Honor of Being a Student of Knowledge!!

Assalamu Alaikum warahmathullahi wa barakathuhu my dear readers (Brothers and Sisters in islam) I am writing this article as I find most of us are not aware of importance of seeking knowledge, If we ask someone among us to seek beneficial knowledge they say "we know how to pray,that is enough" and they ignore our request, some others they say it is not that important. Lets check how important it is to seek knowledge through the words of Allah and sayings of prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

• The first verse of Quran was "Read" 

which shows the learning is so important to understand the creator which leads to worshipping the creator“Read!in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created – Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, He Who taught (the use of) the pen, Taught man that which he knew not” [Quran, 96:1-5].

• It is our duty to seek knowledge

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim(Sunan Ibn Mājah)

• Allah guide them to the Straight path

This should be every muslims Dua to ask Allah to guide them in the Straight path.That is one of the Dua we say at least 17 times in our prayer when Surah al Fathiha is recited.
“And those who strive in Our (cause), – We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right” [Quran, 29:69].

• Allah Almighty raised the ranks of true people of knowledge
  

Elevated their status revealing the importance of knowledge and people bearing it,
God will raise up, by many degrees, those of you who believe and those who have been given knowledge: He is fully aware of what you do. [Qur’an, 58:11]

• Makes the path to Paradise easy for him

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him (Bukhari and Muslim).click to read about Paradise

• To be in on the way of Allah (fee sabeel)

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:Whoever goes out seeking knowledge is in the way of Allah until he returns.(Sunnan at thirmidhi)

• Allah directed Rasoolulluah to Pray to increase the knowledge!

Knowledge is among the most important things as Allah (SWT) directed Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to pray to increase the knowledge. Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Qur’an: "And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge." (Qur’an 20:114)

• Beneficial knowledge can bless us more rewarding even after our death 

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “When a man dies all his deeds come to an end except for three: an ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him.” (Al-Bukhari)

• Make us feel more humble before the greatness of the creation of Allah (SWT).

“It is only those who have knowledge among His servants that fear Allah." (Qur’an 35:28)

• To guard ourselves against the evil

“…they could devote themselves to studies in religion, and admonish the people when they return to them, – that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil)” [Quran, 9:122].

• To receive blessings of angels, inhabitant of heavens and the earth!!

We need to learn to teach others good which can bring blessings of angels and inhabitant of heavens and the earth!!The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: The virtue of the scholar over the worshiper is like my virtue over the least of you. Verily, Allah, his angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the ant in his hole and the fish, send blessings upon the one who teaches people what is good.(Tirmidhi)

• Rasullulah loved seeking of knowledge

Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:The virtue of knowledge is more beloved to me than the virtue of worship, and the best of your religion is piety.al-Ādāb lil-Bayhaqī 

Alhamdullilah i have listed few virtues of seeking knowledge. Hope you benefited from this article and please share your knowledge with your friend too. 

Help us post in Facebook by sharing the link..... as some have reported our blogger!!

Few things you need to know before Eid!!!

Rule!!

It is haraam to fast on the days of Eid

The hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade fasting on the day of Fitr and the day of Sacrifice (Adhaa). (Reported by Muslim, 827)

The Sunnahs that the Muslim should observe on the day of Eid

It is mustahabb to recite takbeer during the night of Eid from sunset on the last day of Ramadaan until the imam comes to lead the prayer.

It was narrated that al-Waleed ibn Muslim said: I asked al-Awzaa’i and Maalik ibn Anas about saying Takbeer out loud on the two Eids. They said, Yes, ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to say it out loud on the day of al-Fitr until the imam came out (to lead the prayers).

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allaah).
or 
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great , Allaah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allaah).

Paying Sadaqat-ul-Fitr before going to Salah

Ibn Umar (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) would order paying Sadaqat-ul-Fitr before going to Salat on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. ~ Bukhari

All about Zakath al fitr reminder!!

Doing ghusl before going out to the prayer

Adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid.

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that ‘Umar took a brocade cloak that was for sale in the market and brought it to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, buy this and adorn yourself with it for Eid and for receiving the delegations.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to him, “Rather this is the dress of one who has no share (of piety or of reward in the Hereafter)…” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 948.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) agreed with ‘Umar on the idea of adorning oneself for Eid, but he denounced him for choosing this cloak because it was made of silk.

It was narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had a cloak which he would wear on the two Eids and on Fridays. Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 1756

Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr

Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah’s Apostle never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of ‘Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet used to eat odd number of dates. ~ Bukhari

The Eid prayer.

