than a person who is busy serving Allah these days.
Among these days is the day of Arafah. The Day of Arafah is the day of the great Hajj, the day of forgiveness of sins, the day of liberation from fire. Among these days is also the day of sacrifice (Kurban Bayram). The day of sacrifice is the best day of the year. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The greatest day is the day of sacrifice.”
All pillars of worship are included on these days. Hafis ibn Hajar writes in the book “Al-Fath”: “The reason for the exaltation of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is the presence in them of all the pillars of worship: prayer, fasting, sacrifice, pilgrimage - and all this is not combined on other days.”
From Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) it was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah Almighty loves best the good deeds done on these days (i.e. in the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah).” Someone asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Even more than jihad (war in the path of Allah)?” He replied: “Yes, even more than jihad, except the deeds of a person who went to the path of Allah with his wealth and did not return.”
Abdullah ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “I was with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and we talked about good deeds. And he said: “There are no better good deeds than those committed in the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah.” I asked him: “O Messenger of Allah! Are they even better than jihad?” He replied: “Even jihad, except for the deeds of a person who entered the path of Allah with his wealth and found his death there.”
The first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah should be met with heartfelt repentance for one’s sins. This is the duty of every Muslim. Repentance is a blessing for a Muslim both in this world and on the Day of Judgment.
The Almighty says in the Koran (meaning): “Repent to Allah, all of you, perhaps you will succeed.”
Take advantage of the bounty of these days as much as possible. It is desirable for every Muslim to do as many good deeds as possible. The Almighty says (meaning): “We will guide those who tried for Our (cause) in Our ways.”
Just as submission to the Almighty and serving Him these days brings us closer to Him, so too sins distance us from Him, and we lose His mercy. Therefore, refrain from everything sinful these days, dear brothers and sisters.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is the ninth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Fasting on this day is a desirable (sunnah) action. IN authentic hadith narrated by Muslim and others, it is said that when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah, he said: “The sins of the one who fasts on this day will be washed away for the previous and subsequent years.” Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said to Masruk: “O Masruk, have you not heard that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) compared fasting on the Day of Arafah with fasting on a thousand other days?” (Baykhaki, Tabarani). Renowned theologian Ramali vowed that fasting on the Day of Arafah would wash away the major and minor sins of both years. But sins before people will be washed away only after the offender asks for forgiveness from those whom he offended. The sick and the traveler may not fast on this day (in case of difficulties). If there are no difficulties, you can fast. It is advisable for those who perform Hajj not to fast on this day in order to have strength during prayer and worship on Mount Arafat.
Dear brothers and sisters! On August 23, one of our highly revered months begins - the month of Hajj. The festive service of Eid al-Adha Kurban Bayram will take place on September 1!
Dhul-Hijjah is one of the four harams, as are Rajab, Dhul-Qaada and Muharram. During these months, Allah Almighty forbade wars, conflicts and blood feuds. The most valuable days for worship are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. The greatness of these days is evidenced by the oath of Almighty Allah in Sura 89 “Al-Fajr” (“Dawn”): “I swear by the dawn, I swear by ten nights...”. The hadith says: “There are no better deeds than those done in the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah” (al-Bukhari) “Good deeds done on these ten days are more loved by Allah than those done on other days” (at-Tirmidhi) Worship in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah Hafis ibn Hajar notes that it is on these days that all the pillars of worship are included: prayer, fasting, sacrifice, pilgrimage. “... and all this does not fit together on other days” (“Al-Fath”) /
All ten days you should pray earnestly and repent of your sins, read Holy Quran, praise and thank Allah Almighty, read salawat to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, give alms, please loved ones, do as many good deeds as possible. It is advisable (sunnah) for everyone, except Hajj pilgrims, to fast on the first nine days of this month, and especially on the ninth day of Araf (and the previous day).
The most significant of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the Day of Arafah (9th day) and the Day of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha). The meaning and wisdom of the Day of Arafah The Day of Arafah is the day of forgiveness of sins and liberation from fire. This is a reminder of the meeting after a long separation between Adam and Havva, peace be upon them. When Allah Almighty heeded the prayers of the exiles from Paradise, an angel led each of them to Mecca. In the Arafat Valley on Friday after the ‘Asr prayer, they cried together and repented of what they had done. Allah Almighty, the Gracious and Merciful, accepted their dua and promised to forgive every year those of their descendants who, on this day and at this time, sincerely repent of their sins and ask for forgiveness from Allah Almighty. Adam and Havwa, peace be upon them, settled where the city of Mecca is located - “Ummu’l-Qura” (“mother of settlements”).
