The Month of Muharram - Its Importance and Significance

The Month of Muharram:

Its Importance and Significance

 

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Islamic Calendar is based on the Lunar Calendar consisting of 354-355 days annually and is 10-11 days shorter than the Solar Calendar. The Lunar month is based on the time it takes the moon to complete a single orbit around the earth and it is just over 29 and half days. There are many advantages to the Lunar Calendar. For example, the various dates in the Islamic Calendar such as Ramadan and Hajj rotate every year and are not fixed like the Solar year. People, therefore, will perform acts of worship in various climatic conditions and in different length of hours in submission to the Will of Allah where human imagination plays no part. 

Origin of the Hijri Calendar 

The Islamic Calendar was first introduced by the close companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the second Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) in 16 AH/637 AD. During his leadership of the Muslim community in approximately, 637 AD, he consulted with his advisors in order to come to a decision regarding the various dating systems used at that time. It was agreed that the appropriate reference point for the Islamic Calendar was the Hijrah, since it was an important turning point for the Muslim community. The event of Hijrah, the migration of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD was chosen to begin the Islamic Calendar because it was the first major sacrifice made by the whole Muslim Ummah for the preservation of Islam in its formative period. After the emigration to Madinah (formerly known as Yathrib), the Muslims were able to organise and establish the first real Muslim community, the real Islamic state with social, political, and economic independence. 

 Muharram:

 the First Month of the Islamic Calendar 

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Calendar. There are twelve months in the Islamic Calendar. As the Qur'an says: 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...(Al-Qur'an - 9:36) "It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory, and the moon to be a light of beauty, and measured out stages for it, that you might know the number of years and the count of time. Allah did not create this except in truth and righteousness. And He explains His signs in detail, for those who understand" (10:5). In his final sermon before his death, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, among other things, "With Allah the months are twelve; four of them are holy; three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumaada and Sha'ban."

 The four sacred months (al-Asshhur al-Hurum) are Rajab, Dhul Qa‘dah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram. Out of the four sacred months, Muharram has been blessed with certain specific virtues. The companions were also consulted on which month should mark the beginning of the year, Caliph Umar al-Khattab and Uthman ibn Affaan (May Allah be pleased with them), chose Al-Muharram due to it being a sacred month and because it follows the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is when the Muslims perform Hajj – or the pilgrimage, which was the last pillar of Islam that Allah enjoined upon the Muslims. Al-Muharram also follows the month in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) pledged allegiance to the Ansar (his Madinain supporters) to emigrate to Madinah and this pledge of Allegiance was one of the introductory acts of emigration. Due to all these reasons, Al-Muharram was deemed the most suitable month to begin the Islamic Calendar.

Muharram the first month of the Islamic Calendar, were considered sacred. Muharram is so called because it was unlawful to fight during this month; the word is derived from the word “haram” meaning forbidden. The month of Muharram is also of great religious significance to Muslims the world over. It is held to be the most sacred of all the months, excluding Ramadan. The word “Muharram” is often considered synonymous with “Ashura”, the tenth day of the month of Muharram. 

 Fasting in the month of Muharram

Fasting is advocated in the month of Muharram. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram.” Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah the Almighty. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhan is the fasting of Allah's month of Muharram." (Muslim) In another Hadeeth, Ibn Abbas reports: "that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) said: "The one that keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty fasts for each fast (in this sacred month)." (Tabraani) Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Almighty Allah. The Hadith citied above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are the most rewardable among the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts one observes out of his own choice without being obligatory on him.

 10th day of Muharram (Aashora)

Although the month of Muharram is a sacred month as a whole, the 10th of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named “Ashurah”. It is one of the most important and blessed days of Allah in the Islamic Calendar. Some ulama (Scholars) are of the opinion that before the fasts of Ramadan, the fast of the day of Ashura was compulsory upon the Ummah. This is stated in a Hadith reported by A'ishah that the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered the observance of the fast of Ashura. However, when the fast of Ramadan became compulsory, then whosoever wished, kept this fast and whosoever desired did not observe the fast. (Bukhari) Ibn Abbas reported, “I did not see Rasulullah sallallahu 'alayhi wassallam anxiously await the fast of any day, which he gave preference to over other days, but this day, the day of Ashura.” (Bukhari) It is also said by scholars that since the beginning of this world, Ashura day has been a very important day. On this day great signs of Allah’s power and glory have appeared in the world. On this day many Prophets were born and they were instituted to the office of prophecy. On this day, Prophets, Saints and Sincere servants of Allah were blessed with miracles and spiritual powers.