The Muslims are unanimously agreed that the Eid prayer is prescribed in Islam. Some of them say that it is Sunnah, some say that it is fard kafaayah (a communal obligation) and some say that it is fard ‘ayn (an individual obligation), and that not doing it is a sin. They quoted as evidence the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded even the virgins and women in seclusion, i.e., those who did not ordinarily come out, to attend the Eid prayer place, except that those who were menstruating should keep away from the prayer-place itself, because it is not permissible for a menstruating woman to stay in the mosque; it is permissible for her to pass through but not to stay there.

Most of the reports indicate that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite Soorat al-A’laa [87] and Soorat al-Ghaashiyah [88], as he used to recite them in the Friday prayer. Al-Nu’maan ibn Bishr said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite on the two Eids and on Fridays, Sabbih isma rabbika’l-a’laa [al-A’laa 87:1] and Hal ataaka hadeeth al-ghaashiyah [al-Ghaashiyah 88:1].” (Saheeh Muslim, 878).

There are no naafil prayers to be done either before or after the Eid prayer, as Ibn ‘Abbaas reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to come out on the day of Eid and pray two rak’ahs, with nothing before or after them.

May Allah bless All of you👑

Offering the prayer in open ground

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: The Messenger of Allaah SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to come out on the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha to the prayer place, and the first thing he would do was to offer the prayer. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 956

Going to the prayer by one route and returning by another.

It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: On the day of Eid, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to vary his route. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 986.

Congratulating one another

People may exchange congratulations and good greetings on Eid, no matter what form the words take. For example they may say to one another, “Taqabbal Allaahu minnaa wa minkum (May Allaah accept [the fast and worship] from us and from you” or “Eid mubarak” and other similar permissible greetings.

Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: “At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when people met one another on the day of Eid, they would say, ‘Taqabbal Allaahu minnaa wa minka (May Allaah accept from us and from you).’” (Ibn Hajar. Its isnaad is hasan. Fath, 2/446).

Virtue of night of Power(Qadr) for seekers of Layl...

Islam is the best: Virtue of night of Power(Qadr) for seekers of Layl...: Laylat ul-Qadr is the most blessed night of the holy month of Ramadhaan. It is associated with the sending down of the holy Qur’an, ...

Five special reasons that make fasting in Ramadhan so important and Special!

1.Allaah revealed the Qur’aan in this month

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…”[al-Baqarah 2:185]

2. Presence of night of power ( Laylat al-Qadr )in this month, which is better than a thousand months.

Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree.And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.[al-Qadar 97:1-5]

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There has come to you Ramadaan, a blessed month which Allaah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.”

Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2106; Ahmad, 8769. classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 999.

And Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1910; Muslim, 760

.

3.forgiveness of former sins

Abu Hurayrah according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”  [al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadaan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”[al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1910; Muslim, 760.

4. Allaah opens the gates of Paradise and closes the gates of Hell, and chains up the devils.

Abu Hurayrah who said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Ramadaan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.” [al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
 

5.Every night Allaah has people whom He redeems from the Fire

Abu Umaamah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “At every breaking of the fast, Allaah has people whom He redeems.”  was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 987.

Do i need to give a special care to the month of Muharram?

Why is the month of Muharram so special?

Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him].[Soorat at-Tawbah 9:36].

It was narrated from Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): “… The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhu al-Qa‘dah, Dhu al-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab of Mudar which comes between Jumaada and Sha‘baan.”Narrated by al-Bukhaari (2958).

From the quranic verse above and the hadith it is crystal clear that muharram is a sacred month among the four best month. Muharram is so called because it is a sacred (muharram) month and to confirm its sanctity. Allah's words (interpretation of the meaning): " ... so wrong not yourselves therein … " mean do not wrong yourselves in these sacred months, because sin in these months is worse than in other months.And this month is more important because in it there is a special days called Ashura and tasua. Now it is time to learn about Virtue of fasting on month of Muharram

Virtue of fasting on month of Muharram

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said:"The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'The best of fasting after Ramadhan is fasting Allah's month of Muharram.' " Reported by Muslim, 1982

Which Day is 'Ashura' and why fasting on this day is so special?

An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:"'Ashura' and Tasu'a' are two elongated names [the vowels are elongated] as is stated in books on the Arabic language. Our companions said: 'Ashura' is the tenth day of Muharram and Tasu'a' is the ninth day. This is our opinion, and that of the majority of scholars.

Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said:"I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of 'Ashura', and this month, meaning Ramadhan."Reported by Al-Bukhari, 1867

In another hadeeth on virtue of ashura it was reported as The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "For fasting the day of 'Ashura', I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before." [Reported by Muslim, 1976]

Why Should i fast on tasua?

'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) fasted on 'Ashura' and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, 'O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.' The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, 'If I live to see the next year, in sha Allah, we will fast on the ninth day too.' But it so happened that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) passed away before the next year came." [Reported by Muslim, 1916]

An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:"The scholars – our companions and others – mentioned several reasons why it is mustahabb to fast on Tasu'a':The intention behind it is to be different from the Jews, who only venerate the tenth day.

Allah knows the best

Islam is the best

www.ssumaiya.blogspot.com

Are you ready to practice this act which was loved by Prophet (pbuh)?

In this article i would love to write an article on act (sunnah )which was loved by Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) which is called I’tikaf which was practiced by him and his family especially during Ramadhan.

First let us understand what is I’tikaf ?

I’tikaf is retiring to a Masjid for worshipping Allah Almighty. It is one of the Sunnan that are authenticated in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (prayers peace and of Allah be upon him).

Allah Almighty says: "And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in I‘tikâf (i.e. confining oneself in a Masjid for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the Masjids" [Al-Baqarah 2:187]

Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to observe I’tikaf  during the last ten days of Ramadhan until Allah took his soul, then his wives observed I’tikaf  after he was gone. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2026; Muslim, 1172.

I’tikaf is has become a forgotten sunnah of these days,but this suunah has more value during Ramadhan than the rest of the year, but I’tikaf can be practiced even in normal days. The Muslim could begin his I’tikaf whenever he likes and end it whenever he likes. However, it is better to practice I’tikaf in the last ten of Ramadhan.I’tikaf is done to devote oneself for worshipping Allah in one of His Masjids to gain His grace and reward. And best during last ten days of ramadhan because he can be away from worldly affair and seek Lailatul Qadr (Night of Power) and devote to worship Allah in Lailatul Qadr!

How can a person perform I’tikaf?

The scholars are unanimously agreed that for a man, i‘tikaf is not valid unless it is done in the mosque, because Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): “And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in I‘tikaf (i.e. confining oneself in a mosque for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the mosques” [al-Baqarah 2:187]. So i‘tikaf is to be done specifically in the mosques.

I‘tikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadhan is Sunnah and mustahabb for men, and also for women if there is no danger of fitnah and there is a place that is only for women, and so long as it will not keep her away from her obligatory work, and it is done with the permission of her husband.

 

Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to stay in the mosque the whole time, and not leave it except to relieve himself. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “He would not enter his house for anything except for a need when he was observing i'tikaf.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2029; Muslim, 297.

‘Aa’ishah said: The Sunnah is for the person in i'tikaaf not to visit the sick or attend funerals, or to be intimate with his wife. But there is nothing wrong with his going out for essential needs. Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2473; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

You are allowed to get out the Masjid for fulfilling your urgent needs such as going to the water closet or bringing food and drink, if there is no body to bring it to you. The same is applied to going to the doctor, if you became sick during your I’tikaf.

Note: it should not done for purpose of boasting.
“The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended” [Agreed upon]

May Allah comfort our eyes with His worship and make us among the successful and accepted people. And may Allah forgive us and our parents and all Muslims. And peace and prayers of Allah be upon our prophet, Muhammad, and all his family and companions.

You need to know this before udhuhiya (sacrifice)!

Assalamu Aliakum Insha allah today my article will be a reminder for everyone who is intending to sacrifice an animal for sake of Allah on the days of eid.‘Udhiya’ is an Arabic term which means “sacrificing an animal”, and ‘Qurbani’ is an Urdu and Persian word derived from the Arabic word ‘Qurban’ which literally means an act performed to seek Allah’s pleasure. It is technically used for the sacrifice of an animal slaughtered for the sake of Allah.

