Category: Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

Children

By Mawlana Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafidhahullah

Children are a Blessing

Being gifted with children is a great blessing from Allah (subanahu wa ta’aala). For any blessing we receive we need to do shukr, i.e. be grateful to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala). True shukr meets the following requirements:

1. Realise the blessing is the result of the Grace of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) and that it has come to you without your being deserving of it.

2. Acknowledge your gratitude in your heart and express it verbally as well.

3. Use the blessing in the way Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) wants you to, and observe the rules and limits He (subhanahu wa ta’aala) has set for it.

As with all blessings, Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) has set rules and limits regarding the blessing of children too, e.g. when to be lenient, when to reprimand, what to teach them, what to keep them away from etc. Following these rules when dealing with children is called ta’leem (education) and tarbiyyah (upbringing).

Giving children correct ta’leem and tarbiyyah is a major responsibility of parents. If they fail to make proper arrangements for the ta’leem of their children and do not give them proper tarbiyyah, they will face severe questioning on the Day of Reckoning. Failure to provide children with ta’l?m and tarbiyyah is failure to do shukr for the blessing of children.

Sending children to Madrasah from the age of 5 to the age of 12 and completely handing over the responsibility of ta’leem and tarbiyyah to their teachers is not sufficient or satisfactory. Even after enrolling their children in a madrasah, parents need to keep abreast of how they are learning and how their conduct and character are forming.

How Much Ta’leem?

Every child needs to be educated to the extent that he/she becomes aware of all the questions of halaal and haraam that are likely to confront an average person in life. Every child should know what is fard and w?jib and what is optional, and the difference between makrooh tahrimi, which entails sin, and makrooh tanzihi, which does not.

In addition to this, every child needs to understand that when confronted with any situation in life that he/she has no knowledge about then a qualified ‘alim or mufti needs to be consulted. The masaa’il related to business are an example; they are not taught as standard, for every child will not need them, but when a child grows up to become a businessman he needs to acknowledge the need to consult a mufti at every step in order to learn the masaa’il of business.

Where to Obtain ‘Ilm From

“Truly this ‘ilm is Deen, so be careful who you take your Deen from.”

In today’s age in particular, when authentic and inauthentic ‘ilm are both widespread, correct ta’leem is essential. People nowadays resort to the internet if they want to know something and google provides them with masses of information on the masaa’il they are looking for, without any check on authenticity. Part of ta’leem is to instruct children in the correct avenues for acquiring ‘ilm.

In Islam, great importance is given to the chains of teachers and students that go back to the fountainhead of ‘ilm, Ras?lull?h (sallalaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). When the source of ‘ilm is authentic, the ‘ilm taken from that source will also be authentic, therefore the source of ‘ilm should be someone linked to a chain of authentic teachers and who is regarded as authentic by the contemporary ‘ulama

Tarbiyyah

Tarbiyyah means training your children’s minds and hearts in such a way that they live their lives according to the ta’l?m they receive. It is not enough, for example, just to teach them that alcohol is haraam; it is also necessary to nurture within them love for Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) and His commands and fear of His displeasure and Jahannam, so that a genuine desire not to displease Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) and fear of the consequences of their actions are what drive them to abstain from alcohol.

Without this sort of tarbiyyah, youngsters will know that alcohol, drugs, zina, theft etc. are haraam yet still indulge in them. So ta’leem and tarbiyyah are two distinct things.

Take the example of salaah. A child of seven receives the ta’leem that salaah five times a day is fardh, and his father also makes him go with him to the masjid for salaah regularly.

Then when the child reaches his teens he stops going for salaah. The father complains that his child used to be so good and has suddenly turned bad, whereas it is the failure of the father to do tarbiyyah of his child’s mind and heart about salaah that is the real cause of the child abandoning salaah after reaching the age of independence.

The Power of Tarbiyyah

Tarbiyyah should result in children never opposing the ‘ilm they learned, no matter what the circumstances. They should have the message firmly ingrained in their minds that Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) is the One who controls benefit and harm, andto obey Him is to please Him and to disobey Him is to displease Him. And seeing as He controls benefit and harm, it is not possible for someone to lose out by pleasing Him, whatever the circumstances, even though the intellect may argue differently.

