وَيَذْكُرُوا۟ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ فِىٓ أَيَّامٍۢ مَّعْلُومَـٰتٍ
“and pronounce the Name of Allah on appointed days” (22:28)
As-salamu `Alaykuim Wa Rahmatu Allah,
Dear brothers and sisters,
I pray this message finds you in good health and strong faith.
I am writing to express my joy and gratitude as we enter the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah, a time filled with blessings and opportunities for righteous deeds.
Allah highly favors these days, as our beloved Prophet ﷺ said, “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days” (Sahih al-Bukhari). It is a time for us to seek Allah’s mercy, strive for His pleasure, and attain success in this life and the Hereafter.
During these blessed ten days, there are several good deeds that we can engage in.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Study and reflect on the significance of these blessed days: Take the time to individually or collectively study and reflect on the virtues of these ten days. Explore the verses of the Qur’an, and the Ahadith that highlight the importance of this blessed season. According to Ibn Abbas, the verse (ويذكروا اسم الله في ايام معلومات) “And mention the name of Allah on known days” (22:28) refers to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (al-Bayhaqi). It is also said that the verse (والفجر وليال عشر) “By the dawn; by the ten nights” (89:1-2) refers to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (Ibn Kathir).
2. Perform fasting, especially on the Day of Arafah: Follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ by fasting the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, with a particular emphasis on fasting on the Day of Arafah. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Fasting the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year” (Muslim). It is highly recommended for those not performing Hajj to fast on this day.
3. Increase your verbal remembrance of Allah: To enhance your remembrance of Allah, engage in the frequent recitation of phrases such as “La ilaha illallah” (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah), “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), and “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah). According to Ibn Umar, the Prophet ﷺ stated that there are no acts more beloved to Allah than those performed during these ten days. Therefore, it is highly recommended to abundantly glorify and praise Allah by saying Tahlil, Takbir, and Tahmid (Ahmad).
4. Consider offering a sacrifice: If you have the means and are not performing Hajj, consider offering a sacrifice as a symbolic action of gratitude and obedience to Allah’s commandments. This act reflects the spirit of the greatest sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who was willing to sacrifice his son for the sake of Allah.
5. Express gratitude to Allah and renew your pledge to serve His mission: As a practicing Muslim dedicated to your religion, commit to supporting the betterment of society and promoting comprehensive righteousness and reformation. Express your gratitude to Allah by renewing your intention to serve His cause and work towards the betterment of the Ummah and society as a whole.
Remember that performing good deeds should not be limited to these ten days alone but should be practiced throughout the year to stay connected to Allah and earn His blessings in all aspects of life.
Additionally, make sincere and constant supplications to Allah, including your brothers and sisters in the Ummah, our Islamic work and endeavors, and our society in your prayers.
May Allah accept our efforts and make us sincere and successful in our worship.
Dr. Basyouny Nehela
President
Boston Islamic Seminary