Sayyiduna Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What is Udhiya?” He replied, “It is the Sunna of your father Ibrahim (peace be upon him).” They asked again, “What benefit do we get from it?” He answered, “A reward for every hair (of the sacrificed animal).” “And [what reward is there for animals with] wool, O Messenger of Allah?” they asked. “A reward”, he said, “for every fiber of the wool.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

These are some conditions that which will make the udhiya valid 

   i.        It should be one of the an’aam class of animals, which are: camels, cattle, sheep and goats.
“And for every nation We have appointed religious ceremonies, that they may mention the Name of Allaah over the beast of cattle that He has given them for food”[al-Hajj 22:34]

ii. It should have reached the age
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not sacrifice anything but an adult animal, unless it is difficult for you, in which case you may slaughter a six-month old lamb (jadh’ah).” Narrated by Muslim.

iii. The animal should belong to the person who is offering the sacrifice

iv. It should be slaughtered at the time specified in sharee’ah, which is from after the Eid prayer on the Day of Sacrifice until sunset on the last of the days of al-Tashreeq, which is the 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

v.And the animal should be slaughtered according to sharee’ah

The Islamic slaughter requires that the throat, the external jugular veins and the wind-pipe of the animal is swiftly and clearly severed with a sharp tool, together with invoking the name of Allah Most High. If it was not slaughtered properly but it was skinned and cut up without being slaughtered, then it is not halaal.

vi. It should be free of any faults that would render it unsuitable for sacrifice such as
· Sickness
· defect in one eye
· broken legs etc

vii. And the udhiya should be divided into 3 portion 

Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: With regard to the meat from the sacrificial animals, one third should be for your family, one third for yourself, and one third for the poor. 

                                

Jazakallah 

Allah knows the best

Welcome back again Sha'ban....Lets learn sunnah!

Alhamdullilah Praised be to Allah who blessed us to enter the month of Shaban which is the 8th month of Islamic calender between Rajab and Ramadhan.

Usamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in any other month like you fast in Sha'ban.' He said, 'That is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the Worlds. I like for my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.'" (Narrated by al-Nasa'i).

It is one of the best month to fast according to the sunnah of our beloved prophet (pbuh) but he did not fast entire month according to the following hadith.

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "The Messenger (p.b.u.h.) used to fast until we thought he would never break his fast, and not fast until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Sha'ban." (Bukhari and Muslim).

From the above mentioned hadith it is clear that prophet muhammed (sal) did not fast completely in the month of shaban but compared to other month he fasted most of the days.A group of scholars say that the Prophet did not fast all of Sha'ban, but he fasted most of it. This is supported by a report in Saheeh Muslim narrated from 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: "I never knew of him - meaning the Prophet (PBUH) - fasting for any entire month apart from Ramadan." According to another report also narrated by Muslim, A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "I never saw him fast for any entire month from the time he came to Madeenah, apart from Ramadan."

It was reported in al-Bukhari and Muslim that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) did not fast any entire month apart from Ramadan.” Ibn ‘Abbas regarded it as makrooh to fast any entire month apart from Ramadan. Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “He observed more voluntary fasts in Sha’ban than in any other month, and he used to fast most of Sha’ban.”

Virtue of fasting and doing good deeds in the month of shaban

· We could Follow the sunnah of The Messenger (p.b.u.h.) so that we can be rewarded

When Sha'ban began, if the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) some voluntary fasts outstanding that he had not fasted, he would make them up during Sha'ban so that his Nafl fasts would be complete before Ramadan came. Similarly, if he had missed some Sunnah prayers or he had missed Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer), he would make it up. Aisha used to make the most of this opportunity to make up any obligatory Ramadan fasts that she had missed because of menstruation; during other months she was too busy with the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) to fast.

· Benefit of fasting in Sha'ban is that it is a kind of training for the Ramadan fast in case a person finds it difficult to fast when Ramadan starts; if he fasts in Sha'ban he will have gotten used to fasting and he will feel strong and energetic when Ramadan comes.

· Practicing more good deeds such as Qiyamul Layl ,More quranic recitation,charity,fasting ,dhikr,learning in shabaan make the practice of good deeds in Ramadan easier and familiar.

· It is more concealing of one's good works, and hiding and concealing Nawafil (supererogatory) actions is better, especially fasting, because it is a secret between a slave and his Lord.

Is this Dua Correct “O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha‘baan, and let us reach Ramadan”

This dua اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَب، وَشَعْبَانَ، وَبَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ

There is no saheeh hadeeth from the Prophet that speaks of the virtues of the month of Rajab. But Rajab of sacred 4 months. But such dua is from daeef (weak narration )as related by many Scholars. So it is better to avoid such dua which is not from sunnah.

Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: There is no saheeh hadeeth that speaks of the virtues of Rajab. The month of Rajab is no different from the month of Jumaada al-Aakhirah that comes before it, except that it is one of the sacred months only. Otherwise there is no fast that is prescribed in this month, and no prayer or ‘umrah or anything else that is prescribed. It is like all other months.
{Tahdheeb at-Tahdheeb (3/305-306).

