How to Make the Most of Dhul Hijjah | Presented by Dr. Omar Suleiman

How to Make the Most of Dhul Hijjah | Presented by Dr. Omar Suleiman

Introduction

The speaker welcomes the audience to a webinar about the 10 most important days of the year and emphasizes the importance of making the most of these days.

  • The 10 most important days of the year are around the corner.
  • These 10 days catch us by surprise because there is not much preparation for them.
  • The webinar will focus on practical ways to make the most of these 10 days.
  • There will be a series on Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) hajj story released soon.

Importance of Preparation

The speaker discusses how people often fail to prepare for these 10 important days and highlights the lack of events in masajid as one reason why people don't do right by them.

  • People often fail to prepare for these 10 important days.
  • Lack of events in masajid is one reason why people don't do right by them.
  • This webinar will provide practical guidance on how to make the most out of these 10 days.

Practical Guidance

The speaker emphasizes that this webinar will provide practical guidance on how to make the most out of these 10 important days, rather than just discussing their virtues.

  • This webinar will provide practical guidance on how to make the most out of these 10 important days.
  • It will not just discuss their virtues but also provide actionable steps.

Virtues of These Days

The speaker discusses Surah Al-Fajr, which mentions ten nights that Allah swears by. Scholars have different opinions about which ten nights are being referred to, but they agree that they are among the best times in a year.

  • Surah Al-Fajr mentions ten nights that Allah swears by.
  • Scholars have different opinions about which ten nights are being referred to.
  • The ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are considered the best ten days of the year.
  • Some scholars believe that the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are superior to the last ten nights of Ramadan.

Best Times of the Day and Year

The speaker discusses how Allah situates these blessed times in verses, and highlights that Fajr is considered the best time of day.

  • Allah situates these blessed times in verses.
  • Fajr is considered the best time of day, and praying two rak'ahs before Fajr is highly recommended.
  • The angels come and witness recitation at Fajr time.
  • The last ten nights of Ramadan are also among the best times in a year.

The Blessings of Early Hours

The speaker talks about the blessings of worshipping Allah and working in the early hours of the day. He emphasizes that the early part of the day is the best time for worship and casts blessing on the entirety of the day.

  • Mourning in the Sub
  • The speaker explains that mourning refers to the early part of the day, which is considered to be a blessed time.
  • Starting off the day well casts blessings on everything done throughout it.
  • Best 10 Days of The Year
  • Allah emphasizes Al-Fajr as being a blessed time.
  • Making most out of these ten days brings back everything good from previous years and casts blessings on future years.
  • Importance Of Arafah And Sacrifice Day
  • Shaferi, which is on the tenth day, is considered to be one of the best times during these ten days.
  • Arafah is considered to be one of the best days in general.
  • Importance Of Night Time
  • Allah swears by night as it departs, emphasizing its importance.
  • Most people are inactive during this blessed time despite its significance.

Seeking Forgiveness In Precious Minutes Before Fajr

The speaker talks about how precious minutes before Fajr are significant for seeking forgiveness from Allah. He also mentions how Lady Ida Yasir prayed all night or for a significant portion thereof and sought forgiveness from Allah for any shortcomings she had in her prayer.

  • Significance Of Precious Minutes Before Fajr
  • Those who pray all night or for a significant portion thereof seek forgiveness from Allah for any shortcomings they had in their prayer.
  • Those who wake up during this time seek forgiveness from Allah for not praying for a longer portion of the night.

Importance Of Taking Advantage Of Blessed Times

The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of blessed times, especially after Fajr and during the last part of the night. He also mentions how most people miss out on these times despite their significance.

  • Inactivity During Blessed Times
  • Despite their blessings, most people are inactive during these times.
  • Most Muslims go back to sleep after Fajr instead of taking advantage of this blessed time.
  • Neglecting The Best 10 Days Of The Year
  • These ten days are considered to be the best ten days of the year, yet many people do not take full advantage of them.
  • Significance Of Shabban And Ramadan
  • Shabban is lost between two special months, Rajab and Ramadan.
  • People become heedless in regards to it despite its significance.

Wisdom Behind Swearing By Nights Instead Of Days

The speaker talks about why Allah swears by nights instead of days. He explains that days and nights are interchangeable and that nights refer to secrecy while ayam refers to a time to proudly proclaim remembrance of Allah and work deeds pleasing to Him.

