A guide to the best of days.The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.

Dhul Hijjah is a month like no other.

A beautiful month and blessing upon each and every Muslim fortunate enough to witness it. A time in which to draw together in unity once more in respect of the Sunnah.

Beginning this year on approximately 23rd August 2017, many Muslims all over the world will begin their preparations and make the journey of their lives.

Whether you are going on Hajj or staying at home, there is plenty you can do during these precious first 10 days to gain the rewards and blessings of our Lord Almighty Allah (swt).

With this Guide we bring to you spiritual and practical advice to maximise and multiply your good deeds and ensure that you do benefit from this most precious of days.

In this guideWelcome 3Virtues of the 10 days Dhul Hijjah 4Duas for Dhul Hijjah 6Qurbani and the story of Ibrahim and Isma’eel (as) 7Giving Qurbani is more than just giving food to eat 8Qurbani. A Sunnah that feels so good 10The Sunnah of Qurbani 11Fasting the 9 days Dhul Hijjah 14The day of Arafah 15Reciting tasbeeh, tahmeed, tahleel and takbeer abundantly 1610 ways to be productive in these 10 days 17Doing more good 20Eid and its etiquette 22Give a little happiness this Eid 24Ways to cook Qurbani for an Eid feast 25

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(swt) - Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala - Glorious & Exalted is He.(pbuh) - Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him.(as) - Alaihis salaam - peace be upon him.(ra) - Radiyallahu anhu/anha (male/female) May Allah be pleased with him/her.

Welcome.“By the dawn; And (by) ten nights.” (Qur’an 89:1-2)

Design: WeareOneAgency.com #FeeltheSunnah

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Did you know?

The importance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah and have long been held by esteemed scholars as a virtuous time, during which we should increase in worship and good actions.

SubhanAllah, such is the importance of these first 10 days that there is no other time in which we can gain reward as much as during Dhul Hijjah.

Many Muslims the world over use this time to increase in their worship through extra dhikr (remembrance of Allah), du’a (supplication) and charitable giving. Our personal actions can also bring us closer together and instil change, strengthening us in peace and love as a community.

While performance of the pilgrimage (Hajj) is the most celebrated act of worship during this period, it is not possible for most to carry out, so...

What will you do this Dhul Hijjah?Read on and discover the secrets of these remarkable first 10 days.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “There are no days during which the righteous action is more pleasing to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).”He was asked: “Oh Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He replied,

“Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it.” (Bukhari)

Virtues of the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.

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A Guide to the Best of Days - The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah A Guide to the Best of Days - The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

Oh Allah, please forgive me for all of the bad that I’ve done. You are Most Merciful and Kind, please forgive me, and help me stay away from all that’s wrong. Increase me in sincerity.

Oh Allah, make me of Your sincere, humble and grateful servants. Remove all insincerity, arrogance and ungratefulness from my heart.

Oh Allah, save the people of this Ummah. Free the oppressed and bring your justice on the oppressors. Protect us all from violence, fear and danger, You are our Protector.

Oh Allah, unite this Ummah to be successful on your Right Path and to remove affliction and fitnah from within our community.

Oh Allah, increase me in knowledge to please You so that I may be sincere and seek no other reward other than Your pleasure. Oh Allah, let me use the knowledge you have gifted to me to benefit all mankind.

Oh Allah, make it easy for me to accept that all that comes to me, whether an affliction or a reward, are a test and a blessing from You in Your infinite wisdom.

One of the best supplications is also on the Day of Arafah - 9th Dhul Hijjah:

“La ilaaha illallah wahdahu la sharikalah, lahulmulk, wa lahulhamd, wa huwa ala kulli shay in qadir.”

“There is no god but Allah alone who has no partner; to Him belongs the dominion, to Him praise is due, and He is Omnipotent (able to do all things)”

Qurbani is often referred to as the Sunnah of Ibrahim (as).

It is said that Ibrahim (as) had a dream one night, in which Allah (swt) told him to sacrifice Isma’eel, his beloved son. At first Ibrahim (as) thought it was the devil playing tricks on him and he thought no more of it. However the following night, the same dream occurred again commanding him to do the same and at this point, he realised this was a message from Allah (swt).

