The Clear Evidence

First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah:

Allah has sworn by the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah in the Quran (By the Dawn. By the ten nights (i.e. the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah) Sura Al-Fajr, Verses: 1-2). This shows that the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are of great importance in Islam. The important rite of Hajj i.e. ‘Wuqufe Arafah’ is also performed in these ten days, which is the day of acquiring the greatest blessings of Allah. Thus, after Ramadan, there is the best chance to attain the success in the Hereafter in these days.

Therefore, in these days, worship Allah as much as you can, do His Zikr, observe fast and offer sacrifice. There are special virtues of worshipping in these days which are mentioned in Ahadith, out of which I am describing some Ahadith below:

❖ It is reported from Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “On no other days are good deeds more liked by Allah than on these ten days (i.e. the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” (Sahih Bukhari)

❖ It is reported from Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “No other days are considered more virtuous by Allah than these ten days, therefore, you should recite Tasbeeh-o-Tehleel and Takbeer-o-Tahmeed in abundance.” (Tabraani)

❖ In these days, everyone should try to recite Takbeer-e-Tashreeq as much as possible. The kalimaat (wordings) of Takbeer-e-Tashreeq are: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Illallahu Wallahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa lillahil Hamd.

Fasting on the Day of Arafah:

Hazrat Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad ( صل الله ع ي لل ل ) said: “I am strongly hopeful that Allah will forgive the sins of one year before and one year after for those who observe fast on the day of Arafah. (Muslim)

The above Hadith clearly states that fasting on the day of Arafah leads to the forgiveness of sins of one year before and one year after. Therefore, we should pay especial heed towards fasting on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. But the question arises as to whether the people of India and Pakistan should fast on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah according to their calendar or according to Saudi Arabia on the day of Hajj. Generally, there is difference of one day in the lunar calendar between Saudi Arabia and India and Pakistan. First of all, I would say that many Hadiths mention the special virtue of fasting between the first Dhul-Hijjah and the 9th Dhul-Hijjah. So, the best option is to fast on both days. But if a person wants to observe only one fast, then there is a difference of opinion among the jurists and scholars as to which day the fast should be observed. Since there are different opinions, it is permissible to follow any of the two views, because fasting on the day of 'Arafah is not obligatory. It is Masnoon. Our scholars believe that the people of India and Pakistan should fast on the 9th day according to their regional calendar, because like Eidul-Fitr, Eidul-Adha and Ashura, we should follow the regional calendar for fasting on the day of Arafa. However, instead of arguing over this issue, we should be flexible and should not try to impose one’s opinion on other. It worth to mention that since the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions to Madinah, the Muslims could not perform Hajj due to the occupation of Makkah by the infidels.

Continue Reading: Videos and Books: Rulings of Sacrifice/Qurbani on Eid ul Adha - Dr. Mohammad Najeeb Qasmi (English, Urdu, Hindi)