Fasting on the Day of Arafah On the day of Arafah, it is advisable to perform a complete ablution, take care of personal hygiene, and fast (except for pilgrims). Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The sins of the one who fasts on the day of Arafah will be washed away for the previous and subsequent years” (Bayhaqi).
The hadith speaks of a great reward for fasting on the Day of Arafah - like fasting for two years. Those who observe fasting are forgiven the sins of the previous and subsequent years. But if these are sins before people, then you must definitely ask for Surahs, prayers and duas on the Day of Arafah. On this day you must tirelessly praise and thank Allah Almighty, read Surah al-Ikhlas, starting each time with Bismillah, and salawat to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings to him. The hadith says that whoever reads Surah al-Ikhlas a thousand times will have all his sins forgiven. In dua, you must sincerely repent and ask Allah Almighty for forgiveness for yourself, your loved ones - living and dead, for the entire ummah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “ The best prayer is the one with whom one turns to Allah on the day of Arafah, and the best of what His prophets said are the words: Translit : “La ilaha illa-llahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul mulku wa lahulkhamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli shayin kadir.” Meaning: “There is no one worthy of worship except Allah alone, Who has no partner, He has all power, He has all praise, and He has all power.” Dear brothers and sisters! Remember that serving Allah Almighty these days brings us closer to Him, but by committing sins, we lose His mercy. Abstain from everything forbidden. Take as much as you can from these days' bounty. May Allah accept all our good deeds.
The calendar is one of integral elements Everyday life each person. Muslims have own system chronology, based on which they observe certain religious prescriptions.
Most countries in the world today use the Gregorian solar calendar, which starts from the birth of Jesus Christ (Prophet Isa, R.A.) and includes 12 months (365 or 366 days). In Islam, it is taken as a basis, counting the days from the moment of the Hijra - the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (s.g.v.) and the first Muslims from Mecca to Medina, which occurred in 622 according to the Gregorian calendar (it is called Miladi). The key difference is that the Muslim calendar is 11-12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, so the onset of one or another is religiously significant events occurs on different dates of the Gregorian calendar.
At the same time, Muslims do not have a universal unified Islamic calendar, since they use different methods determining the new month. Some theologians advocate that this moment occurs when a new Moon. Others believe that in in this case should resort to the latest technologies and determine the onset of the month by satellite. It is the presence of these disagreements that leads to the fact that the same event (for example, the onset of the month of Ramadan, the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, and so on) in different states and even regions of the same country occurs in different time.
The Muslim calendar, like the Gregorian calendar, has 12 months. God's final Revelation says:
“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve. This was written in the Scriptures on the day when Allah created the heavens and the earth. Four months of them are forbidden" (9:36)
features of each month
1. Muharram
The Islamic calendar begins with the month of Muharram. He occupies a special position and is included in number four the forbidden months in Islam, which are mentioned in the above-mentioned verse. Their prohibition is due to the fact that our Creator imposed a ban on conflicts and wars during these months.
The month of Muharram, which is especially prominent in Islam, carries with it great dignity for the faithful. For example, this period is considered very favorable for those who are going to hold an additional post. The final Messenger of God (s.g.w.) explained: “After Ramadan, the best time to observe fasting is Muharram - the month of the Lord” (hadith from Muslim and Abu Dawood).
Separately, Muslims highlight the day of Ashura in the month of Muharram, which falls on its tenth day. The significance of this date is evidenced by the fact that many important events in the history of Islam falls precisely on (in 2019 this is September 9). Fasting on the 10th of Muharram is believed to help atone for the sins of the entire year. As proof, a reliable saying of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is cited: “Whoever fasts on the day of Ashura, his sins for a year are forgiven” (hadith from Muslim, at-Tirmidhi and Ahmad). However, Shiite theologians argue that fasting on this day should not be observed, since this is the date of the tragic death of Imam Hussein, who is especially revered by Shiite Muslims.
2. Safar
Second month of Islam lunar calendar is Safar. Among the Arabs of the pre-Islamic period, it was considered a month of disasters, and therefore during this period they tried not to go on long journeys, not to marry, etc. The mercy of the worlds Muhammad (s.a.w.) dispelled these prejudices by declaring: “There is no bad omens month of Safar" (Muslim).
It should be remembered that everything in this world comes from our Creator, regardless of what month it is.
