Maximizing worship in the month of Zulhijah

The month of Zulhijah is one of the haram months that Allah glorified in the Koran. Did you know that the first ten days have a privilege that even exceeds jihad in the way of Allah? Prophet Shoullahu ‘alaihi wasallam say,

There are no good deeds in it, where I love God since today, which means ten days. He said: There was no attempt in God’s path except a man who came out with his own money and money, so he did not return from that with something

“There are no days in the charity in it to be loved by God more than today.” That is, the first 10 days in the month of Zulhijah. They (the Friend’s people) asked, “O Allah’s messenger, is also not jihad in the way of Allah (more than that)?” He said, “And not jihad in the way of Allah (more than him), except someone who fights with Him and his wealth, and he does not return to anything.” (Hours. Bukhari no. 969 and Abu Dawud no. 2438)

Allah Ta’ala swear ten nights in the Koran,

And dawn is ten nights

“For the sake of dawn. And the night is ten.” (Surah Al-Fajr: 1-2)

According to the majority of scholars, the verse refers to Zulhijah’s first ten days. The oath of Allah Ta’ala to something shows how great the time is. Then, what practices can we do so as not to miss this golden opportunity?

Sheikh al-Utsaimin Rahimahullah assert that this virtue applies to all pious practices, both mandatory and sunna [1]. However, there are special practices whose rewards are multiplied if done at this time. Anything? Let’s discuss one by one!

Why was Zulhijah’s first ten days so special?

Brother, know that Allah Ta’ala does not swear except for the great things. In connection with the meaning of the second verse of Surah Al-Fajr above, Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, and other scholars explain that “the ten night” was the first ten days of Zulhijah [2]. So, this shows how high the position of these days in the sight of Allah.

The Messenger of Allah (may be at the same time) is also stated in the authentic hadith that there is no longer a day of God loved to practice purely from ten days. In fact, today’s practice is more important than jihad, except for mate. Imagine, prayer, charity, or fasting we can be more valuable than fighting in the way of God!

Ibn Rajab al-Hambali Rahimahullah states that during the day in the first ten Zulhijah is more important than the last ten days of Ramadan. Why is that? Because in it there is Arafat Day (9 Zulhijah), Day Nar (Iduladha), and Tarwiyah Day (8 Zulhijah), days full of special practices.

Then, what about the last ten days of the month of Ramadan which has Lailatul qadar? So, of course the virtues of Ramadan lies at night, while Zulhijah excels in the afternoon. This is a secret that is rarely known by many people!

Preparation for welcoming the coming of the month of Zulhijah

Before entering the month of Zulhijah, it is important for us to do it Repentance. Tobat is not just an istigfar’s words, but also leaves immoral and determined not to repeat it again. Because, even though we have carried out various practices in the holy month of Ramadan, it is possible that we are still committed to the error and sin afterwards. So, hurry up to repent with Repentance. Rasulullah (May Winged Peace) said,

God is jealous, and believers are jealous, and God is not for believers to come

“Indeed, God is jealous and believers are also jealous. God’s jealousy occurs if believers do what God prohibits for him. ” (HR. Muslim no. 2761)

Without repentance, our practice can be rejected!

In addition to repentance, knowledge preparation is also mandatory. Many people do charity in the month of Zulhijah without knowing the procedure, so it falls into Bid’ah. For example, takbir together simultaneously or certain rituals that are not taught by the Prophet ﷺ.

Physical and financial preparation is no less important. Arafat fasting, night prayers, and sacrifice requires good stamina. Meanwhile, for those who want to sacrifice, sunnah not to cut hair and nails from the 1st of Zulhijah until the animals are slaughtered. Are you ready?

Finally, set your intentions sincerely. Isn’t this a little practice but sincerity is better than many but riya? Make a daily schedule to maximize worship, such as fasting, charity, and tiles. Don’t pass this day!