An episode from the life of Shaykh ‘Abd-ul-Qadir Jilaani sufficiently illustrates this point. His mother did his tarbiyyah properly and one of the points she stressed to him was to always tell the truth and never lie. She then sent him away to study ‘ilm, cleverly sewing some money into his clothing so that it would not be stolen on the journey. He did run into bandits on the way though, and when they asked if he had anything valuable he told them he had money and where it was hidden.

When the chief of the bandits asked him why he had admitted he had money, he said simply that his mother had taught him always to tell the truth, for it pleases Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala).

Shaytaan always tricks people by telling them of all the potential harms of telling the truth and the potential benefits of lying, but the tarbiyyah of his mother meant he understood that benefit can only come from obeying pleasing Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala). The bandits were greatly moved and repented.

Some Advice on Tarbiyyah

In order to do tarbiyyah properly, parents should show love to their children, be their friends,give them rewards for good behaviour and sit and talk with them. They should read stories of our pious predecessors to them and also take them into the companyof the ‘ulam? and mashayikh.

If a child makes a mistake, parents should not ignore tarbiyyah and just suffice with a reprimand.

Today’s mistakes, if left untended, will grow and grow. If, for example, a child tells a lie then the parents should understand that the sickness of lying is in the child’s heart and will not be removed by just shouting or getting angry with the child. Concerned parents should refer to the experts, the mash?yikh, for a solution. If the sickness is not cured through tarbiyyah then the child will go on lying, only in ways that his parents will not detect.

Finally, it should be understood that being harsh and overly strict with children is not tarbiyyah. Love is what is needed. If children are treated with love 90% of the time then on the rare occasion’s parents do get angry for some reason the child will feel ashamed rather than resentful.

May Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) grant all parents the ability to be truly grateful for the great blessing they have been given in the form of children. And may He (subhanahu wa ta’aala) also grant them the ability to fulfil the requirements of shukr by ensuring that ta’leem and tarbiyyah are properly carried out. Ameen.
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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

The Month of Muharram

By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah – Islamic Da’wah Academy, Leicester.

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Glorious Qur’ān:

Lo! The number of the months with Allāh is twelve months by Allāh’s Ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves in them…(9:36)

The specification of these four sacred months is stated in a hadīth narrated by Abū Bakrah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu that Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Verily time has completed its cycle and returned to its original stage as it was on the day Allāh created the heavens and the earth. The year consists of twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them occur consecutively; Dhul Qa‘dah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram, (the fourth being) Rajab of Mudar (named after the tribe of Mudar as they used to respect this month) which occurs between Jamādi‘ul Ākhir and Sha‘bān.” (Bukhārī)

From out of the four sacred months, Muharram has been blessed with certain specific virtues. The noble Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadān is the fasting of Allāh’s Month of Muharram and the best of salāh besides the fard (compulsory) salāh is the tahajjud salāh (performed after midnight before dawn).” (Muslim)

In another hadīth, Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhu reports that the Messenger of Allāhsallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “He who fasts on the day of ‘Arafāt (9th Dhul Hijjah), his fast will be a compensation for the sins of two years, and one who keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty fasts for each fast.” (Tabrānī, at-Targhīb wat-Tarhīb)

THE DAY OF ‘ĀSHŪRĀ (10th Muharram)
The tenth day of the month of Muharram is known as ‘Āshūrā. It is one of the most important and blessed days in the Islamic calendar. Some ‘ulamā (scholars) are of the opinion that before the fasts of Ramadān, the fast of the day of ‘Āshūrā was compulsory upon the Ummah. This is stated in a hadīth reported by ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā that the noble Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam ordered the observance of the fast of ‘Āshūrā. However, when the fast of Ramadān became compulsory, then whosoever wished, kept this fast and whosoever desired did not observe this fast. (Bukhārī)

But the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, nevertheless, continued to fast this day and encouraged his companions to do the same. Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhu says, “I did not see Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam anxiously await the fast of any day, which he gave preference to over other days, but this day, the day of ‘Āshūrā.” (Bukhārī)

