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Zulhijjah
The month of Zulhijjah is the last month of
the Islamic calender. Literally it mean "the month of
Hajj." Obviously this name of the month indicates that
the great annual worship of "Hajj" is performed in this
month, for this reason it has a peculiar significance as
compared to other months of the year. Some specific
merits and rules relevant to this month are mentioned
below:
First ten Days of the month of Zulhijjah
are among the most magnificent days in Islamic calendar.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) has eaid, "One fast during these
days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and
the worship of one night during this period is equal to
the worship in the "Lailatul-Qadr".
Every Muslim should avail of this wonderful
opportunity by offering during this period as much 'Iba
'dah (acts of worship) to Allah as he or she
can.
The 9th day of Zulhijjah...
The 9th day of the month of Zulhijjah is
called "Youmul - "Arafah' (The Day of Arafah). This is
the date when the Hujjaj (Hajj pilgrims, plural of Hajj)
assemble on the plain of Arafat, six miles away from
Makkah al-Mukarramah, where they perform the most
essential port of the prescribed duties of Hajj, namely,
the 'Wuqoofaf Arafat (the stay in Arafat).
The Fast of Youmul Arafah...
For those not performing Hajj, it is
mustahabb (desirable) to fast on this day according to
their own Calendar. It sometimes occurs that the date of
9th Zulhijjah falls on different days in different
countries according to the sighting of the moon. In such
cases, Muslims of each country should observe 'Youmul
Arafah according to the lunar dates of their own
country.
For example, if 'Youmul 'Arafah' is being
observed in Saudi Arabia on Friday, and in Pakistan on
Saturday, Pakistani muslims should treat Saturday as
'Youmul Arafah' and should fast on that day if they
desire to benefit from the fast of 'Youmul
'Arafah'.
The fast of 'Youmul 'Arafah' has been
emphasized by the Holy Prophet (SAW) as a mustahabb
(desirable) act. According to a Hadith, the fast of this
day becomes a cause, hopefully so, of forgiveness for
sins committed in one year.
Takbir-ut-tashriq...
As from the Fajr of the 9th Zulhyjah upto
the Asr prayer of the 13th, it is obligatory on each
Muslim to recite the Takbir of Tashriq in the following
words.
"ALLAH HU AKBAR - ALLAH HU AKBAR - LA
ILLALLAHA ILLALLAHU WALLAHU AKBAR - ALLAH HU AKBAR WA
LILLAH HIL HAMD". (There is no god but Allah and Allah is
great. Allah is great and to Allah belongs all
praise).
According to authentic Islamic sources, it
is obligatory on each Muslim, to recite this Takbir after
every obligatory (fard) salah. For women also, it is
commendable though not obligatory. Whether you are
performing salah with Jama'ah (collectively) or on your
own (individually) makes no difference. You must recite
the Takbir. However, male Muslims should recite it in a
loud voice, while female's should recite it in a low
voice.
On the Eid day...
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