The hadeeth was classed as da‘eef by an-Nawawi in al-Adhkaar (p. 189) and Ibn Rajab in Lataa’if al-Ma‘aarif (p. 121). It was also classed as da‘eef by al-Albaani in Da‘eef al-Jaami‘ (4395).

Al-Haythami said: } It was narrated by al-Bazzaar, and its isnaad includes Zaa’idah ibn Abi ar-Ruqaad. Al-Bukhaari said: His hadeeth is odd, and a number of scholars regarded him as ignorant.\

With regard to the Muslim asking his Lord to let him reach Ramadan, there is nothing wrong with that. So we can ask Allah for the month of Ramadhan as it is a blessed month with lots of rewards.

Al-Haafiz Ibn Rajab (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
Ma‘alla ibn al-Fadl said: They used to pray to Allah for six months, may He be exalted, asking Him to cause them to reach Ramadan, and they used to call upon Him for six months asking Him to accept it from them. Yahya ibn Abi Katheer said: One of their du‘aa’s was: “O Allah, keep me safe until Ramadan, keep Ramadan safe for me, and accept it from me.”

Allah know the best
source https://islamqa.info/en/202017

Muharram and Ashoora

Al-Bukhaari (3167) and Muslim (1679) narrated from Abu Bakrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The division of time has turned to its original form which was current the day Allaah created the heavens and earth. The year consists of twelve months of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab of Mudar which comes between Jumada and Sha’baan.”

But it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not fast any month in full apart from Ramadaan, so this hadeeth is to be understood as meaning that it is it is encouraged to fast a lot in the month of Muharram, not to fast the whole month.

And the Month of Muharram contains a day which is special for Muslims, Called Day of Ashoora. According to tradition of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) we are asked to fast on this special day.

Fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ does expiate for the past year, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162. This is by the bounty that Allaah bestows upon us, whereby fasting one day expiates for the sins of a whole year. And Allaah is the Owner of great bounty.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to be very keen to make sure he fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ because of its great status. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Ashoora’, and this month – meaning Ramadaan. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867.

 

Let celebrate Eid in the authentic way

1.Doing ghusl before going out to the prayer.

2.Adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid.

3.Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr

hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari from Anas ibn Maalik, who said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used not to go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… of which he would eat an odd number. Al-Bukhaari, 95

4.Takbeer on the day of Eid

This is one of the great sunnah that we should practice
Al-Mahaamili narrated with a saheeh isnaad also from Ibn Mas’ood: “Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbar wa ajallu, Allaahu akbar wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great indeed, Allaah is Most Great indeed, Allaah is most Great and Glorified, Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise).” See al-Irwa’, 3/126.

5.offering eid prayer in jammah

The Eid prayer is one where the imam attends and leads the people in praying two rak’ahs. ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The prayer of al-Fitr is two rak’ahs and the prayer of al-Adha is two rak’ahs, complete and not shortened, on the tongue of your Prophet, and the one who fabricates lies is doomed.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 1420 and Ibn Khuzaymah. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.

In the first rak’ah he should say Takbeerat al-ihraam (say “Allaahu akbar” to start the prayer), after which he should say six or seven more takbeers, because of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), “The takbeer of al-Fitr and al-Adha is seven takbeers in the first rak’ah and five takbeers in the second, apart from the takbeer of rukoo’.” Narrated by Abu Dawood and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 639.

6.Offering the prayer in open ground

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: The Messenger of Allaah SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to come out on the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha to the prayer place, and the first thing he would do was to offer the prayer. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 956

7.It is prescribed for Muslim women who is menstruating to go out to the prayer place on the day of Eid, to offer the Eid prayer with the Muslims(not showing off a adornment)

Al-Bukhaari (324) and Muslim (890) narrated that Umm ‘Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) commanded us to bring out on al-Fitr and al-Adha the girls who had reached puberty, menstruating women and women in seclusion. The menstruating women were to keep away from the prayer but to witness goodness and the du’aa’ of the Muslims. I said: O Messenger of Allah, one of us may not have a jilbaab. He said: “Let her sister lend her a jilbaab to wear.”

8.Staying aware of the quthba (speech) given after prayer

9. Offering congratulations

It was narrated that Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: When the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another, “May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you.” Ibn Hajar said, its isnaad is hasan. Al-Fath, 2/446.