Humayd Ibn ‘Abdur Rahmān radhiyallāhu ‘anhu narrates that he heard Mu‘āwiyah ibn Abī Sufyān radhiyallāhu ‘anhumā on the day of ‘Āshūrā, during the year he performed Hajj, saying on the pulpit, “O the people of Madīnah! Where are your ‘ulamā? I heard Rasūlullāhsallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam saying, ‘This is the day of ‘Āshūrā. Allāh has not enjoined its fasting on you, but I am fasting it. Whosoever wishes, keep (this) fast and whosoever desires do not observe (this fast).’” (Bukhārī)

In another hadīth, Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhu narrates that the noble Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam came to Madīnah and found the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Āshūrā. Hence the noble Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam inquired of them, “What is (the significance of) this day on which you fast?” They replied, “This is a great day. On this day Allāh saved Mūsā ‘alayhis salām and his people and drowned Fir‘awn and his nation. Thus Mūsā ‘alayhis salām fasted on this day as a token of thanksgiving, therefore we too fast on this day.” The Messenger of Allāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “We are more worthy of Mūsā and nearer to him than you.” Thereafter, the noble Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam fasted on this day and ordered (his companions radhiyallāhu ‘anhum) that a fast be kept on this day. (Muslim)

RECOMMENDED DEEDS ON THE DAY OF ‘ĀSHŪRĀ
1)  The noble Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam has exhorted and encouraged his Ummah to fast on this day. Abū Qatādah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu narrates that the noble Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam was asked regarding the fast of the day of ‘Āshūrā. The noble Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam replied, “It is a compensation for the (minor) sins of the past year.” (Muslim)

NOTE: It must be borne in mind that wherever a promise of forgiveness of sins is made upon the fulfilment of some action, it is only the minor sins that are forgiven. The major sins are not forgiven without true tawbah (repentance).

2)  One should also observe the fast of the 9th or 11th Muharram to safeguard his deed from resemblance with the non-Muslims who fast only on the 10th Muharram. Ibn ‘Abbāsradhiyallāhu ‘anhu said, “When Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam observed the fast of the day of ‘Āshūrā and ordered (his companions radhiyallāhu ‘anhum) to fast, they said, ‘O Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam! It is a day revered by the Jews and Christians.’ Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, ‘The coming year, if Allāh wills, we will fast on the ninth (also).’” (Muslim)

Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhu reports that Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said,“Should I live until the coming year, I will definitely fast on the ninth (also).” (Muslim)
The noble Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Observe the fast of ‘Āshūrā and oppose the Jews. Fast a day before it or a day after.” (Bayhaqī)
Hence, it is important to either fast on the ninth and tenth of Muharram or the tenth and eleventh. To fast only on the day of ‘Āshūrā is makrūh tanzīhī as stated by ‘Allāmah Ibn ‘Ābidīn Shāmī rahimahullāh.

3)  One should be generous to one’s family and dependants and spend more on them than is normally spent. Abū Hurayrah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu reports that Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “One who generously spends on his family on the day of ‘Āshūrā, Allāh will increase (his provision) for the whole year.” (Bayhaqī, at-Targhīb wat-Tarhīb)
This hadīth is not very authentic according to the science of hadīth. However, scholars of hadīth like Bayhaqī and Ibn Hibbān rahimahumallāh have accepted it as reliable.
These are the only actions supported by ahādīth.

ACTS TO REFRAIN FROM
1)  It is absolutely clear that the significance of the day of ‘Āshūrā is from the time of the noble Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam. However, many people regard this day as the day of mourning the martyrdom of Husayn radhiyallāhu ‘anhu. The martyrdom of Husaynradhiyallāhu ‘anhu was indeed a great tragedy, but Islam is not a religion of perpetual mourning. Abū Sa‘īd radhiyallāhu ‘anhu relates that Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallamhas cursed mourners and those who listen to them. (Abū Dāwūd)

The pages of Islamic History are filled with the blood of the martyrs. Should we begin to mourn the martyrdom of the Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum alone, every other day would be a day of mourning. Thus, to attribute the significance of ‘Āshūrā to the martyrdom of Husayn radhiyallāhu ‘anhu is baseless. Therefore, the host of baseless customs with regard to his martyrdom — mourning, lamenting and displaying grief — must be discarded. If mourning were permissible, then the day of the demise of Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam would have been more worthy for mourning and lamenting.