3. Rabi ul-Awwal
In the Muslim calendar, the third month is Rabi ul-Awwal, significant, first of all, because in this month the Final Messenger of the Almighty Muhammad (s.g.v.) was born and passed on to another world. Addressing him with His Revelation, Allah indicates:
“We sent you only as a mercy to the worlds” (21:107)
By the way, Muslims living mainly in states post-Soviet space, as well as in a number of other countries, celebrate (November 8)- Birthday of your Prophet (s.g.v.). However, theologians from the Arab world are categorically against its celebration. As an argument, they cite a hadith that reads: “Truly, Allah replaced them (holidays) with two better days: the Day of Breaking the Fast and the Day of Sacrifice” (Abu Dawud).
4. Rabi ul-Akhir
The fourth month of the year in the Muslim chronological system is Rabi ul-Akhir, also called Rabi us-Sani. Its name means "last spring" or "second spring" and implies a continuation of the previous month.
5. Jumad al-Ula
The next month of the Islamic calendar is Jumad al-Ula (sometimes called Jumad al-Awwal). Arabic word"jumada" is used to refer to drought. In this month, as a rule, in pre-Islamic Arabia (from where the names of all the months were preserved) there was a drought.
6. Jumad al-Akhir
The sixth month of the calendar is Jumad al-Akhir (or Jumad al-Sani). This month, like the previous one, was considered the driest month by the Arabs of the times of Jahiliya, which is why they received such names. In the month of Jumad al-Akhir, the closest companion of Muhammad (s.g.w.) and the first righteous caliph- Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (r.a.).
7. Rajab
The second half of the lunar year begins with the month of Rajab. Like Muharram, it is included in the list of forbidden months in Islam, during which wars are strictly prohibited. Thus, there is a Quranic verse:
“They ask you about fighting in the forbidden month. Say: “To fight in this month is a great crime.” (2:217)
In hadiths you can find the words of the Messenger of the Almighty about the desirability of keeping a fast during the forbidden months, which includes Rajab. “Keep fast on some days of the sacred months!” (Abu Daoud). However, many theologians called this hadith weak.
Significant events in the history of Islam occurred in the month of Rajab. For example, on its 1st Friday comes the date of marriage by the parents of the Final Messenger of God. Some theologians elevate it to the level of a holiday, while others note that this night is only memorable date, which means that this date is not worth celebrating.
On the 27th of the month of Rajab, the famous night journey of the Prophet Muhammad (s.g.v.) - Isra, as well as his ascension to heaven - took place. This event is one of the greatest miracles in the history of Islam and is mentioned in the Koran:
“Glorified is He Who carried His servant at night, to show him some of Our signs, from the Sacred Mosque to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the surroundings of which We bestowed blessings” (17:1)
8. Shaaban
Eighth in a row muslim month, comes just before the holy Ramadan. During Sha'ban, believers prepare to observe the upcoming obligatory fast. Preparation includes, among other things, fasting on certain days. This is what the Messenger of the Almighty (s.g.v.) did.
It is narrated from the words of Aisha bint Abu Bakr (r.a.): “I did not see the Prophet Muhammad fasting throughout the entire month except the month of Ramadan, and I did not see him fasting more in any month than in Sha'ban" (hadith cited by al-Bukhari and Muslim).
In addition, the faithful should pay no less attention to worship this month. The mercy of the worlds Muhammad (s.g.w.) emphasized: “Our Lord descends in the middle of the night of the month of Shaban and forgives the sins of all His creations, except for the polytheist and the adherent of innovations!” (Ibn Majah).
9. Ramadan
The most significant month for Muslims around the world is the Holy month of Ramadan (Ramadan). Its importance is due to the fact that it was during these 30 days of the Islamic calendar that the last Book of Allah was revealed to humanity.
The exclusivity of Ramadan is described in the hadiths: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained” (al-Bukhari and Muslim).
The most important element of a given month- a mandatory fast that serves as one of the pillars of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) once said: “Indeed, there is a gate in Paradise called ar-Rayyan, through which those who fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one will enter through this gate except them.” -Bukhari and Muslim).
In addition, it is in the 9th month of the Islamic calendar that the best night in the year - (Night of Predestination). Its greatness is indicated by the fact that an entire Quranic sura is dedicated to it:
“Verily, We sent it down (the Quran) on the night of predestination (or power, greatness). How could you know what the night of predestination is? Night of Predestination better than a thousand months. On this night, the angels and the Spirit (Jibril) descend with the permission of their Lord according to all His commands. She is prosperous until dawn" (Sura 97)
These verses directly indicate that Laylat ul-Qadr exceeds 1000 months in the degree of its benefit, and this corresponds to more than 83 years - almost an entire human life. And every positive deed that happens on this night will turn out to be a much greater blessing for the servant of Allah than good deeds, committed by him throughout his earthly life.
