By Barr Olori-Aje Adam
*The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (_which tentatively starts tomorrow, Monday_) are among the most sacred days in Islam. They are days overflowing with mercy, forgiveness, acceptance of supplications, and countless opportunities to return to Allah with sincerity. Every good deed performed in these blessed days is greatly magnified, fasting for the sake of Allah is highly recommended*.
*Again, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are immensely blessed and distinguished, for within them all the fundamental acts of worship in Islam; Dhikr, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage converge together. No other days in the entire year combine these five great acts of devotion in such a unique and comprehensive manner. Hence, these days stand as a rare season of spiritual excellence, mercy, and nearness to Allah*.
*Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have said that, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) spoke about the virtues attached to these noble days as follows*:
1) The first day of Dhul-Hijjah
*It is said to be the day on which Allah forgave our father, Adam (peace be upon him) after his repentance*.
_Whoever fasts this day seeks the mercy of the One who forgives all sins and accepts sincere repentance from His servants_.
2) The second day
*Is said to be the day Allah answered the supplication of Nabiy Yunus (peace be upon him) while he was in the darkness of the whale’s belly*.
_Whoever fasts this day should remember that no situation is beyond Allah’s mercy and rescue_.
3) The third day
*Is said to be the day Allah answered the heartfelt prayer of Nabiy Zakariyah (peace be upon him) and blessed him with Yahya*.
_It reminds us that no sincere supplication is ever lost with Allah_.
*These first three days are days of mercy, forgiveness, and answered prayers. Raise your hands to Allah. Ask Him to forgive your sins, soften your heart, ease your burdens, bless your family, and guide you aright. The doors of mercy are wide open*.
4) The fourth day
*This day remembered as the day on which Nabiy Issa, peace be upon him, was born.*
_Whoever fasts this day seeks Allah’s ease in hardship and abundance after difficulty_.
5) The fifth day
*Is said to be associated with the birth of Nabiy Musa (peace be upon him)*.
_Whoever fasts this day seeks protection from hypocrisy and punishment, asking Allah for a sincere and steadfast heart_.
6) The sixth day
*Is said to be the day on which Allah opened the doors of goodness for our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)*.
_Whoever fasts this day seeks Allah’s special mercy and divine favor_.
7) The seventh day
*It is said that on this day, the gates of Hell are shut during these sacred days*.
_Whoever fasts hopes that Allah will close the doors of hardship and open the doors of ease, blessings, and goodness for him_.
8) The eighth day is Yawm at-Tarwiyah
*This is the day Hajj rituals begins and when the pilgrims are in the state of ihram, reciting Talbiyah.*
_The reward of this day is known only to Allah. What greater honor can there be than a reward preserved by Allah Himself for His servant?_
9) The ninth day is the day of ARAFAH
*This is among the greatest days of the year. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught that fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. It is the day Allah perfected this religion and completed His favor upon the believers*.
10) The tenth day is EID AL-ADHA
*It is the day of sacrifice, gratitude, generosity, and joy. It is a day to remember the obedience of Nabiy Ibrahim (peace be upon him), to feed others, give charity, strengthen ties, and glorify Allah for His countless blessings*.
*No doubt, these are not ordinary days. They are divine opportunities that may never return for some of us. Whoever understands the value of these blessed days will not allow them to pass empty-handed*.
*Enrich your days with fasting, prayers, Qur’an recitation, dhikr, charity, kindness to parents, forgiveness of others, and sincere repentance. Pray on time. Purify your heart. Feed the needy. Speak good words. Draw closer to Allah with every righteous deed you can perform*.
*Perhaps, one sincere dua in these days may change your entire life. Perhaps, one tear shed before Allah in these days may erase years of sins. Perhaps, one act of sincerity in these days may become the reason for your eternal success*.
May Allah allow us to witness and live through these blessed days with faith. May He fill our hearts with taqwa. May He forgive our shortcomings. May He accept our fasting, supplications, and make us among those freed from the Hellfire*.
*May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our noble Prophet Muhammad who opened our eyes to these blessings, his family, companions, and all those who follow his path until the last day*.
