QUESTION
Is it allowed to fast the first 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah?
Answered by Ustãdh Rasheed Haashim, Ibadan
📒 It is highly cherished to embark on series of righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijhah.
📒One of such righteous deeds to embark upon as explained by ebullient Muslim scholars is fasting for the first nine days of Dhul-Hijhah as fasting on the tenth day which is usually Idul-Adha day is forbidden in Islam.
📒 The main proof for this is the Hadith of Abdullah bin Abbas (RadiyaLlahu Anhu) transmitted by Imam Al-Bukhari where the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (i.e. first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” The people asked: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, 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.“
📒 However, if one is unable to fast for the first nine days of Dhul-Hijhah, one should endeavour to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijhah which is usually the day of ARAFAT.
📒 Fasting on the day of Arafat is highly rewarding as it cancels sins of two years: previous and subsequent one. Abu Qatadah (RadiyaLlahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah. He replied: “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Transmitted by Muslim)
📒Dhul-Hijjah is likely to start by next week Wednesday or Thursday 22nd or 23rd July, 2020. Let us endeavour to fast and encourage other brethren to fast.
🙏 May Allah accept it from us as an act of worship. May we witness many Idul-Adha on earth surface. Amin🙏
BarakaLlahu fikum
