Drawing Closer to Allah in the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Faith (iman) wears out in the heart just like the clothes wear out. If you haven't work on building your iman, even if it is good last month or last year, it is worn out now. We can renew our faith each day by actively seeking to do good. There are so many ways in the teachings of our beloved Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) that can help us do this.

We are about to enter the sacred month of Dhu`l-Hijjah. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)informed us that there are no days in which righteous actions are more beloved to Allah than the first ten days of this month.

"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?" He, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing. [Bukhari]

This is the season of hajj and many Muslims have begun their journey for hajj. May Allah grant them hajj mabrur. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The reward of hajj mabrur is nothing less than Paradise."

Those at home should begin to prepare themselves to do extra good deeds during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

Make a sincere intention now to do extra good deeds on the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. "Actions are but by intention and every man shall have but that which he intended" (hadith). So to get reward for the good deed, sincere intention for the sake of Allah has to precede it.

Recommended extra good deeds

1. Fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, at least on Dhul-Hijjah 9, called the day of Arafat. Fasting on the day of Arafat will expiate one's sins of 2 years (past and future).

2. Avoid all sins at all costs. Remember there is no connection with Allah except our obedience to Him (...The Muslims are supported by their enemy's disobedience towards Allah. Were it not for that, we would not have any strength, as our numbers are not like theirs. If we were equally matched in sin, they would have an advantage over us in strength, and if we did not have an advantage over them by our virtue, we would not be able to defeat them by our strength...Omar's advice).

3. Make lots of du'a (supplication). Don't forget to ask Allah for what He wants from you.

4. Do more dhikr (remembrance) of Allah. Recite a lot of Tasbeeh ("SubhanAllah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allahu akbar") during this time.

5. Say Eid Takbir wherever you go. "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu akbar wa Lillahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise)," as well as other phrases.

Men are encouraged to recite these phrases out loud and women quietly. Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah, two of the Prophet's Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, reciting Takbir, and the people would recite Takbir individually when they heard them.

6. Give more charity during these 10 days, including give food.

7. Increase ties of kinship and kithship (visit them, call them, say kind words, etc.)

8. Increase prayers at masjid and do more voluntary prayers at home (tahajjud, dhuha, sunnah prayers before and after the 5 daily prescribed prayers, etc).

9. Read more Qur'an and contemplate on the meanings.

10. Thank Allah for all His blessings and seek Allah's forgiveness more frequently. This means more than just a verbal expression of sorrow for past deeds. It also requires a firm resolution to avoid making the same mistakes in the future by giving up bad habits and behavior while sincerely turning to Allah.

11. Sacrifice an animal after Eid prayer (Dhul-Hijjah 10, 11, 12, 13) and give the meat to the poor and a portion for yourself and friends.

12. Go to the Eid prayer on Dhul-hijjah 10. It is recommended to fast before Eid prayer. You break your fast after the prayer.

Hajj Mabrur to those who are performing hajj this year. May Allah make them remember to make du'a for us. May Allah accept our works and grant us the opportunity to perform hajj next year.

Ameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and He alone grants success.

Wassalaam