What is "al-Hajj al-Akbar"?

 بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

⚡️What is "al-Hajj al-Akbar"?
⚡️Does the reward for al-Hajj increases if it falls on a Friday?

👉PART 1:

🚫 The Weak/Baseless narrations about the "merit" when the Day of al-`Arafah comes on a Friday - which people wrongly consider as "al-Hajj al-Akbar" or that it has special virtues:

1️⃣ “The best day on which the sun has risen is the Day of `Arafah which coincides with Friday, (performing Hajj) in it is better than Seventy Hajjs performed in other days.”
📚 [Silsilah al-Hadeeth al-Dha`eefah (1193, 3144).  Shaikh al-Albaanee said: “This Hadeeth is Baatil (baseless) and has no origin.”]

Excellence Of The Day Of `Arafah

 بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد 

From Shaikh Muhammad al-Malki’s lecture (summarized):

1. The favors and blessings of Allaah upon us are too many, we can neither count them nor can we thank Him fully for them.

2. Yet we are obliged to thank Him for these favors, because thanking Him for these favors only helps in increasing them, as Allaah تعالى said:

وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ

{And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Me alone), I will give you more (of My Blessings), but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily! My Punishment is indeed severe.”}

[Surah Ibraaheem (14): 7]

The Deeds Most Beloved To Allaah In These Ten Days!

 بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد 

All praise is for Allaah (alone), and the most perfect and complete prayers and peace be upon Muhammad, the Messenger of Allaah, the preeminent amongst the first and the last (of the descendants of `Aadam), and the Imaam of the Prophets and Messengers, the (first) one who will intercede and (the first one) whose intercession will be accepted on the Day of Judgment, and upon his nice family, and his pure wives – the mothers of the Believers, and his noble Companions, and upon those who follow his Sunnah and accepts his guidance till the Day of Judgment.

To proceed…

The Prophet ﷺ said: “There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these days.” (Meaning the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah). They (the Companions) asked: “Not even Jihad?” He ﷺ replied: “Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allaah's sake) and does not return with any of those things.”
[Sunan Abu Dawood (2348), Sunan al-Tirmidhee (757), Sunan Ibn Maajah (1727), and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee. Imaam al-Bukhaaree also reported in his Saheeh (969) with a slight different wording]

What a delight! How beautiful it is! And How amazing! (Yaum al-Nahr)

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

The sight of spilling of blood and its gushing out on the Day of `Eid. That is a sight when a slave (of Allaah) honors the Symbol from the Symbols of Allaah (by offering the sacrifice). And honoring the Symbols of Allaah is a sign of a righteous heart.

ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّـهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ

{That is (so). And whosoever honors the Symbols of Allaah, then it is truly from the piety of the heart.}

[Surah al-Hajj (22): 32]

What is better, Takbeeraat or reciting the Qur'aan in Dhul-Hijjah?

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

What is better, reciting the Qur’aan or saying the Takbeeraat in the first 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah and the days of Tashreeq (the three days following Eid al-Adhha, i.e. 11th, 12th, 13th of Dhul-Hijjah)?

FIRST: People often make a comparison between the recitation of the Qur’aan and doing Dhikr, which they should not be doing. There is nothing that can be compared to the recitation of the Qur’aan, and as the Prophet ﷺ had said, the best Speech is the Book of Allaah.

The Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said: 

❝The best talk (speech) is Allaah’s Book (the Qur’aan), and the best way (for guidance) is the way of Muhammad, and the worst matters are the heresies (those new things which are introduced into the religion).❞

[Saheeh Muslim]

Moreover, the recitation of the Qur’aan itself is Dhikr (remembrance of Allaah). 

Furthermore, and the words of Dhikr are from the Qur’aan itself as the Prophet ﷺ had said:

Samurah Ibn Jundub رضي الله عنه narrated that the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said: 

❝The best talk after the Qur’aan – and it is from the Qur’aan – are four, and it doesn’t matter with which you begin:

سُبْحَانَ اللهِ 

Subhaan-Allaah (Glory is to Allaah), 

وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ

wal-hamdu-lillaah (praise is to Allaah), 

وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ

wa laa ilaaha illallaah (none has the right to be worshiped but Allaah), 

وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ

wa Allaahu Akbar (and Allaah is the Most Great).❞

[Musnad Ahmad (20223) and the wording is his, Saheeh Muslim (2137), Sunan Ibn Maajah (3811)]

SECOND: In general, the precedence is given to the recitation of the Qur’aan and the contemplation of its meaning, then to Dhikr (remembrance of Allaah), and then Du`aa (supplication). 

