Dhul Hijjah | Making the most of it!

Summary

In this video, the significance of the month of Dhul-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar is discussed, emphasizing its importance beyond just the Hajj pilgrimage. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are highlighted for their exceptional blessings and opportunities for good deeds. Viewers are encouraged to maximize their efforts in worship, fasting, and other acts of kindness, especially focusing on the Day of Arafah, which offers expiation for sins of the past and coming year. Practical advice is given on how to increase good deeds according to one's personal capacity and circumstances.

Takeaways

• 🕌 The month of Dhul-Hijjah is the final month in the Islamic calendar and is when Hajj occurs.
• 📅 The first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah are considered extra blessed, with significant rewards for good deeds.
• 📖 A Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states that no good deeds are better than those done in the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah.
• 🔟 Scholars highlight the significance of these 10 days due to the announcement of the perfection of Islam within this period.
• 🕋 During these days, all five pillars of Islam can be combined, which is unique to this time of year.
• 🌙 The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would fast during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, especially emphasizing the Day of Arafah.
• 🙏 The Day of Arafah, the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, is significant for fasting as it expiates sins of the preceding and following year.
• 🙌 Allah listens to the supplications of pilgrims on the Day of Arafah and grants their requests, making it a pinnacle of Hajj.
• 🏠 Each person's capacity for good deeds varies, so focus on what you can do without comparing yourself to others.
• 🌟 Renewing intentions for daily activities, such as helping family or caring for children, can turn routine actions into good deeds.

Q & A

What is the significance of the month of Dhul-Hijjah in Islam?

Dhul-Hijjah is the final month of the Islamic calendar and the month in which Hajj takes place. It is considered an extra blessed time with opportunities for significant rewards even for those not performing Hajj.

What did the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) say about the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah?

The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said that no good deeds can be done at a time better than the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah.

Why are the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah considered special?

These days are considered special because the completion and perfection of Islam were announced during this period, and it is the only time of the year when all five pillars of Islam can be practiced together.

What are the five pillars of Islam that can be combined during the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah?

The five pillars are: testimony of the Oneness of Allah and following the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), prayers, Hajj, charity (including the Eid sacrifice), and fasting.

What is the significance of fasting during the first 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah?

Fasting during these days, particularly on the Day of Arafah, is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) would strive to fast during these days, and fasting on the Day of Arafah is said to expiate sins of the preceding and following year.

What happens on the Day of Arafah during Hajj?

On the Day of Arafah, pilgrims spend the day supplicating and calling out to Allah. It is considered the pinnacle of Hajj, where Allah draws near, frees many from Hellfire, and responds to the supplications of His servants.

What is the reward for fasting on the Day of Arafah?

Fasting on the Day of Arafah is said to expiate sins of the preceding year and the following year.

What are some recommended good deeds during the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah?

Recommended good deeds include fasting, praying, giving charity, helping others, and generally increasing good deeds as much as possible. It's also important to renew intentions for daily activities as acts of worship.

What advice did Imam Hassan al-Basri give regarding the best things to do in the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah?

Imam Hassan al-Basri advised not to neglect obligations, to increase good deeds, and emphasized that good deeds during these days are unlike those at any other time.

How should individuals tailor their good deeds during the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah based on their unique circumstances?

Individuals should consider their unique circumstances and increase good deeds accordingly. For example, those caring for young children can renew their intentions and perform acts of kindness and patience, while students on summer break can focus more on fasting and prayer.

Outlines

00:00

🌙 Understanding the Significance of the Month of Dhu al-Hijjah

This paragraph explains the importance of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, known for Hajj and considered a blessed time. It highlights a Hadith stating that good deeds during the first ten days are highly rewarded. The paragraph also mentions a verse where Allah swears by the ten nights, considered to be the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, adding to its significance. The reasons for the special nature of these days include the perfection of religion and the combination of all good deeds, especially the five pillars of Islam.

05:01

🕌 Activities and Obligations During the First Ten Days of Dhu al-Hijjah

This section advises on what can be done during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah. Imam Hassan al-Basri emphasizes not neglecting obligations and increasing good deeds as they hold unique significance during this period. Fasting is highlighted, particularly the Day of Arafah, which is immensely special for those performing Hajj and offers great rewards for those fasting on this day, including expiation for sins of the past and coming year.

