12TH ISLAMIC MONTH- Z’UL H’IJJAH (29/30 DAYS)

Bismillaa hir rawh’maa nir rawh’eem
In the name of Allaah, The All-Compassionate, All-Merciful

Z’ul H’ijjah (the month of H’ajj) (Z’il H’ajj in Urdu) is the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar year. This is a very sacred month in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of the Islamic lunar year. “Z’ul H’ijjah” literally means “Possessor of the Pilgrimage.” The Fifth Pillar of Islam “H’ajj” is performed in this sacred month. It is during this month that pilgrims from all around the world congregate for their annual pilgrimage to Makkah, known as H’ajj . The Prophet (Saws) performed the farewell H’ajj and gave the historic sermon known as the “Farewell Sermon” in this month.
According to the Prophet Muh’ammad, (Saws), the first ten days of this month are a special time for devotion. During these days, preparations are underway for those who are undertaking the pilgrimage, and most of the actual pilgrimage rites occur. In particular, the 9th day of the month marks the Day of A’rafaat, and the 10th day of the month marks the E’id ud-D’uh’aa(Festival of Sacrifice). Even for those who are not traveling for the pilgrimage, this is a special time to remember Allaah and spend extra time in devotion and good deeds.
The month of Z’ul H’ijjah is indeed a month of tremendous virtues and blessings. The “First Ten Days” of this month are especially significant and are among the most magnificent days in the Islamic calendar.
It is reported from H’azrat Ibn Abbas (RA) that the Prophet (Saws) said: “There is no day wherein any good action is more beloved to Allaah (SWT) than these ten days (the first ten days of Z’ul H’ijjah)”. The Sah’aabah (RA) enquired: “Not even Jihaad in the path of Allaah?” “Not even Jihad in the path of Allaah, “replied the Prophet (Saws) “with the exception of that person who left with his life and wealth (in the path of Allaah) and did not return with any of it (i.e. he is martyred)”. (Bukhaari)
It is also narrated from H’azrat Ibn Abbas (RA) that the Prophet (Saws) said: “No days are as weighty with Allaah and so liked by Him for good deeds than the first ten days of Zul-Hijjah “. Therefore in these days increasingly recite: ” Laa ilaaha illal Laawhu ,Allaawhu Akbar, Alh’amdulillaah, Subb-h’aa-nal-Laawh.” (T’awbaraawnee)

VIRTUOUS FIRST 10 DAYS OF THIS MONTH
What deeds should we perform?
1. FASTING.
The Holy Prophet, (Saws), has said, “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 “Laiylatul-Qadr”.
There is great virtue in fasting in the first nine days of this month, but if fasting on all the nine days is not possible then one must at least fast  on the ninth day i.e. especially on the Day of A’rafaat. There is no doubt that fasting is one of the best deeds which Allaah has chosen. Almighty Allaah says, “All the deeds of the son of Aadam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.”’ (Bukhaari)
The 9th day of Z’ul H’ijjah
The 9th day of Z’ulh’ijjah is called ‘Youmul – “A’rafah’ (The Day of A’rafaat). This is the date when the H’ujjaj (H’aji pilgrims, plural of H’aajj) assemble on the plain of A’rafat, six miles away from Makkah al-Mukarramah, where they perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of h’ajj, namely, the ‘Wuqoof of A’rafaat (the stay in A’rafaat).
The Fast of Youmul A’rafah(Day of A’rafat)
For those not performing h’ajj, it is mustah’abb (desirable) to fast on this day. It sometimes occurs that 9th Z’ulh’ijjah falls on different days in different countries according to the sighting of the moon. In such cases, Muslims of each country should observe ‘Youmul A’rafah(Day of A’rafat) according to the lunar dates of their own country.
It is related by Qatadah (RA) that Muh’ammad (Saws) said, “Whoever fasts on the Day of Arafat, Allaah may forgive his/her sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” Note: This does not refer to major or intentional sins; only to those of omission or forgetfulness. (Muslim)
The 10th of Z’ul H’ijjah is the day of E’id ud D’uh’aa and it is prohibited to fast on this day.

