بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
This first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is not like the previous years as we are celebrating it during the COVID-19 pandemic where community activities are limited. But we can do plenty at home by ourselves and as a family to attract the blessings of these blessed days.
These days are a chance to bring back that feeling you had in Ramadhan -- that closeness you experienced, the Iman boost you had. It is a blessed gift, a fresh opportunity to erase our sins and cleanse ourselves. It is also a second chance, for those who felt Ramadhan slip through their fingers and these are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Realize the virtue of these ten days. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).” Then some companions of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Not even Jihad?” He sallallahu alayhi wasallam replied, “Not even Jihad”, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s sake) and does not return with any of those things.” [Sahih Bukhari]
The standing (wuqoof) in ‘Arafah reminds us of the throngs of people on the Day of Gathering. If you feel tired from being in a crowd of thousands, how will it be in the crowds of barefoot, naked, uncircumcised people, standing for fifty thousand years?
9th Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah): Allah frees people from hell: The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “There is no day on which Allah sets free more people from hell than on the day of Arafah “
There are many extra worship we can do during these days. By doing those things and deeds through which we can attain the maximum benefit and reward. To do those deeds the most beautiful, beloved, respectful and humble way. This is what ibadah (worship) is.
QURAN
Read more Quran, contemplating the meaning
Have those blessed moments with the Quran like you did in Ramadhan.
Know always that every word you recite carries great reward as the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said ” Whoever recites one letter of the Quran, for him shall be one reward (hasanah) and each reward is multiplied by ten
Seek the times du'a is more likely accepted and among them are:
1- last third of the night
2- before salah between Adhan and Iqamah
3- when the Imam is on the minbar during Jumu’ah Friday
4- during the rain
5- in sujood
Start your du’a in praising Allah and salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Use the Names of Allah. Repent and ask for forgiveness.
FAST all nine days
This is not an obligatory worship but a commendable act. Nafl means that act which is done with happiness -- you are happy to do it for the sake of Allah.
“Whoever observes fast for a day in the way of Allah (non-obligatory fasting observed for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah and seeking His blessings), Allah will remove his face from the Hell to the extent of seventy years’ distance.” [Sahih Muslim]
PRAYERS
Take special care of your five daily prayers and witr prayers. Before talking about any voluntary actions (and bonuses), it is important to remind ourselves that we must first take care of all our obligations. How can we think of building and beautifying a house without constructing its pillars? Thus, we must pay special attention to the pillars of Islam and strive to perfect our obligations. Pray on time (and in congregation, for men). Add nafl prayers. The best of all is the Tahajjud each night. Due to its worth in the sight of Allah, the reward for the extra night prayers has been kept secret.
FAMILY
Recite the Quran with your family, do one or two khatams together, read a book together, discuss a lecture you heard, share your plans and seek their input. Call your parents and help them with their needs.
‘Labbayk Allaahumma labbayk’ vs Watching your tongue
As when we say Labbayk, we intend to speak only of obedience to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and avoid talk of disobedience. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala watches us and our speech all the time, so must watch our tongue and avoid the two biggest problems we have with this muscle: gossiping and excessive talking (including social media)
Just like the person performing Hajj must refrain from getting into disputes and acts of disobedience or risk the acceptance of their Hajj, you should try to do the same.
-Forgive everyone no matter what they have done to you
-Visit the sick
-Have good relations with people, especially your parents, relatives and neighbors. This would be the best time to re-establish ties of kinship and put barakah in your life
Finally, if you have not yet fulfilled the obligation of Hajj, make special du'a to Allah to grant you the opportunity to do so soon and in the best of manners. In your next sujood, ask Allah to help you make the best of these days.
Subhanakallahuma wa bihamdik nastaghfiruka wa natoobu ilayk.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
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