Every Dhu Al-Hijjah, we recall the story of Ibrahim (AS). Indeed, Ibrahim (AS) was an incredible Prophet of Allah whose life was dedicated to worship. His willingness to sacrifice his beloved son for the sake of Allah (SWT) has been celebrated for thousands of years by Muslims and others alike

Every single penny donated to the East London Mosque is used to further our organisational mission, to Serve, Educate and Inspire. Our collective success as a family, as a community, and as an Ummah is all from Allah. 

Remember the East London Mosque this year as you plan to make your sacrifice and donate towards the mosque that is the lifeline for many people living in London and beyond.

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Key Dates: Monday 19 June 2023 is the first day of the Islamic month of Hajj, Dhul Hijjah. The Day of ‘Arafāt will be on Tuesday 27 June. Eid al-Adha is on Wednesday 28 June 2023

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The Blessed First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, SubhanAllah. We see two very exceptional occasions – all in devotion to Allah – during this month of elevated spirituality (SWT).

Thousands of Muslims travel from all over the world to perform Hajj in the holy city of Makkah, Mash’Allah, for the sake of Allah. On the glorious day of Eid al-Adha, each of us who is able offers Qurbani in devotion to Allah and to support vulnerable people in need around the world, including right here in the UK, just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did.

In fact, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the holiest days of the year. We are advised to reach out to Allah (SWT) and sacrifice everything we have for His sake during these days, as we are loved by Him.

Allah Himself tells us in the Qur’an (6:162):

Say, indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.

You will be blessed with reward from Allah in month of Dhul Hijjah by paying your Zakah and Sadaqah throughout this wonderful month.

Make a sacrifice and support the Mosque and Muslims around the world as we recall Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) hardship and dedication.

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Merits of Dhul Hijjah

Dhul Hijjah’s first 10 days are generally referred to as the greatest ten days of the year and a second opportunity after Ramadan. This is still a wonderful time of blessing and huge reward for those of us who are not performing the Hajj pilgrimage this year.

Those who are performing the holy journey of Hajj during these days have our hearts and prayers. While many of us may not be able to make the pilgrimage this year, there are still many opportunities to benefit from this month's benefits.

In Surah Al-Fajr, Allah says:

By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights.

(Qur’an 89:1–2)

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, according to many scholars, are the days mentioned as significant enough for Allah to swear by them.

Those who are unable to perform Hajj should take use of this great opportunity to perform better actions than normal. Giving charity, honouring one's parents, keeping familial bonds, and enjoining what is good and prohibiting what is evil are all examples of these. It’s also crucial to improve our necessary acts of worship by paying attention to our prayers and making sure we pay our Zakah. Furthermore, fasting and dhikr are especially advised in these blessed 10 days.

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Fasting during Dhul Hijjah

It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast in the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, because fasting is one of the best of deeds that are solely for the sake of Allah. In a hadith qudsi, Allah says: “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” (Bukhari)

It is reported that “The Prophet used to fast in the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, and the day of ‘Ashura, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays.” (Abu Dawood, 2/462)

The ten days of Dhul Hijjah include Yawm Al-‘Arafat (the Day of ‘Arafat), on which Allah perfected His Religion. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.” (Muslim)

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Dhikr & Remembrance of Allah

Our Prophet ﷺ said:

“There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel,  takbeer  and tahmeed during them.” (Ahmad)

• Tahmeed: Al-hamdu Lillah (All praises be to God)
• Tahleel: Laa ilaha ill-Allah (There is no god but Allah)
• Tasbeeh: Subhaan-Allah (Glory be to God)

While there are different versions, the takbeer can also be recited as follows:

Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd.

Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise.

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