As we seek to attain Allah's mercy and forgiveness here are two important reminders for us all.

1. It is highly recommended to fast on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah for those not performing Hajj.  Masjid As-Siddiq will be providing Iftar and Dinner for those fasting on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

2. The Takbeer Tashreeq should be recited aloud once after every Fardh Salaah beginning from Fajr on the 9th Dhul-Hijjah (June 15, 2024) to Asr on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah (June 19, 2024). You should recite: "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu akbar, Allah akbar, wa lillaah il-hamd."
   Translation: Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no God but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah belongs all praise.

3. One who intends to do Sacrifice should abstain from cutting or clipping hairs and nails until the sacrifice is over. 
   The Prophet (sallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “When the ten days (of Dhu’l-Hijjah) begin – and any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let him refrain (from cutting) his hair and nails.”

The Prophet (sallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is no deed that is better in the sight of Allah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of Al-Adha”. It was asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” The Prophet (sallahu alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for Jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by Al-Bukhari

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (the 12th Islamic calendar month) carry special status during the blessed month of “Pilgrimage.” The above Hadith of the Prophet spells out the importance of these ten days in the sight of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and the amplified reward for all good deeds during this blessed season.  Just like the last ten nights of Ramadan are the best ten nights out of the year, these first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best days of the year and the most beloved to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala as they combine acts of worship in a way, unlike any other time. 

The graphic shares some recommended acts for the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. We pray that Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) accepts our ibadaah, sacrifice, charity, and dua during these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah and keeps us in the best of Imaan. Ameen.