❤️ Personal Reflection and Intentions During Dhu al-Hijjah

This paragraph encourages individuals to consider their capacities and circumstances to maximize their good deeds during Dhu al-Hijjah. It advises renewing intentions for daily activities, such as helping family members or caring for children, to seek Allah's reward. It emphasizes making the most of one's unique situation to perform good deeds and enhancing spiritual engagement during these blessed days.

Keywords

💡Dhul-Hijjah

Dhul-Hijjah is the final month of the Islamic calendar, during which Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, takes place. It is considered an especially blessed time for Muslims. The script emphasizes its importance by highlighting the first ten days as particularly virtuous for performing good deeds.

💡Hajj

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and involves a pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are able. In the script, it is mentioned as a central event of Dhul-Hijjah, emphasizing its religious significance and the special nature of this period.

💡Hadith

Hadith are reports of the sayings, actions, or approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). The script references Hadith to underscore the importance of good deeds during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and to encourage fasting, particularly on the Day of Arafah.

💡Day of Arafah

The Day of Arafah falls on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah and is a significant day for fasting and prayer. It is considered the pinnacle of Hajj, where pilgrims stand in prayer at the Plain of Arafah. The script highlights the immense spiritual benefits of fasting on this day, including the expiation of sins for the preceding and following years.

💡Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam are the fundamental acts of worship and practice: Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). The script notes that all these pillars are particularly emphasized and can be practiced during Dhul-Hijjah, making it a unique time of comprehensive worship.

💡Good Deeds

Good deeds refer to any acts of kindness, charity, or religious observance that earn rewards in Islam. The script stresses the heightened value of good deeds during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, encouraging Muslims to maximize their efforts in worship and benevolence during this period.

💡Intention (Niyyah)

Niyyah, or intention, is the inner resolve to perform an act of worship solely for Allah's sake. The script advises renewing one's intentions for everyday actions, transforming routine activities into acts of worship by seeking Allah's pleasure through them, especially during the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah.

💡Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah)

Charity in Islam includes Zakat, a mandatory form of almsgiving, and Sadaqah, voluntary charity. The script mentions the importance of giving charity during Dhul-Hijjah, including the Eid sacrifice, where a portion of the meat is given to those in need, aligning with the heightened focus on generosity during this time.

💡Fasting

Fasting, or Sawm, is the act of abstaining from food, drink, and other specific actions from dawn until sunset. The script highlights the significance of fasting during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, particularly the Day of Arafah, due to its exceptional spiritual rewards.

💡Blessed Days

The term 'blessed days' refers to periods in the Islamic calendar that hold special religious significance and offer increased spiritual rewards. The script repeatedly mentions the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah as an exceptionally blessed time, urging Muslims to increase their worship and good deeds during these days.

Highlights

The month of Dhul-Hijjah is the final month in the Islamic calendar and the month in which Hajj takes place.

Dhul-Hijjah is considered an extra blessed time with significant rewards even for those not performing Hajj.

Hadith from the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) emphasizes that no good deeds are better than those done in the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah.

The Quranic verse where Allah swears by the 10 nights is interpreted by scholars to refer to the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah.

The announcement of the completion of the religion of Islam occurred during these first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah.

Dhul-Hijjah is the only time of the year where all five pillars of Islam can be observed together.

Good deeds during the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah are more significant than at any other time.

The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) would strive to fast during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah.

Fasting on the Day of Arafah, the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, is highly emphasized as it is a day of significant spiritual importance.

The Day of Arafah is the pinnacle of Hajj, where pilgrims spend the day in supplication.

Allah frees more of His servants from the Hellfire on the Day of Arafah than on any other day.

Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the preceding and following year.

Good deeds during these days include prayers, fasting, charity, and other acts of kindness.

Each person should focus on their unique capacity and circumstances to maximize good deeds during these days.

Renewing intentions for daily activities, such as helping family members, can also be considered good deeds during Dhul-Hijjah.