Also read: Weak Hadiths About the Month of Zulhijah

Sunnah practice whose prizes are duplicated

One of the main practices in ten days Zulhijah is fasting, especially Arafat fasting (9 Zulhijah). Rasulullah (May Winged Peace) said,

The day of Allah’s knowledge is to redeem the sunnah before Him in front of him

“Arafat fasting (9 zulhijah) can eliminate sin a year ago and a year. Ashura Fasting (10 Muharram) will eliminate sin a year ago. ” (HR. Muslim no. 1162)

However, did you know that this fast is only recommended for those who are not happy? Sheikh bin Baz Rahimahullah Explain this in his fatwa.

Takbir is also a special practice of Zulhijah. There are two types of takbir: (1) Takbir Muthlaq (free anytime); and (2) Takbir Muqayyad (after fardu prayers). We should avoid takbir in congregation simultaneously because it is not exemplified by the Prophet ﷺ. Just say it yourself solemnly!

Sacrifice is the peak of worship on the day Nahr. Allah Ta’ala said,

So roll it for your Lord

“Then prepare a prayer for your Lord; (Surah Al-Kautsar: 2)

Sheikh Abdullah Alu Basssaam said that some clerics of interpretations argued that what was meant by ‘slaughtering animals’ was to slaughter sacrificial animals after Iduladha prayers. This opinion is quoted from Qatadah, Atha ‘, and Ikrimah. (Taisirul ‘Allaammatter. 534 and Taudhihul Ahkaam4: 450. See too SAHIH FIQIH SUNNAH, 2: 366)

Sacrificial animals will be a witness in the hereafter. Have you prepared it?

Don’t forget to multiply alms, read the Koran, and maintain friendship. Sheikh Al-Fauzan Hafizhahullah suggest to divide time: morning for recitations, afternoon for fasting, and night for the midnight. With good time management, the reward can be achieved, Willing God.

Practical Guide To Not Loss

First, prioritize compulsory worship

Priority must be given to those required by the Shari’a. Sunnah worship has a big value, but cannot replace obligations. So, make sure in advance that the five -time prayers are carried out in a timely manner, even better if in congregation. Do not let the spirit of chasing the reward of the practice of the sunnah actually neglects us from obligations. This is a basic principle in preparing priority worship: perfect fardu, then strengthen the sunnah.

Second, avoid Bid’ah

We must hold fast to the guidance of the Prophet Shoullahu ‘alaihi wasallam. Not every thing that is considered good according to reason can be used as worship. For example, making a special ritual welcomes the month of Zulhijah or rituals certain remembrances without any basis of the Shari’a including cases that must be watched out for. Worship is a form of reservoir, so it must be in accordance with what was exemplified by the Prophet Shoullahu ‘alaihi wasallam. Innovation in world affairs is invited, but in religion, all must have arguments.

Third, keep sincerity

Any practice will not be valued if not based on sincerity. Fasting, charity, or dhikr can only be an empty routine if the goal is not because of God, but for imaging or wanting to get praise. Sincerity is the spirit of worship; He who made a small deeds become big in the sight of Allah; And vice versa, great charity becomes in vain if not sincere. So, evaluate the intention before charity, and continue to update the spirit of worship just because it hopes for the rida.

Finally, take advantage of every second. Time is a gift that cannot be repeated. Zulhijah came only once a year, and there was no guarantee we would meet again with him. Therefore, take advantage of every day, even every hour, with pious charity. Make a daily worship schedule, multiply prayers, dhikr, recitations, and alms. Don’t let the days pass just like that. Every second can be our charity ballast in the afterlife. This momentum is too valuable to waste.

Brother, the first ten days of Zulhijah is God’s gift for His servants who want to repent and increase worship. With careful preparation, correct knowledge, and sincerity, we can achieve the reward that even exceeds jihad. Let’s welcome Zulhijah with a new spirit!

Wallahu a’lam.

Also read: Important Events in the Month of Zulhijah

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Writer: Fauzan Hidayat

Article Muslim.or.id

Footnote:

[1] Look Tafsir Juz ‘amma, Sheikh Muhammad bin Salih al-‘utsaiimin, Darul Kutub al-‘ilmiyyah, print in 1424, p. 159.

[2] Latho-If al-Ma’ari, Ibn Rajab al-Hambali, al-Maktab al-Islamiy, first print, in 1428, p. 469.