During Ramadan, believers should be diligent in reading verses and surahs Holy Book, read (preferably with jamaat) tarawih prayers, perform other good deeds, since for them you can count on a reward from the Creator increased many times over. (In 2019, the month of Ramadan begins on May 6 and the first day of fasting falls on this date).
10. Shawwal
The month of Shawwal following Ramadan is also considered special in the life of the ummah. This is primarily due to the fact that on the 1st of this month one of the most important Islamic holidays is celebrated - the Day of Breaking the Fast. (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, which in 2019 falls on June 4 and is celebrated for two more days).
Secondly, Muslims are advised to observe 6 days of fasting on Shawwal. Together with fasting in the month of Ramadan, they give a reward equivalent to the sawab received for a year of fasting. The basis for this assertion is contained in the hadith: “If someone observed the Ramadan fast and added to it six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal, he will receive the same reward as if he had fasted the whole year” (Muslim).
11. Dhul-Qaeda
The eleventh month of the Islamic calendar is Dhul-Qaida, the third forbidden month after Muharram and Rajab. During it, it is prohibited to conduct military operations and enter into conflicts.
12. Dhul-Hijjah
The final month of the year in the Islamic chronology plays huge role in the life of the ummah, since it involves the performance of important religious rituals.
Firstly, Dhul-Hijjah is the month of one of the pillars of Islam - pilgrimage ().
Secondly, the first 9 days of this month are highlighted separately: “Whatever days righteous deeds are performed, Allah loves most of all doing them on these days,” says the hadith cited by al-Bukhari. The faithful are advised to spend this period of time in fasting, show diligence in worship, help those in need, and implement other deeds pleasing to Allah.
The Day of Arafah occupies a special place in the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. (in 2019 falls on August 10). Anyone who keeps the spirit on this day will, by the grace of the Lord, be forgiven all the sins that he has committed over the past 2 years. Confirmation of this can be found in the hadith: “Fasting on the day of Arafah serves as atonement for the sins of the past and future years” (Muslim).
Well, the most important date at the end of the Muslim lunar year falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, when the second of the greatest holidays in Islam is celebrated - the Day of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha, Kurban Bayram, which in 2019 is celebrated from August 11 to 14).
Wednesday was the first day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the first ten days of which are the best of the year.
We are used to waiting for the month of Ramadan so that it improves us, raises our faith to a higher level. In this month we leave sins and strive to good deeds and try to preserve the blessings of Ramadan after it ends.
So, the days that started on Wednesday are better than the days of the month of Ramadan. And this is a huge mercy of Allah Almighty, which we may not fully realize.
Allah gave us these days: so that we wake up and shake ourselves, so that we give up carelessness, so that we return to constancy in good deeds, from which we may have moved away in the daily bustle, so that we could feel the closeness of Allah, increase our worship of Him and become sincere.
Messenger of Allah said about the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah: “There are no days on which good deeds are more beloved by Allah than these.” And Allah Almighty swore by them in the Koran, showing us their significance.
Allah has given certain periods of time superiority over others in terms of reward for good deeds. Allah has given knowledge about this time, and each of us must take advantage of it.
The virtues of the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah
Allah Almighty made the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah the subject of His oath, and the oath of the Almighty is an indication of the greatness and importance of these days. Allah Almighty said: “I swear to the dawn! I swear on ten nights! I swear by odds and odds!”(Sura “Dawn”, verses 1, 2).
Ibn Abbas said: “Ten nights are the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah!”
It is reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The best days of this world are the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah!” (Al-Bazzar, Ibn Hibban).
Ibn Hajar said: “It becomes clear that the reason for the ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah is that on these days all the most important forms of worship, such as prayer, fasting, sadaqa and hajj, gather. And all this is not collected at once at any other time.”
Ibn Kathir said: “Many hadiths indicate that the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah are better than the rest of the days of the year and they are better than the last ten days of Ramadan. However, the last ten nights of Ramadan are better than all other nights of the year, since they include the Night of Destiny, which is better than a thousand months.”
Position of fasting in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
Fasting is one of the most best views worship that is established by Allah Almighty. There are many desirable days for fasting, including the first nine days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Every year, Muslims fast during these days, give alms and perform all kinds of righteous deeds.