Ibrahim (as) loved his son immensely. However, he understood that Allah (swt) has wisdom over all affairs and he prepared himself to submit to His command. He took Isma’eel (as) to Mount Arafah along with a knife and rope. He told his son about his dream and what Allah (swt) had commanded him to do. Isma’eel, in trusting both his father and trusting in Allah (swt) immediately obliged and asked that

his hands and legs be tied so that he may not struggle. Ibrahim (as) blindfold himself so that he won’t have to witness Isma’eel (as) suffer.

Ibrahim (as) did as he had been commanded. When he took the blindfold off, to his surprise, he saw the body of a dead sheep in front of him. Isma’eel (as) was completely unharmed standing right next to him. At first he thought that something had gone horribly wrong and that he had disobeyed the order of his Creator. But then he heard a voice telling him that Allah (swt) looks after his followers and that he need not worry.

Ibrahim (as) and Isma’eel (as) had just passed a difficult test from Allah (swt).

Duas for Dhul Hijjah. Qurbani and the story of Ibrahim and Isma’eel (as).

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Following the Sunnah of the Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his story of submission and sacrifice, teaches us lessons of humility and gratitude.His example of trusting in the Will of Allah (swt) can guide us in our own tests of faith. The act of donating meat (Qurbani) in memory of this Sunnah, benefits us spiritually whilst strengthening bonds between the community in charity and solidarity.

When you give Qurbani, you give mercy and love to others in need.

“When it is time to give Qurbani, it really makes me think how lucky I am. And how easy it is for me that I don’t have to struggle to feed my family each day. Alhamdulillah. I hope my Qurbani helps to relieve this burden for others.”

– Imran, London. (Qurbani donor)

Giving Qurbani is more than just giving food to eat.

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“If it wasn’t for receiving Qurbani, I don’t know what I would do. It means so much because not only can we eat well but also I know that other people are thinking of us and trying to help. May Allah (swt) bless all the generous supporters of Muslim Aid.” - Mohammed, Pakistan. (Qurbani recipient).

A Guide to the Best of Days - The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

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A Guide to the Best of Days - The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

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“The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘Whoever slaughtered his sacrifice before he prays, let him slaughter another one in its place, and whoever did not slaughter a sacrifice, let him do so in the name of Allah.” (Muslim)“Whoever can afford to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer.” (Ahmad, Ibn Maajah, Sahih).

This year, feel content and fulfilled spiritually.

Give your Qurbani from just £27 per person with Muslim Aid. • Qurbani should be performed by those who are eligible, in the same way as Zakat.

• Any sane, adult, Muslim male or female who possesses the Nisab amount for Zakat must also perform the duty of Qurbani.

• Qurbani is also compulsory for every family member, including children. It is paid by the parents unless the children themselves are adults.

• Qurbani can only be performed after the Eid-ul-Adha prayers from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.

• Animals that are weak, blind, physically disabled, or those who are young, have broken horns or no teeth are ineligible as Qurbani.

To remember the lessons learnt from the test of Ibrahim and Isma’eel (as), Muslims perform Qurbani each year.

Qurbani is a strongly established Sunnah action which is due on each Muslim and which can strengthen our ties as a community worldwide.

You can give your Qurbani with Muslim Aid and choose from a range of countries to distribute the meat, including right here in the UK. It’s so easy to reap the rewards of fulfilling this act of Sunnah.

Last year over, 250,000 people received Qurbani through Muslim Aid. Our Qurbani is donated in accordance with the Sunnah to the sick, disabled, widows, orphans, those in poverty and people displaced by conflict and war.

Qurbani. A Sunnah that feels so good.

The Sunnah of Qurbani.

Visit muslimaid.org or call 020 7377 4200 to donate your Qurbani now.

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Who should offer the Qurbani within a household? Most scholars have agreed that one sacrifice is sufficient on behalf of all the members of a household, no matter how many there are.

‘Ata’ ibn Yassaar said,“I asked Abu Ayyub, “How was the sacrifice conducted at the time of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh)?” He said, “A man would offer a sheep on behalf of himself and the members of his family, and they would eat some and feed others with some.” (Tirmidhi)

Is it better to offer Qurbani in the UK or to authorise someone to do it on our behalf in a Muslim country where many more poor people can benefit?

