Special Times, Special Places

Editor

 “There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the (first) ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. 

They said, “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, unless a man goes out with himself and his wealth and does not bring anything back.” (Bukhari, Book of the Two Festivals,18)

The moments and the places gain value by the holiness of Allah. While kissing Hajar al-Aswad, Prophet’s dear companion Umar said, “O stone, I kiss you because the Prophet kissed you” as he behaves warmly towards an object believed to come down from heaven by taking the respect of the Prophet of Allah as an example, and gives us clues about how to view the universe and things.

We praise Allah, creator of the sun, the moon and our world, which carry Ramadan, Laylat’ul Qadr, the most precious of the nights, and the most valuable of the days, and Dhu’l hijjah.

We are at the edge of the obtaining the good deeds almost as much as only the martyrs achieve, with opportunities for cleansing, spiritual ascension, spiritual renewal. Just like clouds and wind. Waiting for our deeds to pour mercy, blessing, reward and consent. In the commentaries of the hadith, it is recommended to spend these days fasting and to increase the worship such as charity.

The first 10 days of Dhu’l Hijjah are the days of Hajj, “the special times (Month of Hajj, especially arafa), special place (Kabaa, Arafat) and special state (ihram) are all for the Muslims that have the means to attend Hajj and is an obligation for one time to cover all life, to experience the gathering, to observe symbols” And Hajj is a new and stainless beginning as mentioned in the hadith, “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure…, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” (Bukhari, Book of Pilgrimage, 9)

 “There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord [during Hajj]. But when you depart from 'Arafat, remember Allah at al- Mash'ar al-Haram… Then depart from the place from where [all] the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Baqara, 198-199)

Mount Arafat speaks only for one day from the afternoon of Arafa and until the sunrise next day. Wears the clothes “the pouring dress made up of people as water drops” it never puts on. Only in that day, Arafat is all white. Only those hours are sacred. As ordered by Allah. It is sacred because of His orders. As time and place sujood to Him.

Let us catch this invaluable time and make the most out of it. Just like even the smallest particle, time, place, sun, stars and the moon; we shall nod in the world we born, live and die; we shall say “Labbayk” when Arafat is covered in white clothes.