However, reading some sites on the Internet or communicating with some Muslims, we may come across the opinion that fasting these days is an innovation. In order to eliminate doubts and establish evidence about the desirability of fasting on these days, we tried to collect arguments in its favor.
The scholars of the four madhhabs are unanimous that fasting in the first nine days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah is desirable.
The book Al-Fatawa Al-Hindiyya says: “It is advisable to fast in the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah.” The book “Al-Mukni’a” says: “Fasting is advisable in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.” The book “Ravdatu t-Talibin” says: “It is advisable to fast in the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah.” Ibn Hazm said: “We consider it advisable to fast in the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah before the day of sacrifice.”. An-Nawawi said: “There is no objection to fasting during these nine days. On the contrary, it is highly desirable, especially on the ninth day, which is the day of Arafah.”
Also, the standing committee on fatwas and scientific research V Saudi Arabia The following fatwa was issued: “ Better days for the desired fast are: Monday, Thursday, white days (13,14,15 days of each lunar month) and ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah."
Statements by scientists about the desirability of fasting these days great amount, we have listed only a few of them.
The reader is also invited to a question and answer from the Sheikh’s website Muhammad Salih al-Munajid about fasting in the first days of this month.
Question: I read on your website about the merits of fasting on the day of Arafah. But I also read that it is advisable to fast in the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Did I understand you correctly? If correct, then explain to me exactly how many days it is advisable to fast: nine or ten? Because the tenth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha).
Answer: All praise belongs to Allah! Fasting in the first nine days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah is advisable. This is indicated by the hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are loved by Allah as these ten days (that is, the ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah).” The Companions asked: “O Messenger of Allah, even jihad in the path of Allah?!” He said: “Even jihad is in the path of Allah, except for a person who went out with his soul and property and did not return with any of them.”(hadith narrated Al-Bukhari).
From some of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) the following is transmitted: "Messenger of Allah(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) fasted nine days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, on the day of Ashura and three days of each month: the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays"(hadith reported Imam Ahmad, Abu Daoud, Sheikh Al-Albani considered the hadith to be reliable).
As for fasting on a holiday, it is prohibited. This is indicated by the hadith that the Prophet to (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)“forbade fasting on the day of breaking the fast (Eid al-Fitr) and on the day of sacrifice (Eid al-Adha)” (hadith reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Islamic scholars are unanimous that fasting on these two days is prohibited.
Righteous deeds done on these days are better than those done on other days. Regarding fasting, it concerns specifically nine days, and the tenth day is a holiday and fasting on this day is prohibited. Thus, the merits of fasting the ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah apply only to nine days.
See Sharh of Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, on the Sahih of Imam Muslim (end of the answer from the fatwa).
A similar question was also asked Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen. He was approached by a woman who fasted during the first nine days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, but stopped observing it because someone called fasting on these days undesirable, since it has no basis in the Quran and Sunnah. The Sheikh replied that it was better for her to continue fasting on these days, as it was desirable. He pointed out that on these days it is desirable to perform good deeds, and fasting is one of the righteous deeds. Moreover, the Sheikh stated that anyone who claims that fasting on these days is not advisable must provide an argument that fasting is not related to righteous deeds.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah
One of the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of Arafah - the ninth. On this day, pilgrims perform the main pillar of the Hajj - they gather in the Arafah Valley, where they commemorate Allah Almighty and turn to Him with dua.
Allah Almighty swore by the day of Arafah, which indicates its greatness. Allah said: “I swear by the promised day! I swear by the witness (of the day) and the witnessed!”(Sura “Towers”; verses 2, 3).
Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The Day of Promise is the Day of Resurrection, the Day of Witness is the Day of Arafah, and the Day of Witness is Friday.”(At-Tirmidhi, At-Tabarani).
Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said about fasting on the day of Arafah: “He serves as atonement for (the sins of) the past year and the next year!”(Muslim).
However, this is only advisable for those who are not performing Hajj. As for the person performing Hajj, it is not Sunnah for him to fast on the day of Arafah, since the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) refused to fast that day. It is reported that while he was in the valley of Arafah on the day of Arafah, he kept people from fasting. ]§[
Dhul-Hijjah is the last, 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar, which in 2018 begins on August 13. After this it will come new month- Muharram, which will be the beginning of 1440 according to the Hijri calendar.