2. H’AJJ AND U’MRAH
The best deed in these ten days is to perform H’ajj and U’mrah. According to the H’adees’, “From one U’mrah to the next U’mrah there is atonement of sins in between, and for H’ajj which is accomplished sincerely; the reward is nothing but Paradise.”

3 TAUBAH AND Z’IKR (remembering Allaah often)
.During these days one should make Taubah (sincere repentance) to Allaah and refrain from committing further sins. Takbeer (saying Allaawhu Akbar) and z’ikr (remembering Allaah often) during these days is highly recommended. As Allaah tells us, “And remember Allaah in days appointed.” (Qur-aan 2:203): which refers to these ten days. It is related by H’azrat Ibn U’mar (RA) “Increase in these days, Takbeer (saying Allaawhu Akbar), Tah’leel (saying Laa ilaaha illal Laawhu) and Tah’meed (saying Alh’amdulillaah),” (Ah’mad)

4 VOLUNTARY GOOD DEEDS
.We should do as many voluntary good deeds (Nafl) e.g. Salaat, Saddaqa, recitation of the Holy Qur-aan, feeding the poor, and the encouragement of good deeds and the prevention of bad deeds or evil within our society. These voluntary deeds are awarded twice the amount for those done in any other days.

5.TAKBEER OF TASHRIQ
Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Z’ul H’ijjah up to the A’sr prayer of the 13th, Muslims should recite the Takbeer of Tashriq after every farz prayer in the following words.

Allaawhu Akbar. Allaawhu Akbar. Allaawhu Akbar. Laa ilaaha illal Laawhu wal laawhu Akbar, Allaawhu Akbar walil Laahil h’umdd.(T’awbaraawnee)
(There is no god but Allaah and Allaah is the greatest, Allaah is the greatest and to Allaah belongs all praise.)
According to authentic Islamic sources, Muslims, should recite this Takbeer after every farz Salaah.(Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Z’ul H’ijjah up to the A’sr prayer of the 13th) Whether one is performing salaah with Jama’ah (collectively) or on one’s own (individually) makes no difference. One must recite the Takbeer. However, male Muslims should recite it in a loud voice, while females should recite it in a low voice.