The purpose of Qurbani is to show gratitude and obedience to Allah (swt) in a prescribed act of worship and also for those who cannot normally eat meat, to be able to enjoy this.

“And the budn (cows, oxen, or camels driven to be offered as sacrifices by the pilgrims at the sanctuary of Makkah.) We have made for you the symbols of Allah, therein you have much good.” (Qur’an 22: 36)

The opinions of offering Qurbani abroad or in the UK are both valid opinions. The meat should be distributed to those in need so if there is a need locally, the meat of Qurbani can be offered here.

Muslim Aid is one of the only charities to offer a Qurbani programme within the UK – allowing some of those who are experiencing poverty and deprivation to enjoy the luxury and sustenance of meat. You can also donate to many countries worldwide with our established and professional distribution channels. With us, everyone will get a chance to benefit.

What shall we do with the meat of the Qurbani?

It is prescribed for the person who offers the sacrifice to eat some of the meat, to give some as gifts and to give some in charity, because Allah says,

“Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor having a hard time.” (Qur’an 22:28)

“Eat thereof, and feed the poor who does not ask (men), and the beggar who asks (men). Thus have We made them subject to you that you may be grateful.” (Qur’an 22:36)

The general consensus is that the best way is to distribute one third of the meat to the poor and the needy, and to keep two thirds for yourself, your friends and your family.

Feel the Sunnah this Eid.Give your Qurbani today.

A Guide to the Best of Days - The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

Visit muslimaid.org or call 020 7377 4200 to donate your Qurbani now.

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It is recommended to fast on the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, especially on the 9th which is the Day of Arafah. During this month, performing righteous deeds, especially in the first ten days, carry extra significance and reward. Fasting is one of the best actions you can do as a form of worship.

The 10th day of Dhul Hijjah is the day of Eid al-Adha and it is prohibited to fast on this day.

You should try to fast as many days within the first 9 days as you can as an expiation for sins and a means by which to draw closer to Allah (swt).

The Day of Arafah holds much significance. Mount Arafah is where the Prophet (pbuh) gave his last sermon. For those performing Hajj, they will travel to the Mount and spend the day from Fajr to Maghrib in prayer, du’a and contemplation.

‘There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah. He comes close and expresses His fulfillment to the angels, saying, ‘What do these people want?’ (Muslim)For those who are not on Hajj, fasting on this day can be a means of repentance and forgiveness of sins.

The Prophet (pbuh), said: “Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah absolves the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year, and fasting on ‘Ashura, (the tenth day of Muharram) atones for the sins of previous years.” (Bukhari, Tirmidhi)

Hafsah (ra) the wife of the Prophet (pbuh) reported: “Four things the Messenger of Allah never neglected: Observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura, ‘Arafah, three days every month, and offering fajr sunnah prayers early in the morning.” (Muslim)

Fasting. The 9 days of Dhul Hijjah.

The day of Arafah.

“All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.”

(Bukhari)

#FeeltheSunnah

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There are many ways in which you can increase in reward during Dhul Hijjah. Performing dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is one of the easiest ways to obtain reward and which can fit around your work and family life.

It is a highly recommended Sunnah to recite during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, the following:

• Tasbeeh (SubhanAllah) • Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah)• Tahleel (Laa ilaaha ill-Allah)• Takbeer (Allahu Akbar)

“And the budn (cows, oxen, or camels driven to be offered as sacrifices by the pilgrims at the sanctuary of Makkah.) We have made for you the symbols of Allah, therein you have much good.” (Qur’an 22: 36)

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd.”

“Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest and all praises are for Allah only.” (swt)

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah come around very quickly and it is easy to find the time flying past and the opportunity has escaped us for another year.

Keeping productive during this time will help you get the most out of your worship and maximise the benefit you can receive from this beautiful time.

1. Prayer Increase in prayer. Strive to perform all your prayers on time, including the Sunnah prayers and do so in the mosque, whenever you can.

2. Dhikr Perform dhikr at every available opportunity, both silently and aloud.

3. Du’a After each prayer, use this time wisely and take a few minutes to make du’a for yourself, your family and the Ummah. Call upon Allah (swt) with His most beautiful of names and send peace and blessings upon the Prophet (pbuh).