2) The following misconceptions with regard to ‘Āshūrā are baseless:
• This is the day in which Ādam ‘alayhis salām was created.
• This is the day in which Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām was born.
• This is the day on which Qiyāmah will take place.
• Whoever has a bath on the day of Āshūrā will never get ill.

3) Some regard the tenth of Muharram as a day of ‘Īd. They indulge in adornment, applying surmah (collyrium), wearing new clothes, spending lavishly and cooking a particular type of  meal which is not generally prepared. All these actions are regarded as sunnah according to their belief, whereas no authentic narration sanctioning and permitting such actions can be found.

4) Another misconception is that the month of Muharram is an unlucky month; hence marriage ceremonies should be avoided in this month. This concept is again contrary to the teachings of Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam.

Let us observe this great day according to the way of Rasūlullāh sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam and the Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum and refrain from all innovations which deprive us of the blessings from Allāh ta’ālā. May Allāh ta’ālā guide us all upon the Straight Path and save us from every act which brings His Displeasure. Āmīn.

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

Udhiyah [Qurbani]


The Spirit of Udhiyah (Qurbānī)

By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

During the months following Ramadān, Muslims the world over remember the life of the great Prophet, the Friend of Allāh ta‘ālā, Sayyidunā Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām; a life full of sacrifice and submission to the will of Allāh ta‘ālā.

At a very young age, when in need of the support of his father, Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām was compelled to leave him. Then, during the final stages of his life, when in his old age and in need of the support of his young son, he was commanded by Allāh ta‘ālā to sacrifice him. Without hesitation, he was ready to submit to the Will of his Creator. Allāh ta‘ālā says:

And when (his son) reached an age in which he was able to walk with him, he said: “O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you, so see what is your view.” He said: “O my father! Do what you are commanded. Allāh willing, you will find me of the patient ones.”

So when they had both submitted (to Allāh’s Will), and he laid him down on his forehead, We called out to him: “O Ibrāhīm! You have indeed fulfilled the vision.” Surely, thus do we reward the doers of good. This was a clear trial. (37:102-106)

 Allāh ta‘ālā granted this action of Ibrāhīm u so much acceptance that He made the Udhiyah (qurbānī/sacrifice) a symbol of this great act. When asked by the Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum what Udhiyah is, Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam replied:

It is the sunnah of your father Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām. (Ahmad, Ibn Mājah)

The act of Udhiyah brings enormous rewards and the Pleasure of the Lord. The Prophetsallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:

The son of Ādam does no deed on the day of Udhiyah dearer to Allāh ta‘ālā than the sacrificing of animals. It (the sacrificed animal) will come on the Day of Qiyāmah with its horns and its hair and its hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allāh before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with a happy heart. (At-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājah)

Once, the Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum asked Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallamregarding the benefits of Udhiyah. He answered: “A reward for every hair.”

They asked: “And wool, O Prophet of Allāh?”

He said: “A reward for every fibre of the wool.” (Ahmad, Ibn Mājah)

Therefore, everyone who is able to offer Udhiyah should do so and acquire the rewards promised in the ahādīth.

Who is Required to do Udhiyah?

The act of Udhiyah is in some cases wājib and in others nafl. A person must perform the wājib Udhiyah and endeavour to perform as many nafl as possible. In the case of the person who, during the days of Udhiyah (10th, 11th and 12th Dhul-Hijjah), possesses wealth to the amount which would make zakāh obligatory upon him, be it in the form of gold, silver, cash, merchandise or any item which is surplus to his needs, the Udhiyah will be wājib. Unlike in the case of zakāh, it is not necessary for this amount of wealth to be in one’s possession for an entire year. The compulsion of Udhiyah is established simply if wealth equivalent to the nisāb of zakāh is possessed during the specified days.

Some Misconceptions Regarding Udhiyah

Here, we need to clarify certain common misconceptions as regards this ‘ibādah.

1) One common misconception regarding Udhiyah is that it is merely a virtuous deed; it brings reward to the one who performs it and there is no blame if it is not done. This is a serious misunderstanding, for in most cases in the UK, it is wājib.

