24TH EDITION OF VOICE OF THE MIMBARR: ISLAMIC RITES DURING THE FIRST TEN DAYS OF DHUL-HIJJAH- BY DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE

27-11-1444AH/16-11-2023 CE

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim.

Part of the Muslims' venerated principalities is Eidul Kabir (The Big festival) and it is celebrated during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (12th month of Lunar Calendar). To its credit, Allah (SWT) declared: "To every people We had given means of sacrifice for them to celebrate the praises of Allah with what they were provided among animals, then your Lord is but One and to Him you should submit and give tidings to those who offer sacrifice.

In a similar vein, Suratul Fajr postulates: "I swear. with the Dawn. And the Ten nights...." The ten days mentioned here enjoyed the fair support for being the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. For: It contains fasting (not compulsory though), several Ibaadah such as Yaomu t Tarwiyyah (8th day of Dhul-Hijjah), Arafat day (9th day), Yaomul Ud-hiyyah) and Ayamu t Tashriq (two subsequent days after the Eid day). 

The beauty of these ten days is alluded to by the noble Messenger Muhammad saying: "There is hardly any days in which good deeds are better rewarded than it is done on the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. On inquiry, he reiterated that ' even a Mujahid, except someone who left home with enough provisions but did not return." 

Muslims are enjoined to be increased in rewarding deeds during this period such as Salat (obligatory and non- obligatory), fasting till the Eid day, recitation of holy Qur'an, Dhikr, Istighfar, goodness to kins and relatives, solving people's problems, giving in charity and feeding of hungry. 

Summarily, the frontline and earlier people in faith were portrayed as encouraging others towards venerating the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah with inumerable rewarding activities. A good example is Sa' id bn Musayyab who was reported for lining up more than enough remarkable activities which often went beyond his reach during the period.

Till we meet again during the next edition, Eidun Mubaarak in advance and Ma'as salaamah.

DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN, Imam Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Ipaja Branch, Lagos State

- Nigeria