10. Going to the prayer by one route and returning by another

It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: On the day of Eid, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to vary his route. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 986.

Welcome back Sha'ban.....Fasting in the month of shaban?

Alhamdulillah we've reached the month of Shaban,this is the name of the (eighth) month of the Islamic lunar calendar,this is a month that appears between the months of Rajab and Ramadan.

In this article I would like to write on the topic "Fasting in month of Sha'ban,(Welcome back Sha'ban)" as it was practiced by our beloved prophet Muhammad (sal).

Virtue of fasting in the month of shaban

Usamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in any other month like you fast in Sha'ban.' He said, 'That is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the Worlds. I like for my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.'" (Narrated by al-Nasa'i).

The phrase "Sha'ban is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan" indicates that because it comes between two important months, the Sacred Month of Rajab and the month of fasting, people are preoccupied with those two months and they do not pay attention to Sha'ban. Many people think that fasting in Rajab is better than fasting in Sha'ban, because Rajab is one of the Sacred Months, but this is not the case.

It was said that his wives used to make up the days that they missed of Ramadan in Sha'ban, so he used to fast because of that. This is the opposite of what was reported from 'A'ishah, that she used to delay making up days that she had missed in Ramadan until Sha'ban because she was too busy with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to fast.

Another benefit of fasting in Sha'ban is that it is a kind of training for the Ramadan fast, in case a person finds it difficult to fast when Ramadan starts; if he fasts in Sha'ban he will have gotten used to fasting and he will feel strong and energetic when Ramadan comes. Sha'ban is like an introduction to Ramadan and it has some things in common with Ramadan, such as fasting, reciting Qur'an and giving in charity.

Fasting Entire month of Shaban ?
'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him - PBUH) used to fast until we thought he would never break his fast, and not fast until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Sha'ban." (Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim).

From the above mentioned hadith it is clear that prophet muhammed (sal) did not fast completely in the month of shaban but compared to other month he fasted most of the days.A group of scholars say that the Prophet did not fast all of Sha'ban, but he fasted most of it. This is supported by a report in Saheeh Muslim narrated from 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: "I never knew of him - meaning the Prophet (PBUH) - fasting for any entire month apart from Ramadan." According to another report also narrated by Muslim, A'ishah said: "I never saw him fast for any entire month from the time he came to Madeenah, apart from Ramadan."

Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "He observed more voluntary fasts in Sha'ban than in any other month, and he used to fast most of Sha'ban."

It was reported in al-Bukhari and Muslim that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) did not fast any entire month apart from Ramadan.” Ibn ‘Abbas regarded it as makrooh to fast any entire month apart from Ramadan. Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “He observed more voluntary fasts in Sha’ban than in any other month, and he used to fast most of Sha’ban.”

Islam is the best  www.ssumaiya.blogspot.com

Month of Rajab....Do we have Special Sunnah Fasting?

The month of Rajab is one of the sacred months of which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein”

[al-Tawbah 9:36]

With regard to fasting the month of Rajab, there is no saheeh hadeeth to indicate that there is any special virtue in fasting all or part of this month or just on 27th day of this month.What some people do, singling out some days of Rajab for fasting, believing that they are better than others, has no basis in sharee’ah.

But there is a report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) which indicates that it is mustahabb to fast during the sacred months (and Rajab is one of the sacred months).
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fast some days of the sacred months and not others.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2428; classed as da’eef by al-Albaani in Da’eef Abi Dawood.

Even if this hadeeth were saheeh, it indicates that it is mustahabb to fast during the sacred months. So if a person fasts during Rajab because of this, and he also fasts in the other sacred months, there is nothing wrong with that. But singling out Rajab for fasting is not right.

Fasting in Rajab is no better than fasting in any other month, except that it is one of the sacred months. There is no report in the saheeh Sunnah to suggest that there is anything special about fasting in this month.

 Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about fasting on the twenty-seventh of Rajab and spending that night in prayer. He replied: Fasting on the twenty-seventh of Rajab and spending that night in prayer is a bid’ah (innovation), and every bid’ah is a going astray.

Why it is great to Fast on the day of Ashoora ?

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to be very keen to make sure he fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ because of its great status.

 It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Ashoora’, and this month – meaning Ramadaan. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867. 

 The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.” He said, “We are closer to Moosa than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast. (Bukhaari (1865) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him)

Fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ does expiate for the past year, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162. This is by the bounty that Allaah bestows upon us, whereby fasting one day expiates for the sins of a whole year. And Allaah is the Owner of great bounty.
The expiation of sins that is achieved by fasting ‘Ashoora’ refers to minor sins; with regard to major sins, they need separate repentance.