On Ashura Day the following have taken place: 1. Repentance of Prophet Adam (Allah’s blessing be upon him) was accepted by Allah 2. The ship of Prophet Nuh (Noah) (Allah’s blessing be upon him) came to rest on a mountain called Al-Judi. 3. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) was born on this day. 4. He got the title Khalil-ullah (friend of Allah) on this day. 5. The fire in which Prophet Ibrahim (Allah’s blessings be upon him) was thrown by the king Namrud become cool and means of safety for Prophet Ibrahim, by the order of Allah. 6. Allah delivered Prophet Ayub (Job) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) from distress and he was restored to prosperity. 7. By the Grace of Allah, Prophet Yunas (Jonah) (Allah’s blessings be upon him), after being swallowed by a huge fish (whale) for forty days, was casted out on the shore. 8. Prophet Mussa (Moses) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) got victory over Pharaoh. 9. Prophet Suleman (Solomon) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) was made a king to rule over mankind, Jins, Animals and the air. 10. Prophet Idris (Enoch) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) and Prophet Issa (Jesus) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) were lifted up alive. 11. Imam Hussain (Allah be pleased with him), the grandson of our beloved Prophet, got martyred at Karbala in Iraq. 12. The day of resurrection and judgement will take place on this day (Ashura) (Ghunia-Al-Talibeen & Tafseer-e-Sawi)

 

The practice of fasting on Ashura was known even in the days of Jajiliyyah, before the Prophet's mission. It was reported that A'ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: “The people of Jahiliyyah used to fast on that day.” It is also reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast on Ashura in Makkah, before he migrated to Madinah. Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah's month of Muharram.'” (Reported by Muslim, 1982)

Fasting on the day of Ashura (10th Muharram)

According to the Holy companion, Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him), when the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) migrated to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa Alayhis Salaam and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously, and the Pharaoh was drowned in its water. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam said, “We are more closely related to Musa than you.” So the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Ashura. (Abu Dawood) According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of Ashura should be either preceded or succeeded by an additional fast. 

It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th . The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam was that the Jews used to fast on the day of Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam wanted to distinguish the Islamic-way of fasting from that of the Jews. Therefore, he advised Muslims to add another fast to the day of Ashura. Let us observe this great day according to the way of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and refrain from all innovations which deprive us of the blessings from Allāh the Almighty. May Allāh guide us all upon the Straight Path and save us from every act which brings His Displeasure. Āmeen.

Published

First in November 2013 The Muslim Weekly, London & EuroBangla, London

 And The Muslim World, Pakistan, in January 2014

Posted by Dr. Mozammel Haque at 12:27 

  

Background of the Hijri Calendar

Background of the Hijri Calendar

Beginning of the Hijri Calendar: Background

 

Dr. Mozammel Haque

 

Seven years exactly after the death of the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam started the Hijri calendar. We are now in 1440 Hijri which means Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam moved from Makkah to Madinah 1440 years ago. Hijrah means migration in Arabic. The Hijri calendar follows the moon; it is the lunar calendar. It is not the solar like the Gregorian calendar following the Sun. Hijri calendar follows the movement of the Moon itself. Whenever there is a new Moon starts, then a new month starts according to the Hijri calendar.

  Hijri Calendar: Background

Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre & The Regents Park Central London Mosque, has delivered a lecture on the occasion of the beginning of Muharram on Saturday, 15 September 2018 as well as to the Muslim community at the Islamic Circle on Saturday 22 September 2018. He was dealing both the importance of the month of Muharram, fasting during Ashoorah and the beginning of the Hijri calendar. I have already written about the importance and significance of the month of Muharram as well as about the fasting on the day of Ashoorah. And I promised in my last writing that I will inshaAllah deal with the beginning of Hijrah caldendar in my next issue.

Speaking about the beginning of Hijri calendar, Dr. al-Dubayan enquired first, how this Islamic calendar starts. And immediately answered, “The Islamic calendar did not start during the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam and did not start during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr Siddique RA. But they started during the days of Umar bin Khattab, the second Caliph. During his time actually it is the real beginning of the administration of Islamic state, more than the days of the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam, more than the days of Abu Bakr Siddique. The days of the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam was the time for the foundation; the call of Islam; then Abu Bakr Siddique’s time was very short; to be six months about.”