6.OFFERING THE QURBAANEE (SACRIFICE OF A LIVESTOCK ANIMAL)
The Qurbaanee (also known as udh’hiyah) is the sacrifice of a livestock animal during E’id ud-D’uh’aa. It is the Sunnah of Prophet Ibbraawheem (AS). It is a means of getting closer to Allaah. It is obligatory upon every sane adult who is not a traveller and can afford it (wealth equal to or more than nisab). It is performed on the days of sacrifice which is the 10th, 11th or 12th of Z’ul H’ijjah. Qurbaanee is a sacred act which can only be done during the three days of Z’ul H’ijjah as specified. Regarding the Qurbaanee, Allaah says in the Qur’an:
“It is not their meat, nor their blood, that reaches Allaah; it is their piety that reaches Allaah.” (Surah Al-Hajj22:37)
NO ALTERNATE FOR QURBAANEE
Some people think that instead of offering a Qurbaanee they should give its amount to some poor people as charity. This attitude is totally wrong. Actually, there are different forms of worship obligatory on Muslims. Each one of them has its own importance and none of them can stand for the other. It is not permissible for a Muslim to perform salaah instead of fasting in Rawmadaawn, nor is it permissible for him to give some charity instead of observing the obligatory Salaah. Similarly, Qurbaanee is an independent form of worship and this obligation cannot be discharged by spending money in charity.
However, if somebody, out of his ignorance or negligence, could not offer Qurbaanee on the three prescribed days (10th, 1lth and 12th Z’ulh’ijjah) then, in that case only, he can give the price of a Qurbaanee as sadaqah to those entitled to receive Zakat. But during the days of Qurbaanee no Sadaqah can discharge the obligation.
THE ANIMALS OF QURBAANEE
The following animals can be slaughtered to offer a Qurbaanee:
1. Goat, either male or female, of at least one year of age.
2. Sheep, either male or female, of at least six months of age.
3. Cow, ox buffalo of at least two years of age.
4. Camel, male or female, of at least five years of age.
One head of goat or sheep is enough only for one person’s Qurbaanee. But as for all other animals like cow, buffalo or camel, one head of each is equal to seven offerings thus allowing seven persons to offer Qurbaanee jointly in one such animal.
If the seller of animal claims that the animal is of the recognized age and there is no apparent evidence to the contrary; one can trust his statement and the sacrifice of such an animal is lawful.
THE SUNNAH METHOD OF QURBAANEE
It is more preferable for a Muslim to slaughter the animal of his Qurbaanee with his own hands. However, if he is unable to slaughter the animal himself, or does not want to do so for some reason, he can request another person to slaughter it on his behalf. In this case also, it is more preferable that he, at least, be present at the time of slaughter. However, his absence at the time of slaughter does not render the Qurbaanee invalid, if he has authorized the person who slaughtered the animal on his behalf. It is a Sunnah to lay the animal with its face towards the Qiblah, and to recite the following verse of the Holy Quran:
“For me,I turn my face ,firmly and truly, towards the One who has created the heavens and the earth, and I am not among those who associate partners with Allaah. (Al-An’am, 6:79)
But the most essential recitation when slaughtering an animal is: Bismillaah, Allaawhu Akbar. (In the name of Allaah, Allaah is the greatest). If somebody intentionally avoids to recite it when slaughtering an animal, it does not only make his Qurbaanee unlawful, but also renders the animal haram, and it is not permissible to eat the meat of that animal. However, if a person did not avoid this recitation intentionally, but he forgot to recite it when slaughtering the animal, this mistake is forgiven and both the Qurbaanee and the slaughter are lawful.
If somebody is unable to recite “Bismillaah Allaawhu Akbar” in the Arabic language, he can recite the name of Allaah in his own language by saying, “In the name of Allaah”.
Supplication at the time of Sacrificing (Qurbaanee) an animal:
Allaawhumma taqawb-balhu minnee kamaa taqawbbalta min h’abeebika Muh’ammadinv wa khawleelika Ibbraawheema A’laiy-himas Salaam.(Muslim)
Allaah, accept it from me (Qurbaanee) just as You have accepted the sacrifices (Qurbaanee) of Your beloved Muh’ammad (Saws) and Your friend Ibbraawheem (AS).
Note: In case you are doing the sacrifice on behalf of someone else in that case while reading the supplication instead of saying “ minnee say min”and then the name of the person on whose behalf the sacrifice is being done.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE MEAT
If an animal is sacrificed by more than one person, like cow or camel, its meat should be distributed equally among its owners by weighing the meat strictly and not at random or by mere guess. Even if all the partners agree on its distribution without weighing, it is still not permissible according to shari’ah.
However, if the actual weighing is not practicable due to some reason, and all the partners agree to distribute the meat without weighing, distribution by guess can be done with the condition that each share necessarily contains either a leg of the animal or some quantity of its liver.
Although the person offering a Qurbaanee can keep all its meat for his own use, yet, it is preferable to distribute one-third among the poor, another one-third among his relatives and then, keep the rest for his personal consumption.

All parts of the sacrificed animal can be used for personal benefit, but none can be sold, nor can be given to the butcher as a part of his wages. If somebody has sold the meat of the Qurbaanee or its skin, he must give the accrued price as sadaqah to a poor man who can receive Zakat.