It is permissible to fast the day of ‘Ashoora’ on its own, but it is better to fast the day before it or the day after it. This is the Sunnah that is proven from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), as he said, “If I am still alive next year, I will certainly fast the ninth.” Narrated by Muslim, 1134.

This is Islam is the Best www.ssumaiyablogspot.com

Subhanallah what a blessing day is the day of Arafa !!!!

Amazed by the virtue of fasting six days in month of shawwaal

Praise be to Allaah.

Fasting six days of Shawwaal after the obligatory fast of Ramadaan is Sunnah Mustahabbah. It is recommended for the Muslim to fast six days of Shawwaal, which has great virtue and an immense reward.We even need not fasted immediately after 'Eid al-Fitr; it is permissible one or more days after 'Eid, and they may be done consecutively or separately during the month of Shawwal, according to what is easier for a person.  

Whoever fasts these six days will have recorded for him a reward as if he had fasted a whole year, as was reported in a saheeh hadeeth from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Abu Ayyoob (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan and follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawood, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained this when he said: “Whoever fasts for six days after (Eid) al-Fitr has completed the year: (whoever does a good deed (hasanah) will have ten hasanah like it).” According to another report: “Allaah has made for each hasanah ten like it, so a month is like fasting ten months, and fasting six days completes the year.” (al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah. See alsoSaheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 1/421).

Another of the important benefits of fasting six days of Shawwaal is that is makes up for any shortfall in a person's obligatory Ramadan fasts, because no one is free of shortcomings or sins that have a negative effect on his fasting. On the Day of Resurrection, some of his naafil deeds will be taken to make up the shortcomings in his obligatory deeds, 

as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The first thing for which people will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be their salaah (prayer). Our Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, will say to His angels – although He knows best – ‘Look at the salaah of My slave, whether it is complete or incomplete.’ If it is perfect, it will be recorded as perfect, and if something is lacking, He will say, ‘Look and see whether My slave did any voluntary (naafil) prayers.’ If he did some voluntary prayers, [Allaah] will say, Complete the obligatory actions of My slave from his voluntary actions.’ Then all his actions will be dealt with in a similar manner.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood).

Should we celebrating the night of the Isra’ and Mi’raaj?

As we know  Isra’ and Mi’raaj is a very important event in islamic history, there is no doubt about it.Reports from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that he was taken up into the heavens, and their gates were opened for him, until he passed beyond the seventh heaven, where his Lord spoke to him as He willed, and enjoined the five daily prayers upon him. At first Allaah, may He be exalted, enjoined fifty prayers, but our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) kept going back and asking Him to reduce it, until He made them five, so they are five obligatory prayers but fifty in reward, because each good deed is rewarded tenfold. Alhamdullilah

Allaah says “Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allaah) [above all that (evil) they associate with Him] Who took His slave (Muhammad) for a journey by night from Al‑Masjid Al‑Haraam (at Makkah) to Al‑Masjid Al‑Aqsa (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad) of Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All‑Hearer, the All‑Seer”[al-Isra’ 17:1]

And it is not permissible for the Muslims to single it out for particular acts of worship, and it is not permissible for them to celebrate israa and mihraj , because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) did not celebrate it and they did not single it out in any way. If celebrating it was something that is prescribed in Islam, the Messenger would have told his ummah about that, either in word or in actins. If any such thing had happened, it would have been well known, and his companions would have transmitted the information to us. They narrated from their Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) everything that his ummah needs to know, and they did not neglect any aspect of the religion, rather they were the first ones to do anything good. If celebrating this night had been prescribed in Islam, they would have been the first people to do so.

It is our duty to look for truth.A lie or misguided activity or custom cannot be correct just because the elderly people or particular nation or a major group of people practice.

And in the saheeh ahaadeeth it is proven that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) warned against bid’ah (innovation) and stated clearly that it is misguidance.In another Saheeh Muslim it is narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say in his khutbah on Friday: “The best of speech is the Book of Allaah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The worst of matters are those which are newly-invented, and every innovation is a going astray.” Al-Nasaa’i

So it is clear messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or either his companions did not celebrate it ,let us avoide innovations and will do the acts which are prescribed by our belove messenger (sallahu alihi wasallam) insha allah....

Jazakallah khair for reading 

Allah knows the best

Is it Sunnah to fast in the month of rajab? Can i fast?