2) The second misunderstanding is assuming that the obligation of Udhiyah is shared between the entire household. This results in those members of the household upon whom Udhiyah is incumbent performing just one between them, feeling that the obligation has been fulfilled. This is not so. If a man possesses the nisāb of zakāh, one Udhiyah is wājib upon him. If his wife also possesses the nisāb, she will have to perform a separate Udhiyah. Similarly, if any of the children (provided they are bāligh) possess the amount of nisāb, Udhiyah will be compulsory on each one of them as well.

3) Another common misconception is that Udhiyah is carried out to allow people to eat meat which is considered blessed. With this in mind they are satisfied with eating Udhiyah meat that has reached them from others. There is no doubt that Udhiyah meat is blessed, as Udhiyah is the re-enactment of the sacrifice made by Ibrāhīm‘alayhis salām, the Friend of Allāh, but it is even more importantly an obligation which needs fulfilling. Such people should worry about discharging the obligation of Udhiyah and not only be content with partaking of its blessed meat.

4) In many households, the father performs Udhiyah on behalf of all his family members without their knowledge or without their having requested him. We should understand that this approach to Udhiyah only amounts to a nafl Udhiyah. In the case of a father arranging the Udhiyah for his dependants, they need to make him their wakīl (agent) in order for these sacrifices to be considered valid.

It is clear from the above that we must become familiar with the masā’il and injunctions of Udhiyah. These masā’il can be learnt from various books as well as through consulting the ‘Ulamā and Muftis.

The Spirit of Sacrifice in Udhiyah

Just as the name itself suggests, Udhiyah (sacrifice) should be carried out taking its literal meaning into consideration. Generally, we arrange for our Udhiyah to be carried out at a cheap price in a poor country. No doubt this lifts the obligation, but it is not the type of Udhiyah that Allāh ta‘ālā would like to see. We will not experience the spirit of Udhiyah until we spend the amount that it takes to sacrifice e.g. a sheep in this country (which is often equivalent to the amount required to sacrifice a cow elsewhere). Allāh ta‘ālā has provided for us in abundance so we should express our shukr (gratitude) to Allāh ta‘ālā and not be miserly.

We should offer a Udhiyah in needy countries by all means, but we should also offer one in our own locality. By doing so we too can partake of the blessed meat.

The Custom of our Pious Predecessors

Shaykhul Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh used to mention that during the three days of Udhiyah, no other food items should accompany the Udhiyah meat. The Shaykh would stress to the people that during these days, they were the guests of Allāhta‘ālā and that the meat of Udhiyah was His hospitality. We can gather from this how much our pious predecessors gave importance to Udhiyah. So let us perform Udhiyah in our localities as well as in those places where the destitute live who have no access to meat.

We should also offer Udhiyah on behalf of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, our parents, our teachers, our mashā’ikh, our well-wishers and benefactors, and also one on behalf of the whole Ummah. We may also perform Udhiyah on behalf of the variousSahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum, alternating between them on different occasions. The same applies for the Awliyā (friends of Allāh), the Muhaddithīn and the A’immah, all of whom we are indebted to.

My honourable father, Hāfiz Ibrāhīm Dhorat rahimahullāh used to keep an annual record of nafl Udhiyahs performed on behalf of all these great personalities. He also used to perform nafl Udhiyah every year on behalf of his parents and shaykh.

In this manner, our intended reward will reach the pious in the hereafter and, inshā’allāh, will be a reason for them to search for us on the Day of Judgement. We should also make this practice a habit whenever we have the opportunity to spend in the path of Allāh ta‘ālā. These acts will prove beneficial spiritually for our lives in this world and the hereafter.

May Allāh ta‘ālā give us the ability to offer Udhiyah in its true spirit, not feeling it a burden but with zeal and eagerness. Āmīn.