  • Interchangeability Of Days And Nights
  • Days and nights are interchangeable as seen in the story of Zechariah where Allah mentions three days and three nights interchangeably.
  • Referring To A Time Of Sincerity
  • Leila refers to a time of sincerity while ayam is a time to proudly proclaim remembrance of Allah and work deeds pleasing to Him.

The Significance of the Month of Dhu al-Hijjah

This section discusses the significance of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah and how it coincides with important events in Islamic history.

Importance of Dhu al-Hijjah

  • Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail during this month.
  • All holy books were revealed in Ramadan, which coincided with this month for Musa's blessed extra 10 days.
  • The time when Allah took a covenant from Adam and spoke directly to Musa is commemorated during this month.
  • This is a time that brings us closer to the prophets of Allah, including Ibrahim and Musa.

Warning Against Committing Sins

  • Al-Hafiz warns against committing sins during sacred months like Dhu al-Hijjah, as it can deprive one of receiving Allah's forgiveness and mercy.
  • Our blood, money, and honor are sacred to one another during these months. We should be careful not to violate what Allah has sanctified.

Multiplication of Good Deeds and Sins

  • Just like in Ramadan, good deeds are multiplied during this time period. However, sins can also be multiplied if we do not pay attention.
  • The best thing we can do during this time is to avoid sinning and particularly harming others.

Best Good Deeds to Do During Dhu al-Hijjah

This section discusses the best good deeds to do during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Importance of Good Deeds

  • The most sacred of the sacred months is coming, and we should strive to do good deeds during this time.
  • The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that there are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.

Recommended Good Deeds

  • Fasting on the Day of Arafah, which falls on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
  • Saying Takbir (Allahu Akbar), Tahmid (Alhamdulillah), and Tahlil (La ilaha illallah) frequently during these ten days.
  • Performing extra prayers, such as Sunnah and Nafl prayers.
  • Giving charity and helping those in need, especially those who are performing Hajj.
  • Making dua and seeking forgiveness from Allah.

The Virtue of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

In this section, the speaker discusses the virtue of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and how they are more beloved to Allah than any other days.

The Hadith of Abdullah

  • The speaker mentions the Hadith of Abdullah which talks about the virtue of these ten days.

Virtue Compared to Jihad

  • The speaker explains that even Jihad does not compare to the good deeds done in these ten days.
  • He clarifies that this statement was made to people who had fought alongside Prophet Muhammad (SAW), so it shows how significant these days are.

Exceptional Deeds

  • The only exception is a person who goes out with their self and wealth for Jihad and does not return with anything.
  • These deeds are better than any other deeds and everything within them.

Chapter in Tirmidhi

  • There is a chapter in Tirmidhi dedicated to these ten days.
  • Fasting every day during these ten days is equivalent to fasting an entire year, while standing every night during these ten days is equivalent to Lailatul Qadr.

Weak Hadith

  • A weak hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah states that fasting every day during these ten days is equivalent to fasting an entire year, while standing every night during these ten days is equivalent to Lailatul Qadr.
  • This hadith has a weak chain but scholars still mention it when discussing the virtues of these days.

The Importance of the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

In these first 10 days, all five pillars of Islam are emphasized and combined in a way that is not seen in any other 10 days of the year. This is the only time when Hajj is legislated.

  • The Prophet emphasized the Shahada, Salah, Fasting, and Sadaqa during this time.
  • Allah perfected religion for us during these 10 days.
  • All good deeds are combined within these ten days.

Good Deeds to Do During These Ten Days

  • Don't neglect your obligations such as praying Fajr and Isha in Jamaa.
  • Increase voluntary good deeds such as reciting Quran and making remembrance after Fajr until Salatul Dhuha.
  • Use this time to recapture Ramadan goals by setting new goals or adjusting old ones.
  • Ibn Abbas became so busy with good deeds during these ten days that no one would see him until Eid.

Practical Advice from Pious Predecessors

  • Halwa (seclusion with Allah) is important during these ten days. Ibn Abbas intentionally became inaccessible to focus on his worship.

Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of seclusion during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah and emphasizes disconnecting from others to focus on connecting with Allah. The speaker also talks about fasting during these days and mentions the rewards associated with fasting on the Day of Arafah and Ashura.