How did this happen? Dr. al-Dubayan said, “During the days of Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam there was no date; no calendar during the days of Abu Bakr Siddique RA also. During the Caliphate of Umar bin Khattab RA we all know I think Umar bin Khattab is the first one who expanded the Muslim state. He was the first one who faced all these problems of management, problem of financial states of the whole Muslim state, the Muslim Ummah and that’s why he puts order for the army’s, he orders for Zakah, he orders for the money of those people who cannot work; those people who are disabled, or whatever they have monthly payment from the Baitul Maal, present day equal to Ministry of Finance. That was all happened during the days of Umar bin Khattab because during his days he had lot of problems.”

Hijri calendar started during second

Caliph Umar bin Khattab RA

Speaking about the background of the beginning of Hijri calendar, Dr. al-Dubayan mentioned, “Umar bin Khattab was the second Caliph. The state expanded everywhere and they had new problems; they faced for the first time some problems and that’s why actually it was needed to have started a system for the regulation of the country or for the state which was very big at that time. From that time the regulation started. Many of the things were made during the days of Umar bin Khattab. One of the things is the Hijri calendar.”

 “Umar bin Khattab one day received a letter from Basra, Iraq and there was no date in it; they talked about something happened or going to happen in Shabaan. Shabaan is the eighth month of the Hijri calendar. When Umar bin Khattab received the letter at that moment he did not know which Shabaan they meant: next one or the other one after or may be the last one. So he wrote back to Iraq saying I don’t know which Shabaan you meant. Caliph Umar bin Khattab called the council of consultation. He used to call every time to ask about the problems, to have always Shura or consultation with the Shahabas to ask their opinions and he put this problem to them,” mentioned Dr. al-Dubayan.

 Umar bin Khattab consulted with Shoura

The ICC Director General narrated the story how the Hijri calendar was evolved. He said, “Caliph Umar bin Khattab called the meeting of the Shoura; asked them. He said, now we have some letters we don’t know what exactly they meant with the time.  One of the companions said we should have our calendar. Then Umar bin Khattab asked how this calendar is done by other empires or nations. He asked about the Persians, how they do it? They do it every time whenever there is a new king they started a new calendar. Then when the king died; they started a new calendar with the new king. Then he asked about the Romans, how they did it? Someone told him they started from the birth of Jesus Christ Issa alayhes Salam. Then someone told him the Romans in those days used to have calendar starting from the birth of the Jesus Christ alayhe wa Salam. The Arabs, before the Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam, in the pre-Islamic time, did not have calendar but they used to take events as dates; for example, one year there is disease or epidemic, they started to say that happened before the disease two years or after two years.”

 Then Dr. al-Dubayan mentioned how the people of the pre-Islamic days remembered the dates. He said, “We see during the life of the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam. The Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam was born in the year of the elephant. Why? Because that was the first time the people of Makkah saw an elephant, an animal when an army came from Yemen to destroy the Ka’abah at that time; so they saw the elephant. From that moment Arabs started to call that year, the year of elephant. And that year when the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam was born about 570 or 571, according to the Gregorian calendar. Then if there is something happened, they incidentally take that in the calendar.

 

 Hijri calendar started from Hijrah (migration)

Dr. al-Dubayan then mentioned how the Hijrah was taken as the starting point of the Islamic Calendar. He said, “Caliph Umar asked, what would be the year number one in the calendar? Then some companions suggested from the very beginning from the birth of Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam. Other companions suggested from the death of the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam. Then Ali ibn Abu Talib and Abdur Rahman ibn Awf suggested actually lets do the first year of the Hijrah here because Hijrah is the beginning of the Islamic society in Madinah. It is the beginning of the rising glory of Islam. They started the Hijrah. Then Umar said it is better. Hijrah will be the number one. They started from the Hijrah of course. Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam died in 11 Hijri. That time they were in 17 Hijri; they were at that time in the 17 year of the Hijrah. From that day the whole Ummah formed the Hijri calendar started from the first Hijrah when the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam moved from Makkah to Madinah.”

Which month the first month of Hijri calendar

This decision to start the Islamic calendar from Hijrah was taken. When did this happen? It happened during the year 17 Hijrah. The next question came: which month would be the first month of the Hijri calendar. Dr. al-Dubayan mentioned: “Caliph Umar said, we have twelve months which one will be the beginning?  The first one, of course, some people suggested Ramadan; it is better from Ramadan to be the first month of the calendar because Ramadan is the month of syam fasting, the holy month; the month of the Qur’an; so it is better to start the year with it. Another one said no; suggested that to start with Hajj; it is better because Hajj is going to Makkah; it should be the first month of the year.  Then Umar bin Khattab said: no, we will take Muharram the first month of the Hijri calendar; Muharram is the sacred month; the four sacred month of the year; and also it is better when the people finish their Hajj they go home and then the new year starts with when they arrives their home.; why because I wanted the people to do the Hajj the last month; when they moved going out of Makkah the New Year starts; that was the plan of Umar RA.”

