Clerics task Muslims on bounties of first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah

Muslim clerics have enjoined the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to continue to be prayerful, promote peaceful coexistence among the citizens, as many are unable to make the blessed journey to the Holy land this year.

The religious leaders urged the Ummah to rededicate themselves to worship Almighty Allah with full devotion and to intensify prayers to Allah in the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah.

It would be recalled that The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, informed the Nigerian Muslim Ummah that there was proven sighting of the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah, 1441 AH in Nigeria on the 29th of Dhul-Qa’dah, 1441 AH, equivalent to Tuesday, 21st July, 2020.

While wishing the Ummah happy Eid-el-Adha in advance, the Amir of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Dr. Luqman AbdurRaheem urged Muslim adherents to seize the bountiful opportunities in the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah in order to earn Allah’s mercy.

He said: “Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: There are no days in which righteous deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah than these days (the 10 days of Dhu’l-Hijjah).

He prescribed some tips of worship to make the most of these blessed days: “Sincere Repentance: Repentance is returning back to Allah and abandoning everything that displeases Allah both openly and in secret, as well as regretting what has been committed in the past.

“Salaat (Five daily prayers): It is recommended that Muslims give attention to the five obligatory salat.
“Fasting: It is recommended that Muslims observe a voluntary fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah.

“Chanting Takbeer: It has been instructed that we should do a lot of Subhaana-LLah, al-Hamduli-LLah and Allahu Akbar in this month.
“Charity and Welfare Support: In this period of COVID-19, the vulnerable groups need our support as the time of Eidul Adha is fast approaching. Wealthy Muslims can partner with Muslim communities and Islamic organisations such as FOMWAN, The Muslim Congress, NASFAT, Muslim Students Society, MPAC, Ansar-U-Deen, Nawairudeen, TMC and other to deliver relief materials to in less privileged communities.

The Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organizations (CIO), Shaykh Dhikrullah Shafi, noted that the month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the four sacred months in Islam.

“The Prophet (SAW) has said regarding these blessed days: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” 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, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause (of Allah), and came back with nothing.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

“It is clear from the narration that the first 10 days of this month possess tremendous blessings and excellence. Therefore we should spend these days and nights in intensive worship and virtuous acts. The preparedness of Muslims is explicitly described in the words of Allah below.Shafi added that the month provides opportunities to excel in the following acts of worship.

“Daily Salaat and voluntary prayers should be observed regularly and timely with members of the family in this COVID-19 period. Daily prayers in congregation attract higher rewards. Voluntary prayers give additional rewards.

“Finally, Muslims are requested to slaughter sacrificial animals such as camels, cows, goats and rams as thanksgiving for the guidance of Allah and His mercies,” he said.