Seclusion and Disconnecting

  • The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are a time for seclusion.
  • Disconnect from others to focus on connecting with Allah.
  • Look at how companions acted upon hadith to understand its power.

Fasting

  • Fasting is recommended throughout the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah.
  • Prophet Muhammad used to fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, as well as Ashura and three days each month.
  • Combine intentions for Monday and Thursday fasts if possible.
  • Fasting on Day of Arafah equals three years of fasting rewards.

Forms of Dhikr

  • Increase in takbir, tahmeed, tahlil, and saying Alhamdulillah and Subhanallah during these 10 days.
  • Carve out personal time for dhikr even when around people.

Importance of Quantity in Dhikr

In this section, the speaker emphasizes quantity in dhikr during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. He also encourages listeners to keep themselves engaged in forms of dhikr even when engaged with others.

Quantity in Dhikr

  • Prophet Muhammad said good deeds are greater during these 10 days.
  • Increase in quantity of dhikr to keep yourself engaged.
  • Ibn Abbas advises carving out personal time for dhikr.

Importance of Dhikr

  • Dhikr is a way to remember Allah and seek His forgiveness.
  • Keep yourself in the state of dhikr even when doing other activities.

The Importance of the First 10 Days of Dhu'l-Hijjah

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of the first 10 days of Dhu'l-Hijjah and how they are a time for Muslims to remember Allah and engage in acts of worship.

The Lost Sunnah

  • Muslims used to go through the marketplace throughout the first 10 days of Dhu'l-Hijjah shouting out takbir to remind people to say Allahu Akbar.
  • This is a lost sunnah that we should revive by reminding each other during these 10 days.

Days of Tahrir and Tahmiid

  • These are days of tahrir, tahmiid, and praising Allah subhanahu ta'ala.
  • We should remind ourselves and others during these days to remember Allah instead of getting into arguments or being distracted by worldly matters.

The Spiritual Dimensions of Hajj

  • The physical dimensions of hajj can help us think about its spiritual dimensions.
  • When on a bus heading towards Kaaba, seeing others doing talbia can keep everyone engaged and reminded to keep doing so.

Increasing Your Land in Jannah

  • Every time you say subhanallah alhamdulillah, your land in jannah is increasing in real estate and value because trees are popping up in jannah for you.
  • During these best 10 days, if you put a number on yourself for each form of dhikr (e.g. 100 times), try to do even more than that number at night.

Arafat - The Most Important Day of the Hajj

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of Arafat and how it is the most important day of the Hajj.

The Core of Hajj

  • Regret is repentance and supplication is worship - these are the core of hajj.
  • Arafat is the most fundamental and important pillar of hajj.

Preparation for Arafat

  • The eight days prior to Arafat are to get our souls ready, rested, and rejuvenated for that day.
  • Just like hajjaj go out to minna for yom teruya to rest even their camels to rest everything for that momentous day of arafah.

Forgiveness on Arafat

  • Allah subhanahu ta'ala sets free more souls from the fire than on any other day on Arafat.
  • Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala draws near to earth in a way that befits him and he exhibits his benevolence.

Dua for All Muslims

  • The benefits of hajj and dua are for the whole ummah.
  • This is a time for us to remember our brothers and sisters around the world who are struggling.

The Virtues of the Day of Arafah

In this section, the speaker discusses the virtues of the day of Arafah and how it is considered to be one of the most important days in Islam.

Fasting on the Day of Arafah

  • The day of Arafah is a day of fasting for those who are not in Arafat.
  • It is similar to Ramadan, which is also a month of fasting.

Dua on the Day of Arafah

  • The Prophet (SAW) taught us to spend the entirety of the day calling upon Allah (SWT).
  • The best dua that can be made on this day is "La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir" which means "There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner or associate. His is sovereignty and His is praise, and He has power over all things."

Forgiveness on the Day of Arafah

  • On this day, Allah forgives and pardons sins.
  • There is no other day where Allah frees more people from Hellfire than on this day.

Importance of Du'a

  • The Prophet (SAW) made du'a throughout his entire time at Arafat without pause.
  • While there are narrations about what he said during his du'a, the point of du'a is to be sincere and connect with Allah (SWT) in your own language and way.