“So they agreed that Muharram would be the first month of the Islamic calendar year and of course till Dhul Hijjah which is the 12^th month of year. For that moment, they agreed to have the Islamic calendar actually. It was used and still use by many Muslims around the world,” Dr al-Dubayan mentioned.

The ICC chief said, “They put the month of Muharram, this month the beginning of the new calendar and finish with the month of Hajj and now the new calendar started immediately after the Hajj. So Hajj will be the last thing they do; because it is the fifth pillar of Islam. It would be at the end of the year. This is why the companions of the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam planned for it. And from that moment the calendar for the Muslim Ummah started. Now we are in the year 1440 of the Hijri. So when Prophet Sallalahu Alayhe Wassallam moved from Makkah to Madinah that was 1440 years ago. Now we start 1440 of the Hijri calendar. I hope you can use the Hijri calendar. Of course we can hope all calendars are important.”

 Posted by Dr. Mozammel Haque at 16:27  

Season of Good Deeds - First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

 Season of Good Deeds - First

 Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah 2025

Dr Mozammel Haque

Eid-ul-Adha in the United Kingdom

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 is the First day of Dhul-Hijjah 1446H. So the Day of Arafah will be on Thursday, the 5th of June 2025 the 9^th day of Dhul Hijjah the Arafah day and Eid al-Adha will be Insha’Allah on Friday the 6^th of June 2025 corresponding to 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1446H after the day of Arafah. I wish everyone a blessed life full of happiness, peace and prosperity.

Eid Mubarak to all of you and your families and everyone.

Kullu Aam wa Antum bil Khair.

Islamic Cultural Centre & The London Central Mosque Trust has announced that the Eid-ul-Adha will be held on Friday, the 6^th of June, 2025.

Eid-ul-Adha in the United Kingdom

Islamic Cultural Centre & The London Central Mosque Trusts has announced the timetable of Eid-ul-Adha prayers 10^th  Dhul-Hijjah 1446 Hijri corresponding to 6^th June 2025.

First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah 2025 

Every year Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has given hundreds and thousands of rewards or the door of blessings and rewards open for HIS slaves and worshippers – especially on two occasions – the last ten days of Ramadan along with the blessed Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr) immediately followed by a happy day for the worshippers – Eid-ul-Fitr. Similarly, instead of last ten days, this time the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah is the blessed days – full of blessings and rewards from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala along with Arafah Day (9th of Dhul Hijjah) followed by a happy day – Eid-ul-Adha.

 

First day of Dhul-Hijjah

Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Saudi Arabia has announced Dhul-Hijjah starts today, Wednesday, the 28^th of May 2025 following  the sighting of  the crescent moon on Tuesday evening. Saudi Arabia announced that the five-day Eid-ul-Adha celebration will begin on 6 June, 2025. This will be the 10^th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12^th month of the Islamic Hijri calender.

 

Arafat Day on Thursday, 5^th of June 2025

Dhul-Hijjah, the 12^th month of this year 1446 Hijri begins today, Wednesday, 28 May 2025. Hajj will start on the 7^th day of Dhul-Hijjah, corresponding to 3rd of June and end on the 11^th day of Dhul-Hijjah, corresponding to 7^th of June. Arafat Day falls on the 9^th day of Dhul-Hijjah, corresponding to 5^th of June, 2025. Eid-ul-Adha will begin inshaAllah on Friday, the 6^th of June 2025.

Now this first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah is very important and significant. Those who have gone for Hajj they will be in Makkah, Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah. But those who are not in Makkah and other holy sites for them these days are very important days too. The earlier Muslims used to take this opportunity to make themselves better.

Importance of First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

About the importance of the First ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days; meaning the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. (Bukhari).

And there is another Hadith about the fasting on the Arafat Day wherein Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafat expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Muslim)

Eid Mubarak to all of you and your families and everyone.

Kullu Aam wa Antum bil Khair.

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 is the First day of Dhul-Hijjah 1446H. So the Day of Arafah will be on Thursday, the 5th of June 2025 the 9^th day of Dhul Hijjah the Arafah day and Eid al-Adha will be Insha’Allah on Friday the 6^th of June 2025 corresponding to 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1446H after the day of Arafah. I wish everyone a blessed life full of happiness, peace and prosperity.

Eid-ul-Adha in the United Kingdom

Islamic Cultural Centre & The London Central Mosque Trust has announced that the Eid-ul-Adha will be held on Friday, the 6^th of June, 2025.