The recitation of the Qur’aan is general, meaning one can recite the Qur’aan at any time. But as for Dhikr, there are certain Dhikr which are bounded by time and place. So, preference is given to the actions which have been specifically mentioned for that period of time or place. Therefore, in these days saying the Takbeer should be given precedence as this has been recorded from the actions of the Sahaabah and the Salaf.

Imaam al-Bukhaaree رحمه الله mentioned that Ibn `Umar and Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنهما used to go out to the market place and say aloud: “ALLAAHU AKBAR, ALLAAHU AKBAR” and the people would emulate them.

And Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله had said: ❝Preference should be given to saying the Takbeer, but if one recites the Qur’aan then no one should stop him or criticize him, because the Qur’aan is Dhikr, rather the best of Dhikr. But saying the Takbeer has been specifically assigned for this period, whereas the recitation of the Qur’aan is for all time (and not bounded or limited by time).❞ – end of quote.

In the end, the best is to combine between all the different acts of `Ibaadah, and a person should spend some time in reciting the Qur’aan, then doing Dhikr and making Du`aa.

And Allaah is the One who grants success.

The Fitnah related with the two Eids:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

From the past few years, it is becoming a common sight to see some people – especially those liberals who pretend to be more merciful – making posts and giving out suggestions about the two Eids and the `Ibaadah (worship) related with them. One might be deceived by them into believing that their view is better than what the Sunnah has to offer.

🚫 So every Eid al-Fitr we have the issue being raised of “giving Zakaat al-Fitr in cash” instead of staple food (rice, dates, wheat etc.) to the poor.

🚫 And every Eid al-Adhha we have the issue being raised of “animal cruelty” and “donate the money to the poor instead of sacrificing the animal on Eid”.

Brief Description of How to Perform `Umrah

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Brief Description of How to Perform `Umrah

Distributed by: The General Presidency for the affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque

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From the Sermon of `Arafah: The rights of the spouses

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

In the long Hadeeth of Jaabir رضي الله عنه, about the description of the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم Hajj, he narrated that on the Day of `Arafah, in the valley of `Arafah, in his famous sermon, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝Fear Allaah concerning women! Verily you have taken them on the security of Allaah (or for you have taken them as a trust from Allaah), and intimacy with them has become permissible to you through Allaah’s Word. You too have right over them, and that they should not allow anyone to sit on your bed whom you do not like. But if they do that, you can chastise them but not severely (i.e. in a manner that does not cause injury or leave a mark). Their rights upon you are that you should provide them with food and clothing in a reasonable manner.❞

[Saheeh Muslim (2803), Sunan Ibn Maajah (3074), and Sunan Abu Dawood (1905)]

Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

What should one say when slaughtering the Udhhiyah?

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Question: What should one say when slaughtering the Udhhiyah?

Answer: It is obligatory at the time of slaughtering the Udhhiyah that one should say: (( بسم الله )) “Bismillaah”, In the of Allaah.

It is Mustahab (preferable) that one should also add to it: (( والله أكبر ، اللهم هذا منك ولك فتقبله مني )) “Wa-llaahu Akbar, Allaahumma haadhaa minka wa laka, faa taqabbalhu minnee”, And Allaah is the Greatest! O Allaah! This is from You and to You. So accept it from me.

[ بسم الله ، والله أكبر ، اللهم هذا منك ولك ، فتقبله مني ]

If it is on behalf of someone else then one should say: (( فتقبله عن [فلان] )) “faa taqabbalhu `an [fulaan]”, So accept it on behalf of so-and-so [one should mention the name of that person]

What is obligatory here is to say Bismillaah; the rest is Mustahab and is not obligatory.

Anas Ibn Maalik رضي الله عنه said: ❝The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم sacrificed two horned rams that were white with black markings. He slaughtered them with his own hand, saying: Bismillaah and Allaahu akbar, and put his foot on their necks.❞

[Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5558, 5565) and Saheeh Muslim (4841, 4842)]

`Aaishah رضي الله عنها narrated that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم ordered that a horned ram with black legs, black belly and black (circles) round the eyes be brought to him so that he could sacrifice it. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝O `Aaishah! Give me the knife.❞ Then he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝Sharpen it on a stone.❞ So she did that, then he صلى الله عليه وسلم took it and took the ram, and he lay it down and then sacrificed it, saying: ❝Bismillaah, Allaahumma Taqabbal min Muhammadin wa `Aali-Muhammadin, wa min Ummati Muhammadin “In the name of Allaah. O Allaah! Accept (this sacrifice) from Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the Ummah of Muhammad”❞.