Transcripts

asalam alaykum the month of zah is

around the corner what's the big deal

you might be thinking let's chat about

it soah is the final month in the

Islamic calendar and it is the month in

which Haj happens but that's not all

it's considered to be an extra blessed

time so even if you're not amongst the

people going for Hajj there is a lot of

reward for you too inshallah in fact we

have a Hadith from the prophet

sallallahu alaihi wasallam where he says

no good deeds can be done at a time

better than these first 10 days of and

by the way if you caught the last video

of we talked about a verse there where

Allah swears by the 10 Knights and the

majority of Scholars consider those 10

nights to be the first 10 days of the

again adding to its significance okay so

you might be wondering why what makes

these days special there's a few reasons

that Scholars have given we have this

verse that

says today I have perfected for you your

religion completed my favor upon and

have chosen for you Islam as your

religion this verse this announcement

happened within these first 10 days of

which Scholars say highlights its virtue

another reason given is that this is the

only time of the year where all good

deeds are combined specifically the five

pillars of Islam what does this mean

testimony of the Oneness of Allah and

following the prophet sallallahu alaihi

wasallam

prayers H which can only happen at this

time of the year charity which is highly

recommended during this time of the year

and includes theid sacrifice where a

portion is given to the those in need

and fasting it is said that the prophet

sallallahu alaihi wasallam would fast

the first nine days of and specifically

the day OFA is highlighted as a really

special day to fast we will talk about

that more in a little bit so all of

these things all these five things do

not come together at any other point in

the year other than this period of time

okay so you might be wondering what can

I do during these 10 days what should I

do Imam Hassan albas was asked what are

the best things we can do in these 10

days and he said firstly do not lose

your obligations do not lose your

obligations do not lose your obligations

the pillars of Islam do not lose your

obligations the second thing that he

said is to increase your good deeds

because during these 10 days The Good

Deeds that are done are unlike Good

Deeds at any other time as we have

mentioned okay let's talk about fasting

we have Hadi that tells us that the

prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam would

strive to fast during the first N9 days

of now if n sounds a lot to you and for

whatever reason you are unable to fast

these nine days but you feel you have

the capacity to do one single day then

let's talk about the ninth day the day

OFA put your focus on fasting on this

day what does the day OFA mean on this

day the pilgrims who are at Haj are

heading TOA where they spend the day

supplicating calling out to Allah and we

have aith that tells us is and we

understand from this that this is the

Pinnacle of Hajj this is the essence of

Hajj this is such an important core part

of Hajj we have a Hadith that tells us

that there is no day upon which Allah

frees more of his servants from the

Hellfire than the day OFA he draws near

and then he boasts of them to the angels

saying what do the servants want so he

comes and says what do the servants want

so that I can grant them what they are

asking for so imagine these millions of

people are gathering and Allah is

listening to every single one of these

people ready to respond and why do we

say Focus your fasting efforts on this

one day specifically if you can only do

one day because we have a Hadith where

the Propet sallallahu alaihi wasallam

was asked about fasting on the day OFA

which is the nth of and he replied

fasting on the day OFA is an experation

for the preceding year and the following

year so you can get two years of your

slate cleaned I'm sure we all want that

I'm sure we have regrets and things we

can clear that all up inshallah by just

doing a simple thing which is fasting on

this day and then of course there's all

kinds of other good deeds we can do from

praying from doing from helping others

and so on as a reminder each one of us

has a different capacity this is your

time to decide what you can increase

someone who has young children that they

are attending to or breastfeeding or so

on is going to have a very different day

in comparison to someone who is a

student and maybe on summer break

already so don't compare yourself to

anybody each one of us knows what our

capacity is and where we can increase

good inshallah also don't forget to

renew your intentions of the things that

you are already doing so maybe you're at

home and maybe you're used to helping

your mom cooking in the kitchen for

example your intention there to seek

reward from Allah to do that as a good

deed happily smiling spending time with

your mom engaging in conversation with

her giving her attention complimenting

her and so on maybe you have young kids

renew your intention there to look at

them through a lens of gratitude a

blessing from Allah shower them with

kindness and patience and gratitude

inshallah maybe even depending on their

age do an activity with them so that

they can learn about ha and and so on so

each one of us is in a different

situation different stage in life

inshallah look at where you can increase

good deeds in these blessed days see how

you can take your unique circumstances

and make them extra special and do

things for the sake of Allah hope you

found benefit in this video asalam

alaykum