Islamic Cultural Centre & The London Central Mosque Trusts has announced the timetable of Eid-ul-Adha prayers 10^th  Dhul-Hijjah 1446 Hijri corresponding to 6^th June 2025.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Dubayan on Dhul

Hijjah and Day of Arafah

Speaking about these days Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, said on Sunday, the 12^th of August 2018 at the Library Hall of the Centre, “When we say Aml as saleh as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said it covers everything not only as some people think only fasting, for example or not only giving alms to the poor and needy; no; it covers everything.”

 

First Aml As Saleh– Takbeer

There are many good deeds which can be done during these first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah. Last Sunday was the first day of the month of Dhul Hijjah and there are still ten days till the tenth day when there will be Eid day. One of the Aml as Saleh, according to Dr. al-Dubayan, is saying Takbeer. He said, you can do the Aml as Saleh by saying these days Takbeer: Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar la ilaha illalla Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd.

These ten days any time not only related to after prayer. After prayer Takbeer. will come after the Eid day for three days. But now till the day of Eid you can Takbeer. any time. You can do it when you are sitting, you can do it when you are at home, you can do it in your car or when you are walking whatever. Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar la ilaha illalla Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd. This is one of the good actions or good deeds Allah Subhanahu wa Taala likes it to be done in these days, explained Dr. al-Dubayan.

Dr. Al-Dubayan also mentioned an incident. He said, Hazrat Umar (Allah be pleased with him) during these days used to go to the market where people buy and he used to remind them of the Takbeer during these days by saying loudly Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar la ilaha illalla Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd.

 Another good deed – Fasting

Dr. al-Dubayan also said, One of the good things we can do is fasting;  we can fast one day, two days, three days or four days as many as you want. But do not fast on the Eid day; because fasting on the Eid day is harm. Because Eid day is a day of joy, day of eating, day of drinking; it is a day of celebration. So you can fast one day or two or three.

Another good deed – Visiting family relations

Dr. al-Dubayan also said, “One of the good deeds you can do is visiting your families, your uncles, your cousins, your brothers your sisters, doing best for your parents, or anybody who is around from your families visit him or visit her try to show them your kindness with the intention that you are doing your duty for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

 Giving charity to needy and poor people

The ICC Chief also said one of the good things which you can do is to give charity to the needy, to give charity to the poor people, whatever it is, small or big. Don’t think big money will be accepted by Allah Subhanahu wa Taala only. Sometimes you give little will be better in the sight of Allah than someone who gives a lot. That’s why the Prophet peace be upon him said one dirham is better than one thousand dirham in sadaqa. Why? That person who gives one dirham he gives with the pure intention for the sake of Allah. Another one who gave one thousand dirham may be gave it for other reason - to be seen by people; to be praised by people whatever. So this one dirham is better, explained Dr. Al-Dubayan.

 Taking care of children, orphans

ICC Director General mentioned, one of the good things is in these days really “to take care of your children; taking care of orphans if they are around you; especially if they are within your family. For example if you have nephew or niece, cousins you give them more care; show them love and affection especially in these days. You have to show always but to show them in these ten days are more beneficial. Because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala likes to see all goods deeds in these ten days. Prophet peace be upon him was asked by somebody; he said: what is jihad fi Sabilillah? He said is it better? Prophet peace be upon him said, anything you do in these days better than the jihad except if someone goes for jihad with all his money, his life; never return back everything lost; that person gives his all properties and give his life for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. May be this one is better. But nothing else is better than that doing hasanah good deeds during these days, explained Dr. al-Dubayan.

Season of Good Deeds

Dr. al-Dubayan said we have ten days like a season of good deeds, two times a year. One is the last ten days of Ramadan; this is a season why because the Lailatul Qadr is there, may be the first, the second or third till the end of Ramadan. Then we have the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Now these ten days are for doing hasanah or good deeds. Anything even talk to people is good. If somebody angry with you for any reason or other try to fix it; if you did wrong to some body, try to fix it; even if he or she does not know about it. Try to clean yourself before the day of Eid.

 Arafah Day 9^th of Dhul Hijjah

Dr. Al-Dubayan explained the Day of Arafah. He said, the last day before the Eid, the day number 9^th, we call it the day of Arafah the 9th day. People on Hajj they will stand on Arafah, that day standing on Arafah day; it is a very very holy day in the ten days. On that day it is Sunnah to fast for those who do not perform Hajj. We are here in London or anywhere who is not in Makkah we fast on the 9th Dhul Hijjah^;   the day of Arafah. That’s why, Prophet peace be upon him said, “I am asking Allah for those fast on the day of Arafah to forgive their sins for one year before Arafah and one year after Arafah. It is an important day, explained ICC Chief.