Practical Advice

  • If possible, take a day off work to fully immerse yourself in the day of Arafah.
  • Reciting the dua "La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah" 100 times on any normal day is highly rewarded.

The Rewards of Freeing Slaves and the Day of Arafah

In this section, the speaker discusses the rewards of freeing slaves and the significance of the day of Arafah.

The Reward for Freeing Slaves

  • The Prophet (SAWS) said that freeing one person from slavery results in Allah freeing every part of your body from the fire.
  • If you free ten people from slavery, good deeds are written for you, sins are wiped out, and you are protected from shaitaan.

The Significance of the Day of Arafah

  • On the day of Arafah, say a specific dua at least 100 times to attain blessings and mercy beyond comprehension.
  • The day of Eid al-Adha is a day of worship and is marked as the second-best day among ten days.
  • Sacrifice is an important ibadah on this day. It draws us closer to Allah (SWT), and it is a time where we have a very specific ibadah with special rewards.

The Importance of Eid al-Adha

In this section, the speaker talks about how Eid al-Adha is usually marked by heedlessness but it's actually a significant day for worship.

The Ibadah on Eid al-Adha

  • Sacrifice itself is an important ibadah. Allah (SWT) put sacrifice next to salah in importance.
  • Sacrifice should be offered after salat-ul-Eid prayer.
  • If your sacrifice has not yet been done before salat-ul-Eid prayer then avoid removing anything from your hair or skin until after offering your sacrifice.
  • This makes one resemble the person in ihram, and every part of their body is freed from the fire as a result of abstaining from cutting hair or nails until the sacrifice is offered.
  • Following the sunnah on this day is a blessing in itself.

Delegating Sacrifice

  • The ruling applies only to the one who is offering the sacrifice on behalf of their family.
  • It does not apply to the delegated person who will offer the sacrifice.

The speaker also talks about how Eid al-Adha is usually marked by heedlessness but it's actually a significant day for worship.

The Importance of Eid

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of Eid and how it is a day of blessings, sadaqah (charity), and connection with family.

Blessings of Eid

  • Some people don't eat any proper food until the day of Eid. It's their day where they have a chance to actually eat properly.
  • Prophet Muhammad marked the day of our Eid as a day of sadaqah. Make sure that you are plentiful and giving charity on the day of Eid as well.

Connection with Family

  • The time spent with family should not be seen as taking a break from worship but rather as a form of ibaadah (worship).
  • Maintaining ties with loved ones is important. This includes parents, siblings, children, uncles, aunts, cousins, and even friends and relatives of deceased loved ones.
  • The ties to the throne are tied to the ties of kinship. Whoever connects themself will be connected by Allah and whoever cuts themself off will be cut off by Allah.

Joyful Worship

  • Don't limit the mercy or good deeds that Allah has given you. Exert yourself on the day of Arafah and throughout these ten days in recapturing Ramadan in recitation of Quran and remembrance of Allah.
  • Find joy with your family to connect with long-lost relatives or loved ones who have passed away. This will all be a form of blessing.
  • May Allah accept our intention for Hajj around the corner if we live to see it. If we don't live to see it, may Allah write down the full reward for us.

Conclusion and Thank You Note

In this section, the speaker concludes the video and thanks the audience for their support.

Allah for All of Eternity

  • The speaker expresses his gratitude to the audience and looks forward to seeing them in the future.
  • He hopes that the audience enjoyed watching the series with their families and reconnected with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
  • The entire Yakin team thanks the audience once again for their support throughout the year.

This is a short section consisting of only two bullet points. It serves as a conclusion to the video and expresses gratitude towards the audience.

Video description

Schedule your Dhul Hijjah charity by automating your donation: http://yqn.io/7oo The significance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah is the opportunity to sincerely repent, get closer to God, and combine acts of worship in a way that is impossible at any other time of the year. Join Dr. Omar Suleiman to learn more about the virtues of Dhul Hijjah and discover a game plan to make the most of these precious days. Embark on a journey of discovery by signing up for our Dhul Hijjah series, "His Hajj Story" presented by Dr. Omar Suleiman: http://yqn.io/hishajjstory Download our 10-Day Dhul Hijjah Gameplan to stay on track: http://yqn.io/qrq

How to Make the Most of Dhul Hijjah | Presented by Dr. Omar Suleiman | YouTube Video Summary | Video Highlight