© Riyādul Jannah (Vol. 14 No. 12, Dec 2005)

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

The First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

By Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

1. Allāh ta‘ālā has taken oath of ten nights in Sūrah Al-Fajr. According to the majority of the commentators of Qur’ān, the nights are those of the (first) ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

2. ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhumā related that the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Good deeds performed on other days are not superior to those performed on these (first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” The Companions radhiyallāhu ‘anhum inquired, “Not even jihād?” He replied, “Not even jihād, except for that person who goes out putting himself and his wealth in danger and does not return with anything.” (Al-Bukhārī)

3. ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhumā narrated that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “On no other days are good deeds more liked by Allāh than on these ten days (i.e. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” The Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum asked, “ O Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam! Not even jihād in the Way of Allāh?” Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam replied, “Not even jihād in the Way of Allāh, except for that person who goes out with his life and wealth and does not return with anything.” (Abū Dāwūd, At-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājah)

4. Abū Hurayrah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu related that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “On no days is the worship of Allāh desired more than in the (first) ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. The fast of each of these days is equal to the fast of a whole year, and the worship of each of these nights is equal to the worship of Laylatul-Qadr.” (At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Mājah)

5. The mother of the believers, Hafsah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā reports that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam used to fast the (first) nine days of Dhul-Hijjah. (Abū Dāwūd, An-Nasā’ī, Ahmad) 

6. ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar radhiyallāhu ‘anhumā related that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “No days are as weighty with Allāh and so liked by Him for good deeds than the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. So on these days increasingly read Subhānallāh, Lā ilāha illallāh, Alhamdulillāh and Allāhu Akbar.” (Ahmad)

Virtues of the Day of ‘Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)

1. ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā reports that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “ There is no day in which Allāh sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of ‘Arafāt. And on that day Allāh draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His Pride remarks to the angels, ‘What is the desire of these (servants of mine)?” (Muslim) 

2. Talhah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu reports that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Apart from the day of the Battle of Badr there is no day on which the Shaytān is seen to be more humiliated, more rejected, more depressed and more infuriated, than on the day of ‘Arafāt, and indeed all this is only because of beholding the abundance of descending mercy (on the day) and Allāh’s forgiveness of the great sins of the servants.” (Mishkāt)

3. Abū Qatādah Al-Ansārī radhiyallāhu ‘anhu narrated that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam was asked about the fast on the day of ‘Arafāt. He said, “It compensates for the (minor) sins of the past and the coming year.” (Muslim, At-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājah)

Night of ‘Īd-al-Adhā 

The nights of both ‘Īds are described in the Hadīth as amongst the great and sacred nights in the Muslim calendar. To remain awake on the nights of ‘Īd and perform ‘ibādah is a source of great virtue and reward.

1. Abū ‘Umārah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu related that ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā reports that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Whosoever stays awake and performs ‘ibādah (worship) on the nights of the two ‘Īds, with hope for abundant reward (from Allāh ta‘ālā), his heart will not die on the day (i.e. Qiyāmah) when all hearts will be dead.” (At-Targhīb)

2. Mu‘ādh Ibn Jabal radhiyallāhu ‘anhumā relates that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Jannat is wājib (incumbent) for those who stay awake with the intention of making ‘ibādah on the following nights: 8th, 9th and 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the night of ‘Īd-al-Fiṭr and the night of the 15th of Sha‘bān.” (At-Targhīb)

Virtues of Udhiyah (Qurbānī)

Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “There is nothing dearer to Allāh during the days of Udhiyah than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allāh before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart.” (At-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājah)

Takbirāt of Tashrīq

The Takbirāt of Tashrīq are:

Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Lā ilāha illallāhu wallāhu Akbar,
Allāhu Akbar, Walil lāhil hamd.

“Allāh is the Greatest, Allāh is the Greatest. There is no deity besides Allāh and Allāh is the Greatest. Allāh is the Greatest and all praises are for Allāh only.”
It is wājib for every adult Muslim to recite these Takbirāt of Tashrīq audibly once after every fard salāh from the Fajr of 9th Dhul-Hijjah to the ‘Asr of 13th Dhul-Hijjah (i.e. total of 23 salāh).

• Mas’alah: Women should not say it loudly but softly.

• Mas’alah: Takbīr should be recited immediately after concluding the fard prayer. 