 Prophet (peace be upon him) always talked about forgiveness. Dr al-Dubayan said we have to remember forgiveness for all the things between us and Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. But not peoples rights. This is a misunderstanding of the Hadith. Because peoples rights must be taken care of.

 Day of Arafah is the Day of Mercy

Asking Forgiveness

Dr. al-Dubayan also explained, Day of Arafah is the Day of Mercy; the Day of Praising Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.forgives so many peoples. That’s why, it is really important on the Day of Arafah to make Takbeer and to make dua supplication always to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala asking forgiveness for us for all Muslims; for the loved ones; for all families; asking guidance for yourself; for our husband; for our wives; for our children; for everybody. It is a day of mercy and also forgiveness and comfortable for all people around the world. Anybody you can ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala you have relatives or friends or somebody you like or she or he is not Muslims; ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to guide him or to guide her to the right path. You can make dua for those who are not Muslims to give them guidance from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

 Guidance is in the hand of Allah

Another important thing one must try to understand is that showing light or Guidance is from Allah and not from people. Dr. al-Dubayan explained this aspect of Guidance. He said it is very close to Islam. People could not see the light of it. Many people read the Qur’an; speak the Arabic; read Islamic books but they don’t see the light. But some other people see the light just away far away and see this light and they come to Islam. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala directs them. Guidance is in the hand of Allah. He can guide someone in the light even by explaining convincing a person.

That’s why; Dr. Al-Dubayan said you have to ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala for the guidance for the people you like. He gave an example of Prophet’s uncle Abu Talib. He said Prophet (peace be upon him) he himself wanted his uncle Abu Talib to come into the fold of Islam. But he could not. They loved each other. Abu Talib used to protect Prophet (peace be upon him) all the days in Makkah; because Abu Talib was one of the leaders of the people; he led the Quraish people in Makkah and all of them respected him. They respected him so much that when he said something they followed him. He protected Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) his nephew. Prophet (peace be upon him) received all the protection from Abu Talib; he loved so much. Prophet (peace be upon him) was so keen for his uncle to become Muslim but he could not make it. He could not make it. Allahu Akbar. Then he was so sad for that, he was so sad; then Allah Subhanahu wa Taala revealed to him in the verse of the Qur’an which says you cannot guide those people who love but it is only Allah who guide people.

 That’s why, Dr. al-Dubayan said and advised it is good that when we pray we asked Allah to guide those people we like to guide. Dr. Al-Dubayan also mentioned some people come to Islam just in one bleak. Something happened to them my God this is it. Whereas, some people stay with Muslims many years, they do not see those light. Even the Qur’an is in front of them and they do not see the light. And sometimes the Qur’an is very close; Islam is very close and when the moment comes when Allah wants them to be guided then he guided to go there. In this connection Dr. Al-Dubayan narrated the story of conversion of Cat Stevens to Islam as Yusuf Islam.

Dr. Al-Dubayan advised Muslims to remember every people on the Day of Arafah. He said, “When you pray on the day of Arafah please remember all those people; all those people who have difficulty in their life;  remember the refugees; remember the poor people; remember the orphans; remember people who have difficulties;  ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to make it easy;  ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to give guidance to the people you like; ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to keep on the right path because some people some Muslims after sometimes have sometimes misconception in your mind  or misunderstanding or doubts; then the devil started to play with you. That’s why you see some people go out of Islam again. Ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to keep you till the last moment of your life on the right path. This is what Prophet (peace be upon him) used to ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to let him stay on the right path till the last minute of your life. 

Importance and Significance of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

 

The Importance and Significance of the

First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Dr Mozammel Haque

Every year Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has given hundreds and thousands of rewards or the door of blessings and rewards open for HIS slaves and worshippers – especially on two occasions – the last ten days of Ramadan along with the blessed Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr) immediately followed by a happy day for the worshippers – Eid-ul-Fitr. Similarly, instead of last ten days, this time the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah is the blessed days – full of blessings and rewards from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala along with Arafah Day (9th of Dhul Hijjah) followed bya happy day – Eid-ul-Adha.  

 

 

 First day of Dhul-Hijjah

Wednesday 28 May 2025

Saudi Arabia has announced Dhul-Hijjah starts today, Wednesday, 28 May 2025, following  the sighting of  the crescent moon on Tuesday evening. Saudi Arabia announced that the five-day Eid-ul-Adha celebration will begin on 6th of June 2025. This will be the 10^th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12^th month of the Islamic Hijri calender.