The month of Rajab is one of the sacred months of which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein”
[al-Tawbah 9:36]

With regard to fasting the month of Rajab, there is no saheeh hadeeth to indicate that there is any special virtue in fasting all or part of this month or just on 27th day of this month.What some people do, singling out some days of Rajab for fasting, believing that they are better than others, has no basis in sharee’ah.

But there is a report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) which indicates that it is mustahabb to fast during the sacred months (and Rajab is one of the sacred months). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fast some days of the sacred months and not others.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2428; classed as da’eef by al-Albaani in Da’eef Abi Dawood.

Even if this hadeeth were saheeh, it indicates that it is mustahabb to fast during the sacred months. So if a person fasts during Rajab because of this, and he also fasts in the other sacred months, there is nothing wrong with that. But singling out Rajab for fasting is not right.

Fasting in Rajab is no better than fasting in any other month, except that it is one of the sacred months. There is no report in the saheeh Sunnah to suggest that there is anything special about fasting in this month.

 Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about fasting on the twenty-seventh of Rajab and spending that night in prayer. He replied: Fasting on the twenty-seventh of Rajab and spending that night in prayer is a bid’ah (innovation), and every bid’ah is a going astray.

If someone offers you congratulations on first of muharram !!!!

If someone offers you congratulations, then respond to him, but do not initiate such greetings. This is the correct view concerning greeting your loved once during special occasions . So if a person says to you, for example“Happy New Year”, then you can say, “May Allaah make it a good and blessed year for you.” But you should not initiate such a greeting, because I do not know of any report that the salaf [early generations of Islam] congratulated one another on the occasion of the new year, rather the salaf did not regard the first of Muharram as the first day of the new year until the caliphate of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him).

Praying for another Muslim in general terms, in phrases that are not meant as a kind of ritual on special occasions such as Eid, is acceptable, especially if what is meant by this greeting is friendship and to show a friendly face to one’s fellow Muslim. Imaam Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “I do not initiate the greeting but if someone greets me I return the greeting, because responding to the greeting is obligatory. But being the first to offer congratulations is neither Sunnah nor forbidden.

Hope it is clear Allah knows the best.........

Virtues of first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the good deeds to do ......

 Every one of these special occasions involves some kind of worship through which the slaves may draw closer to Allah, and some kind of blessing though which Allah bestows His favour and mercy upon whomsoever He will. The happy person is the one who makes the most of these special months, days and hours and draws nearer to his Lord during these times through acts of worship; he will most likely be touched by the blessing of Allaah and will feel the joy of knowing that he is safe from the flames of Hell. This is the season of worship in which brings many benefits, such as the opportunity to correct one’s faults and make up for any shortcomings or anything that one might have missed.

"And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty." [al-Hijr 15:99] The mufassireen (commentators) said: "‘The certainty’ means death."

Among the special seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, which Allaah has preferred over all the other days of the year.

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/457).

These texts and others indicate that these ten days are better than all the other days of the year, with no exceptions, not even the last ten days of Ramadan. But the last ten nights of Ramadan are better, because they include Laylat al-Qadr ("the Night of Power"), which is better than a thousand months.

Allaah swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "By the dawn; by the ten nights" [al-Fajr 89:1-2

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) encouraged people to do righteous deeds because of the virtue of this season for people throughout the world to perform hajj.

These ten days include Yawm ‘Arafaah (the Day of ‘Arafaah), on which Allaah perfected His Religion. Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years. These days also include Yawm al-Nahar (the Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other day.

These ten days include the days of sacrifice and of Hajj.

Among the good deeds which the Muslim should strive to do during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are

Fasting:-The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khaalid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah, on the day of ‘Aashooraa’, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month." (Reported by al-Nisaa’i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawud; classified by al-Albaani as saheeh inSaheeh Abi Dawud, 2/462).

Takbeer:-There is sound evidence that Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with them) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them.

The Takbeer may include the words "Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la ilaaha ill-Allaah; wa Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah; Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise),"

Performing Hajj and ‘Umrah:-Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise."

Doing more good deeds in general:-worshipping Allaah, praying (salaat), reading Qur’an, remembering Allaah, making supplication (du’aa’), giving charity, honouring his parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.

Sacrifice:-One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allaah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allaah.

Sincere repentance:-Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful." [al-Qasas 28:67]

May Allah help us to spend these ten very useful doing more good deeds.May Allah shower his blessings upon us...Ameen

Islam is the best (www.ssumaiya.blogspot.com)