4. Give your Zakat If your Zakat is due, then there is no better time for you to give it! Giving of Zakat is a fard on all those who are eligible and one of the 5 pillars of Islam.

5. Fast If you are able, this is an ideal time to perform extra fasts. Fasting is more than just abstaining from food and drink, use the time wisely to reflect upon your actions and keep your mind focused on worship.

Reciting tasbeeh, tahmeed, tahleel and takbeer abundantly.

10 ways to be productive in these 10 days.

“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (reward of Hajj in the Hereafter and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice).” (Qur’an 22:28)

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6. Give Dawah Whether it is someone you work with or the children in your family, strike up conversations about Dhul Hijjah and teach another about the beauty of Islam.

7. Give Sadaqah Giving additional charity during this time can be a means to repentance and protection for you, particularly if you are exempt from prayer or fasting. Whether it is £1 per day or a larger sum, whatever you can give will be a means of increasing your own wealth and providing for those who are suffering. To find out about our latest campaigns, including our emergency appeals or sponsoring a child, visit muslimaid.org

8. Learn a new Surah Take some time each evening before you sleep to learn and recite a new Surah. Studies show that memorising information right before sleep can help retain this in the mind more easily.

9. Give a gift to your neighbour Looking after our neighbours is a practice highly recommended in Islam. Spend some time with your neighbour, bake them a cake or help them out – particularly if they are elderly.

10. Spend time at the mosque Earn the reward of Hajj!

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Whoever leaves his house to go to an obligatory prayer after having purified himself (performing ablution), his reward will be like the reward of one who performs Hajj in the state of Ihram.” (Abu Dawad)

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good, has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj.” (Tabarani)

A Guide to the Best of Days - The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

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Giving in charity during this time is a way in which you can do more good than usual. Charitable donation is an essential action and testimony of faith for the Muslim believer.

“Never will you attain the good (reward) until you spend (in the way of Allah) from that which you love. And whatever you spend – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” (Qur’an 3:92)

Doing more good.

Charity doesn’t have to mean only giving financially. Islam is a religion of beauty and ease and doing good for another can be considered charity for the believer. Why not do one of the following?

1. Volunteer your time Come and join us at Muslim Aid! Check muslimaid.org for more information.

2. Give your skills or talents Think about what you can do to help a cause. From IT to manual labour – everything helps.

3. Smile at another It’s Sunnah and opens the hearts!

4. Give salaam Give and return the greeting in the best of ways.

5. Be merciful with children and elderly Carry bags. Open doors. Have patience.

6. Reconcile two hearts Break down barriers and mediate or assist in bringing people back together.

7. Feed an animal or bird

8. Plant a tree

9. Remove rubbish from the road Do a local litter pick.

10. Alleviate a burden on another From cooking a meal, babysitting, DIY, tutoring a child, paying a bill or helping find work – there are so many ways in which we can help one another and be that little bit kinder.

A Guide to the Best of Days - The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

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Etiquettes of Eid:• Taking a Bath before going to the Prayer.

• Eating after the Prayer on `Eid al-Adha.

On Eid al-Adha it is recommended not to eat anything until you come back from the prayer and instead to eat from the udhiyah (sacrifice) if you have offered Qurbani.

• Saying Takbir on the Day of `Eid.

(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbir (Allahu Akbar: Allah is the Most Great) for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” (Qur’an 2:185)

• Offering Congratulations.

Giving good wishes to others, no matter the words, such as saying to one another “Taqabbala Allah minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you” or “Eid Mubarak” is permissible.

It was narrated that Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: When the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) met one another on the day of `Eid, they would say to one another, “May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you.” (Muslim)

• Wearing your best clothes.

It was narrated that Jabir (ra) said: The Prophet (pbuh) had a cloak which he would wear on the two `Eids and on Fridays. (Ibn Khuzaymah)

Wearing your best clothes does not mean having to wear new clothing. Rather clothes which comply with the obligations of dress for men and women and which are clean, are the best of clothing.

• Going to the Prayer by one route and returning via another.