Arafat Day on Tuesday, 5^th of June 2025

Dhul-Hijjah, the 12^th month of this year 1446 Hijri begins Wednesday 28 May 2025. Hajj will start on the 7^th day of Dhul-Hijjah, corresponding to 3^rd of June and end on the 11^th day of Dhul-Hijjah, corresponding to 7^th of June. Arafat Day falls on the 9^th day of Dhul-Hijjah, corresponding to 5^th of June, 2023. Eid-ul-Adha will begin inshaAllah on Friday, the 6^th of June 2025.

Now this first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah is very important and significant. Those who have gone for Hajj they will be in Makkah, Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah. But those who are not in Makkah and other holy sites for them these days are very important days too. The earlier Muslims used to take this opportunity to make themselves better.

 Importance of First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

About the importance of the First ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days; meaning the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. (Bukhari).

And there is another Hadith about the fasting on the Arafat Day wherein Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafat expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Muslim)

Dr. Ahmad Al-Dubayan on Dhul

Hijjah and Day of Arafah

Speaking about these days Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, said on Sunday, the 12^th of August 2018 at the Library Hall of the Centre, “When we say Aml as saleh as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said it covers everything not only as some people think only fasting, for example or not only giving alms to the poor and needy; no; it covers everything.”

 

First Aml As Saleh– Takbeer

There are many good deeds which can be done during these first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah. Last Sunday was the first day of the month of Dhul Hijjah and there are still ten days till the tenth day when there will be Eid day. One of the Aml as Saleh, according to Dr. al-Dubayan, is saying Takbeer. He said, you can do the Aml as Saleh by saying these days Takbeer: Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar la ilaha illalla Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd.

These ten days any time not only related to after prayer. After prayer Takbeer. will come after the Eid day for three days. But now till the day of Eid you can Takbeer. any time. You can do it when you are sitting, you can do it when you are at home, you can do it in your car or when you are walking whatever. Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar la ilaha illalla Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd. This is one of the good actions or good deeds Allah Subhanahu wa Taala likes it to be done in these days, explained Dr. al-Dubayan.

 Dr. Al-Dubayan also mentioned an incident. He said, Hazrat Umar (Allah be pleased with him) during these days used to go to the market where people buy and he used to remind them of the Takbeer during these days by saying loudly Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar la ilaha illalla Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd.

 Another good deed – Fasting

Dr. al-Dubayan also said, One of the good things we can do is fasting;  we can fast one day, two days, three days or four days as many as you want. But do not fast on the Eid day; because fasting on the Eid day is harm. Because Eid day is a day of joy, day of eating, day of drinking; it is a day of celebration. So you can fast one day or two or three.

Another good deed – Visiting family relations

Dr. al-Dubayan also said, “One of the good deeds you can do is visiting your families, your uncles, your cousins, your brothers your sisters, doing best for your parents, or anybody who is around from your families visit him or visit her try to show them your kindness with the intention that you are doing your duty for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

Giving charity to needy and poor people

The ICC Chief also said one of the good things which you can do is to give charity to the needy, to give charity to the poor people, whatever it is, small or big. Don’t think big money will be accepted by Allah Subhanahu wa Taala only. Sometimes you give little will be better in the sight of Allah than someone who gives a lot. That’s why the Prophet peace be upon him said one dirham is better than one thousand dirham in sadaqa. Why? That person who gives one dirham he gives with the pure intention for the sake of Allah. Another one who gave one thousand dirham may be gave it for other reason - to be seen by people; to be praised by people whatever. So this one dirham is better, explained Dr. Al-Dubayan.

Taking care of children, orphans

ICC Director General mentioned, one of the good things is in these days really “to take care of your children; taking care of orphans if they are around you; especially if they are within your family. For example if you have nephew or niece, cousins you give them more care; show them love and affection especially in these days. You have to show always but to show them in these ten days are more beneficial. Because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala likes to see all goods deeds in these ten days. Prophet peace be upon him was asked by somebody; he said: what is jihad fi Sabilillah? He said is it better? Prophet peace be upon him said, anything you do in these days better than the jihad except if someone goes for jihad with all his money, his life; never return back everything lost; that person gives his all properties and give his life for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. May be this one is better. But nothing else is better than that doing hasanah good deeds during these days, explained Dr. al-Dubayan.