© Islāmic Da’wah Academy
Categories
Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

The First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

By Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

1. Allāh ta‘ālā has taken oath of ten nights in Sūrah Al-Fajr. According to the majority of the commentators of Qur’ān, the nights are those of the (first) ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

2. ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhumā related that the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Good deeds performed on other days are not superior to those performed on these (first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” The Companions radhiyallāhu ‘anhum inquired, “Not even jihād?” He replied, “Not even jihād, except for that person who goes out putting himself and his wealth in danger and does not return with anything.” (Al-Bukhārī)

3. ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhumā narrated that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “On no other days are good deeds more liked by Allāh than on these ten days (i.e. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” The Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum asked, “ O Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam! Not even jihād in the Way of Allāh?” Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam replied, “Not even jihād in the Way of Allāh, except for that person who goes out with his life and wealth and does not return with anything.” (Abū Dāwūd, At-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājah)

4. Abū Hurayrah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu related that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “On no days is the worship of Allāh desired more than in the (first) ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. The fast of each of these days is equal to the fast of a whole year, and the worship of each of these nights is equal to the worship of Laylatul-Qadr.” (At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Mājah)

5. The mother of the believers, Hafsah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā reports that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam used to fast the (first) nine days of Dhul-Hijjah. (Abū Dāwūd, An-Nasā’ī, Ahmad) 

6. ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar radhiyallāhu ‘anhumā related that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “No days are as weighty with Allāh and so liked by Him for good deeds than the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. So on these days increasingly read Subhānallāh, Lā ilāha illallāh, Alhamdulillāh and Allāhu Akbar.” (Ahmad)

Virtues of the Day of ‘Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)

1. ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā reports that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “ There is no day in which Allāh sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of ‘Arafāt. And on that day Allāh draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His Pride remarks to the angels, ‘What is the desire of these (servants of mine)?” (Muslim) 

2. Talhah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu reports that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Apart from the day of the Battle of Badr there is no day on which the Shaytān is seen to be more humiliated, more rejected, more depressed and more infuriated, than on the day of ‘Arafāt, and indeed all this is only because of beholding the abundance of descending mercy (on the day) and Allāh’s forgiveness of the great sins of the servants.” (Mishkāt)

3. Abū Qatādah Al-Ansārī radhiyallāhu ‘anhu narrated that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam was asked about the fast on the day of ‘Arafāt. He said, “It compensates for the (minor) sins of the past and the coming year.” (Muslim, At-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājah)

Night of ‘Īd-al-Adhā 

The nights of both ‘Īds are described in the Hadīth as amongst the great and sacred nights in the Muslim calendar. To remain awake on the nights of ‘Īd and perform ‘ibādah is a source of great virtue and reward.

1. Abū ‘Umārah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu related that ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā reports that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Whosoever stays awake and performs ‘ibādah (worship) on the nights of the two ‘Īds, with hope for abundant reward (from Allāh ta‘ālā), his heart will not die on the day (i.e. Qiyāmah) when all hearts will be dead.” (At-Targhīb)

2. Mu‘ādh Ibn Jabal radhiyallāhu ‘anhumā relates that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Jannat is wājib (incumbent) for those who stay awake with the intention of making ‘ibādah on the following nights: 8th, 9th and 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the night of ‘Īd-al-Fiṭr and the night of the 15th of Sha‘bān.” (At-Targhīb)

Virtues of Udhiyah (Qurbānī)

Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “There is nothing dearer to Allāh during the days of Udhiyah than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allāh before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart.” (At-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājah)

Takbirāt of Tashrīq

The Takbirāt of Tashrīq are:

Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Lā ilāha illallāhu wallāhu Akbar,
Allāhu Akbar, Walil lāhil hamd.

“Allāh is the Greatest, Allāh is the Greatest. There is no deity besides Allāh and Allāh is the Greatest. Allāh is the Greatest and all praises are for Allāh only.”
It is wājib for every adult Muslim to recite these Takbirāt of Tashrīq audibly once after every fard salāh from the Fajr of 9th Dhul-Hijjah to the ‘Asr of 13th Dhul-Hijjah (i.e. total of 23 salāh).

• Mas’alah: Women should not say it loudly but softly.

• Mas’alah: Takbīr should be recited immediately after concluding the fard prayer. 

© Islāmic Da’wah Academy