[Saheeh Muslim (4845)]

Jaabir ibn `Abdallaah رضي الله عنهما said: I was present with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم on the day of al-Adhha at the prayer place. When he had finished his Khutbah (sermon) he came down from his Minbar and a ram was brought which the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم slaughtered with his own hand. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝“In the name of Allaah, Allaah is Most Great. This is on behalf of myself and on behalf of those of my Ummah who have not offered a sacrifice.❞

[Sunan Abu Dawood (2810) and Sunan al-Tirmidhee (1521) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

10 virtues when the Day of `Arafah coincides with Friday

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:

Some of the merits when the Day of `Arafah coincides with Jumu`ah:

First: The coming together of two days which are the best of days.

Hajj and Umrah: Index

1. Virtues And Recommended Deeds Of The First 10 Days Of Dhul Hijjah

2. Common Mistakes During Umrah

3. The importance of the first 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah

4. Weakness of the Hadeeth: rewards are multiplied 700 times in Dhul-Hijjah

5. Quick tips: Rulings pertaining to the sacrificial offering

6. 10 virtues when the Day of `Arafah coincides with Friday

Quick tips: Rulings pertaining to the sacrificial offering:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

1. The time:

The time-frame for slaughtering is four days:

- The first day after the Eid prayer.

- Which continues for three days after it, till sunset on the 13^th (of Dhul-Hijjah).

- It is permissible to slaughter in the day as well as the night.

[Fataawa Ibn al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله (25/167)]

******* 

Weakness of the Hadeeth: rewards are multiplied 700 times in Dhul-Hijjah

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

[Note: there are many authentic Ahaadeeth on the virtues of the first 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah, but the two quoted below are weak with these wordings.]

Hadeeth 1:

From the route of Mas`ood Ibn Waasil on the authority of Nahhaas bin Qahm on the authority of Qataadah on the authority of Sa`eed bin al-Musayyib on the authority of Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

[First part of the Hadeeth] “There are no days more loved to Allaah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah.” [Second part] “Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr].”

[Related by at-Tirmidhee in his Sunan (758), Ibn Maajah in his Sunan (1728), and al-Baihaqi in Shu`ab al-Imaan (3480)]

Hadeeth 2:

The importance of the first 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ

{BY the ten nights (i.e. the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah)} [Surah al-Fajr (89):2]

The `Arabic letter “و" (waw), which translated here as “By”, is understood to stand for the phrase “I swear by” and designates an oath.

The fact that Allaah تعالى took oath by these nights, shows their importance. Allaah تعالى never takes an oath of something** except that that thing has importance; and Allaah تعالى never takes an oath except that what is to follow is an important news.

Like the nights of Ramadhaan, these are the 10 most beloved days to Allaah. So take this opportunity to do more good deeds and shun all evil.

Baarak Allaahu feekum.

**Elsewhere in the Qur’aan, Allaah تعالى takes oath of celestial bodies (stars, planets), of the Qur’aan etc. Allaah تعالى can take an oath by whatever He تعالى wills, be it Himself, His creations, His revelation. But it is unacceptable that a man should take an oath except in the name of Allaah.

Narrated Ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja).” Then some companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Not even Jihad?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم replied: “Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allaah's sake) and does not return with any of those things.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree Vol. 2, Hadeeth (86)]

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم also said: “There are no days greater or more loved by Allaah in which to perform good deeds other than these 10 days, therefore praise and glorify Allaah abundantly in these days.” [Musnad Ahmad (1968) and it is Saheeh]

Common Mistakes During Umrah

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

All praise be to Allaah, and peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad and his family and his Companions. To proceed:

The reward for `Umrah is great, as the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

العمرة إلى العمرة كفارة لما بينهما

“From one `Umrah to another `Umrah is expiation for the (minor) sins committed between them.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (1773) and Saheeh Muslim (2411)]

Virtues And Recommended Deeds Of The First 10 Days Of Dhul Hijjah

Revised on October 5th, 2013

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Narrated Ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja).” Then some companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Not even Jihad?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم replied: “Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allaah's sake) and does not return with any of those things.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree Vol. 2, Hadeeth (86)]

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم also said: “There are no days greater or more loved by Allaah in which to perform good deeds other than these 10 days, therefore praise and glorify Allaah abundantly in these days.” [Musnad Ahmad (1968) and it is Saheeh]

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم also said: “The best of days is that of Arafah.” [Ibn Hibbaan (3853) and graded as “Dha`eef” (Weak) by Shaikh al-Albaanee but there are other authentic Ahaadeeth on the virtues of of the Day of `Arafah.]