When it comes to the practicing Muslims, there is nothing more spiritually powerful and fulfilling in the month of Dhul-Hajj than to follow the footsteps of the Prophet (PBUH) by traversing the streets of Madina, by weeping and asking Allah for forgiveness and by going to Ka’aba with millions of Muslims who are all there to seek forgiveness of Allah.
The 9th day of the Holy month Dul-Hijjah, the day of Arafah is considered very important during Hajj. The importance of this day can be measured by the saying of Prophet (PBUH):
“Hajj is Arafah” – (Tirmidhi)
Hajj is considered valid with completion of this step. At the Day of Judgement, it is said mankind will be gathered on this vast plain area.
In order to show the importance of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah’s, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause (of Allah), and came back with nothing” – (Bukhari)
“It is no crime in you if ye seek of the bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage). Then when ye pour down from (Mount) Arafaat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed you, even though, before this, ye went astray”
For those Muslims who were not chosen to visit the home of Allah and will have to wait for whenever He plans, following are the ways to reap the most benefits during this holy month, especially during the blessed ten days and during the day of Arafah:
1. Fasting
As a part of the five pillars of Islam, fasting is considered very important, even during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, especially on Arafah.
“One who fasts sincerely on the day of Arafah will receive forgiveness of his/her sins for the previous and following year.” – (Kitab Al-Sawm) Sahih Muslim :: Book 6 : Hadith 2603
2. Dhikr – Remembrance of Allah
This blessed day is all about doing good deeds which will be highly regarded in the eyes of Allah. Remembering Allah during this day is the best thing to do.
Reciting blessed phrases is what Muslims can do throughout this month, especially during the 9th day of Hajj.
Recite: “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil Adheem” (Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to Him).
“Two words (subhanAllah wa bihamdihi) are light on the tongue, weigh heavily in the balance, and are loved by the Most Merciful One.” – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – (Bukhari)
3. Tasbhee, Tahmeed, Takbeer and Tahleel
These four adhkaar are to be recited as much as possible on Arafah.
Tahleel means “Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah”
Tahmeed means “Alhamdulillaah”
Tasbeeh means “Subhanallaah”.
Takbeer means “Allahu Akbar”
4. Recite and Listen to Quran Kareem
Though one should recite Quran on a daily basis, this day holds special importance as every good deed is multiplied and the verses of Quran seek for forgiveness of Allah.
Listen to Tafseer lectures, audios from YouTube or recite the Quran yourself.
5. Recite the Dua of Arafah
أَفْضَلُ الدُّعَاءِ دُعَاءُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ وَأَفْضَلُ مَا قُلْتُ أَنَا وَالنَّبِيُّونَ مِنْ قَبْلِي
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ
لَهُ المُلكُ ، وَ لَهُ الحَمدُ ، وَ هُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيءٍ قَدِيرٌ
“The most excellent dua is the dua on the Day of Arafah, and the best of what I and the prophets before me have said, is “There is nothing that deserves to be worshiped in truth except Allah, He is Alone and has no partner, to Him belongs the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is All-Powerful over all things.” (Tirmizi)
6. Spreading The Word of Allah and Being Kind to Everyone
Being kind to people, for it is called Haqooq-al-ibaad and one of the very important things Allah has instructed us to do. Sit in a gathering and recite Quran and preach your Islamic knowledge with another. Make food and distribute it amongst the poor and your neighbors. Give loads of Sadqa – of yourself and your family.
Spread the word of Allah after reading it and make sure you implement it as well.
May Allah bless us with the best in this Holy month, Ameen.