 Season of Good Deeds

Dr. al-Dubayan said we have ten days like a season of good deeds, two times a year. One is the last ten days of Ramadan; this is a season why because the Lailatul Qadr is there, may be the first, the second or third till the end of Ramadan. Then we have the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Now these ten days are for doing hasanah or good deeds. Anything even talk to people is good. If somebody angry with you for any reason or other try to fix it; if you did wrong to some body, try to fix it; even if he or she does not know about it. Try to clean yourself before the day of Eid.

Arafah Day 9^th of Dhul Hijjah

Dr. Al-Dubayan explained the Day of Arafah. He said, the last day before the Eid, the day number 9^th, we call it the day of Arafah the 9th day. People on Hajj they will stand on Arafah, that day standing on Arafah day; it is a very very holy day in the ten days. On that day it is Sunnah to fast for those who do not perform Hajj. We are here in London or anywhere who is not in Makkah we fast on the 9th Dhul Hijjah^;   the day of Arafah. That’s why, Prophet peace be upon him said, “I am asking Allah for those fast on the day of Arafah to forgive their sins for one year before Arafah and one year after Arafah. It is an important day, explained ICC Chief.

 Prophet (peace be upon him) always talked about forgiveness. Dr al-Dubayan said we have to remember forgiveness for all the things between us and Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. But not peoples rights. This is a misunderstanding of the Hadith. Because peoples rights must be taken care of.

 Day of Arafah is the Day of Mercy

Asking Forgiveness

Dr. al-Dubayan also explained, Day of Arafah is the Day of Mercy; the Day of Praising Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.forgives so many peoples. That’s why, it is really important on the Day of Arafah to make Takbeer and to make dua supplication always to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala asking forgiveness for us for all Muslims; for the loved ones; for all families; asking guidance for yourself; for our husband; for our wives; for our children; for everybody. It is a day of mercy and also forgiveness and comfortable for all people around the world. Anybody you can ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala you have relatives or friends or somebody you like or she or he is not Muslims; ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to guide him or to guide her to the right path. You can make dua for those who are not Muslims to give them guidance from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

Guidance is in the hand of Allah

Another important thing one must try to understand is that showing light or Guidance is from Allah and not from people. Dr. al-Dubayan explained this aspect of Guidance. He said it is very close to Islam. People could not see the light of it. Many people read the Qur’an; speak the Arabic; read Islamic books but they don’t see the light. But some other people see the light just away far away and see this light and they come to Islam. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala directs them. Guidance is in the hand of Allah. He can guide someone in the light even by explaining convincing a person.

 That’s why; Dr. Al-Dubayan said you have to ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala for the guidance for the people you like. He gave an example of Prophet’s uncle Abu Talib. He said Prophet (peace be upon him) he himself wanted his uncle Abu Talib to come into the fold of Islam. But he could not. They loved each other. Abu Talib used to protect Prophet (peace be upon him) all the days in Makkah; because Abu Talib was one of the leaders of the people; he led the Quraish people in Makkah and all of them respected him. They respected him so much that when he said something they followed him. He protected Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) his nephew. Prophet (peace be upon him) received all the protection from Abu Talib; he loved so much. Prophet (peace be upon him) was so keen for his uncle to become Muslim but he could not make it. He could not make it. Allahu Akbar. Then he was so sad for that, he was so sad; then Allah Subhanahu wa Taala revealed to him in the verse of the Qur’an which says you cannot guide those people who love but it is only Allah who guide people.

 That’s why, Dr. al-Dubayan said and advised it is good that when we pray we asked Allah to guide those people we like to guide. Dr. Al-Dubayan also mentioned some people come to Islam just in one bleak. Something happened to them my God this is it. Whereas, some people stay with Muslims many years, they do not see those light. Even the Qur’an is in front of them and they do not see the light. And sometimes the Qur’an is very close; Islam is very close and when the moment comes when Allah wants them to be guided then he guided to go there. In this connection Dr. Al-Dubayan narrated the story of conversion of Cat Stevens to Islam as Yusuf Islam.

 Dr. Al-Dubayan advised Muslims to remember every people on the Day of Arafah. He said, “When you pray on the day of Arafah please remember all those people; all those people who have difficulty in their life;  remember the refugees; remember the poor people; remember the orphans; remember people who have difficulties;  ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to make it easy;  ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to give guidance to the people you like; ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to keep on the right path because some people some Muslims after sometimes have sometimes misconception in your mind  or misunderstanding or doubts; then the devil started to play with you. That’s why you see some people go out of Islam again. Ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to keep you till the last moment of your life on the right path. This is what Prophet (peace be upon him) used to ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to let him stay on the right path till the last minute of your life.