Hijri is an Islamic calendar compiled in accordance with the Koran and its strict observance is the sacred duty of every Muslim. The counting of time (calendar years) according to the Hijri begins on July 16, 622 according to the Gregorian calendar, from the moment of the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
The Muslim Hijri calendar is based on the lunar annual cycle. Lunar year shorter than the solar one and amounts to 354 - 355 days, and therefore, from year to year there is a kind of shift of the solar calendar from the lunar calendar by 11-12 days.
The Hijri months are in no way tied to the seasons and seasonal work, That's why New Year can begin at different times of the year - in summer, autumn, and winter.
Dhul-Hijjah
The last month of the Muslim lunar calendar in 2018 begins on August 13. Dhul-Hijjah is considered a period of strict prohibition on all evil deeds that a normal person should, in principle, beware of in his daily life: all violence, manifestations of intolerance, foul language, theft and other bad deeds and intentions.
Dhul-Hijjah, translated from Arabic as “possessing pilgrimage,” in Islam refers to the four holy months - the time of pilgrimage to holy places.
Ensuring the safety of pilgrims promised good trade and big profits. For this reason, these months of the Arab calendar became “forbidden”, during which, according to Muslim tradition, it was forbidden to conduct military operations, kill and shed blood.
For Muslims, the first ten days of this month are especially important. It is at this time that Muslims all over the world go on Hajj - a pilgrimage to holy places. The Hajj lasts three days - from the 7th to the 9th of the month of Dhul-Hijjah.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of faith and has great spiritual meaning. However, Islam does not require Muslims to comply with this requirement. This is due to the fact that not every Muslim can afford to go on pilgrimage due to financial difficulties or health reasons.
However, despite all the difficulties, every devout Muslim strives to visit holy places at least once in his life.
During the Hajj, believers celebrated another holiday - the Day of Arafah or standing on Mount Arafat. On this day, the hajj participants visited Mount Arafat near Mecca, where, according to legend, the prophet Adam and his wife Chava (Eve) met after being expelled from paradise and where their prayers were accepted.
On the Day of Arafah, believers are required to fast and pray for the atonement of their sins.
The first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah ended with the festival of sacrifice - Eid al-Adha, better known as Kurban Bayram. It is celebrated 70 days after Eid al-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr), which marks the end of fasting in the month of Ramadan.
The holiday is celebrated in the Mina Valley near Mecca, and it lasts three days. During Eid al-Fitr, believers sacrifice a ram or other cattle.
The first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah are highly respected and valuable for Muslims all over the world; on these days one should fast and strive to do as much as possible good deeds. Good deeds include prayers and almsgiving, as well as additional fasting.
Therefore, it is advisable to fast on the first nine days of the month, especially on the Day of Arafat, the ninth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, which Muslims celebrated on August 21 in 2018. Prophet Muhammad said that fasting on the Day of Arafat atones for the sins of the previous and next year.
Fasting is prohibited on Eid al-Adha. The day before of this holiday Muslims' working day is shortened by one hour.
Muharram
First day holy month Muharram begins the new year 1440 Hijri. Ras al-Sana (Hijri Day) falls on September 11th in 2018 according to the Gregorian calendar.
It is not customary for Muslims to celebrate the onset of the Lunar New Year in any special way. On this day, a sermon is read in mosques dedicated to the move of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
Muslims are confident that if they pray earnestly during this period for the forgiveness of sins and do good deeds, it will come upon them. God's blessing and the rest of the year will be prosperous. Therefore, the first day of the month of Muharram is spent in prayer.
The first 10 days of the new year are considered blessed in the Muslim world for all good endeavors. At this time, it is customary to celebrate weddings, start building houses and make plans for the future.
The month of Muharram itself - along with the months of Rajab, Dhul Qaada and Dhul Hijjah - every Muslim should try to spend in serving the Almighty, who forbade conflicts, blood feuds, wars, and so on at this time.
Muharram is a month of repentance and worship. Every Muslim should try to spend this month in the service of God. One of the sayings of Muhammad says: “Muharram is the best time to fast after the month of Ramadan.”
Another saying says: “Whoever fasts one day in the month of Muharram is rewarded with 30 fasts.”
According to another saying, a great reward awaits a Muslim who fasts on Thursday, Friday and Sunday of the month of Muharram.
Fasting during the holy month of Muharram, as well as fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, consists of abstaining from food during daylight hours, spiritual cleansing, and devoting oneself to prayer, repentance and worship.
On the day of the New Year, the clergy wish all Muslims peace, goodness and prosperity, goodness and abundant mercies of Allah Almighty.
The material was prepared on the basis of open sources.