THE SUNNAH OF E’ID UD D’UH’AA
1. To awaken earlier than usual. To brush the teeth with Miswaak .To have a bath (Ghusl). To be well dressed in an Islamic manner. To be dressed in one’s best clothes (Doesn’t necessarily have to be new). To use Attar (Perfume).
2. Avoid eating before E’id Salah on the day of E’id ud D’uh’aa.
3. To go to the place of E’id Salaah early.  To walk to the place of E’id Salaah (If it is within walking distance because every step is reward) To read aloud “Takbeerat” on the way to the place of prayer for E’id-ud-D’uh’aa: The wordings of this special Takbeer is as follows:

Allaawhu Akbar Allaawhu Akbar Allaahu Akbar Laa ilaaha illal laah. Wal Laawhu Akbar Allawhu Akbar wa lil laahil h’umdd.(T’awbaraawnee)
Allaah is the most Great, Allaah is the most Great Allaah is the most Great. None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah. Allaah is the most Great, Allaah is the most Great. And to Him belongs all praise.
4. It especially becomes significant to say the Takbeer when one leaves for the place of prayer, and after the obligatory prayers. For E’id ud D’uh’aa begin before the E’id Salaah and continue to do so until the end of the days of Tashriq-(when the Sun sets on the 13th of Z’ul H’ijjah i.e. upto the A’sr prayer.)
5. To use different routes to and from the place of E’id Salaah. To perform E’id Salaah at the E’idgah i.e. an open ground unless rain or something similar prevents that from happening.
To frequently read the Takbeers (Loudly for E’id ud D’uh’aa )
6. To pray the E’id-ud-D’uh’aa early.

QURBAANEE: THE REASON BEHIND IT

In the Shari’ah of our beloved Prophet, (Saws), the sacrifice of an animal has been recognized as a form of worship only during three days of Z’ulh’ijjah, namely, the 10th, 1lth and 12th of the month. This is to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice offered by the Prophet Ibbraawheem, (AS), when he, in pursuance to a command of Allaah conveyed to him in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his beloved son, Ismaae’el, (AS), and actually did so but, Allaah Almighty, after testing his submission, sent down a sheep and saved his son from the logical fate of slaughter. It is from that time onwards that the sacrifice of an animal became an obligatory duty to be performed by every well to do Muslim.
Qurbaanee is a demonstration of total submission to Allaah and a proof of complete obedience to Allaah’s will or command. When a Muslim offers a Qurbaanee, this is exactly what he intends to prove. Thus, the Qurbaanee offered by a Muslim signifies that he is a slave of Allaah at his best and that he would not hesitate even for a moment, once he receives an absolute command from his Creator, to surrender before it, to obey it willingly, even if it be at the price of his life and possessions. When a true and perfect Muslim receives a command from Allaah, he does not make his obedience dependent upon the command’s reasonability’ as perceived through his limited understanding. He knows that Allaah is All-knowing, All-Wise and that his own reason cannot encompass the knowledge and wisdom underlying the divine command. He, therefore, submits to the divine command, even if he cannot grasp the reason or wisdom behind it.
This is exactly what the Prophet Ibraawheem, (AS), did. Apparently, there was no reason why a father should slaughter his innocent son. But, when came the command from Allaah, he never asked about the reason for that command, nor did he hesitate to follow it. Even his minor son when asked by his father about the dream he had seen, never questioned the legitimacy of the command, nor did he ask for one good reason why he was being slaughtered. The one and only response he made was: ‘Father, do what you have been ordered to do. You shall find me, God willing, among the patient”.
The present-day Qurbaanee is offered in memory of this great model of submission set before us by the great father and the great son. So Qurbaanee must be offered in our time emulating the same ideal and attitude of submission. This, then, is the true philosophy of Qurbaanee. All acts of worship, including Qurbaanee, must be carried out with a spirit of total submission to Allaah. This is what Ibraawheem, (AS), did, and this is what every true Muslim is required to do.

References :  www.albalagh.net  can also read “Stories of the Prophets” (Peace be upon them) by Ibn Kathir.