It was narrated that Jabir ibn `Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “On the day of `Eid, the Prophet used to vary his route.” (Al-Bukhari)

Eid and its etiquette.

The Eid prayer is an obligatory prayer for those who are able. Just like on Eid al Fitr, this prayer should be performed at the Mosque in congregation and the whole family are encouraged to attend.

Give a little happiness this Eid.

Ways to cook Qurbani for an Eid feast.

Our Eid gift programme has been running for a number of years, delivering presents to some of the world’s most disadvantaged children. 29,000 children received Eid gifts through Muslim Aid, thanks to you!

This Eid, spread the joy and send a gift to a child in need.

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For some, Eid is not the happy occasion it should be. For some families, there is no special meal, celebrations and no presents to give and receive. All that they can do is get through another day!

Whilst our children rejoice and celebrate, others around the world are hungry, struggling and scared. Eid is not a special day for children who live in poverty or have fled their homes due to war and violence.

You can change that.From just £20, change their Eid and make it a day to remember.Donate now at Muslimaid.org or call 020 7377 4200

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Turkish Lamb Stew with Potatoes• 2 tablespoon olive oil• 700-750g lean chunks of lamb shoulder or leg• 2 onions, peeled and roughly chopped• 5 cloves of garlic, peeled and cut into thin slices• 5 dried apricots, roughly chopped• 2 teaspoon ground cumin• 2 teaspoon ground coriander seeds• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (or Turkish kekik, if you have it)• 2teaspoonTurkishchiliflakes(pulbiber)• 1teaspoonurfapepper(isotbiber)(optional)• 4 tablespoon (60 ml) lemon juice• Lamb (bones removed)• 2 bay leaves• 500g potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks• Fresh Oregano or Thyme (or Turkish kekik), to serve• Approx 2 cups of water or lamb stock• Salt and pepper

Zab (Somali Roast Lamb) • 4kg of spring lamb • 1 teaspoon of cumin powder• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder• 5 black peppercorns, ground• 1 large piece of fresh ginger crushed (this also tenderises the meat)• 1 large garlic clove, crushed• Salt to taste• 1 large green and one red capsicum• 2 large onions• 1 bunch baby carrots, trimmed

Method1. Season the meat. Brown half the meat in the olive oil over medium/high heat. Set aside and do the same with the other half of the meat, adding more oil as necessary.2. Fry the onion in the same pot until golden, 10-12 minutes, adding more oil as needed. Stir regularly. Add garlic, apricot and spices and continue stirring for 1-2 minutes. Add the lemon juice. Continue stirring until the liquid has more or less evaporated, 1-2 minutes.3. Add back the meat (with any juices), any bones (if you have them) and bay leaves. Mix well. Add enough water (or stock) to just cover the meat. Bring to the boil, turn the heat to low and leave to simmer with the lid on until the meat is tender, 1-1.5 hours.4. Check for seasoning. Add the potatoes and continue to simmer (this time, lid off) until the potatoes and meat are tender and the liquid has reduced and thickened a little, 20-30 minutes.5. Check again for seasoning. Take off the heat and leave for a few minutes before serving. The dish is best served hot rather than piping hot. Garnish with some fresh herbs just before serving.

Method1. Marinate the meat in large dish with spices, garlic and ginger for two hours in the fridge or preferably overnight.2. Transfer to a big sauce pan – we have a special sauce pan for just this dish! Add all the other ingredients except for the vegetables and place on the stove. Make sure your lid is airtight3. Cook for an hour on stove on low heat. It will brown and you might be worried the meat is burning during the first ten minutes, but don’t worry as this gives the meat a delicious smoky flavour. The meat will produce steam which will add to the meat’s juices.4. Transfer the dish to a hot oven and cook for a further two hours or until meat is tender.5. Chop the vegetables and add.6. Uncover the pan and let the meat and vegetables cook for a further 30 minutes. Usually its own juices are enough and if dry add a little bit of water. By this time the meat should be falling off the bone.

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Additional images: Mohammed Al-Shaikh, W Mohamad Soo, Light of Islam, Aljazeera English

Inspired by; www.akitcheninistanbul.com www.somalikitchen.com/zab-roast-lamb.html/

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