By KEMI KASUMU
Nigeria’s foremost Islamic body, Jama’atul Nasir-il Islam (JNI), has provided teachings about what Islamic faithful should engage in as the last month of Islamic calendar year, Dhul Hijjah 1443AH, begins on Thursday 30 June, 2022.
Details of these teachings, which include supplications, invocations and meritorious acts, are contained in a statement by Secretary General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Thursday.
Aliyu, who is currently an associate professor, said, “Following the announcement of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, that today is the 1st day of Dhul-Hijjah, 1443AH being yet another blessed period of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, i.e. the greatest and most sacred days of the Islamic calendar. Indeed these days are the greatest days of the world and most beloved by Allah – the first (1st) ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).”
Authenticating his claims the Islamic scholar went scriptural saying, “Allah, the Most High says “…by the ten nights, the even and odd (contrasted), and by the night when it passes away…”Q89:1-5. In another passage, He says “so that they may witness all the (spiritual, social and economic) benefits in store for them and offer (glorifications) during the known, appointed days for the sacrificial cattle that He has provided for them by pronouncing God’s name over them. Eat of their meat and feed the distressed, the poor” Q17:28.”
He further expatiated the Qur’an evidences with explanations as contained in books of Hadith of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) and he said:
“Imam Ahmad transmitted a Hadith in his Musnad (a collection of Hadith) that the messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “there are no greatest days and most beloved to Allah for righteous deeds to be performed in, than the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Therefore, be in increased remembrance of Allah through Laa ilaha illallaah, Alhamdulillaah, Wallaahu Akbar.”
To this end, “Therefore, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President- General, JNI, urges the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to utilize properly the days in virtuous acts which has commenced today, Thursday, 30th June, 2022.
“We are equally implored to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and shun acts that will attract the anger of Allah (SWT). We should all be more generous in alms and seriously engage in supplications for an end to the innumerable challenges facing Nigeria, pray for a blessed downpour and seek His protection from all forms of adversities. Indeed Allah listens to the calls of His servants and this is an opportunity, to intensify such call to Him!
“He the Most High says “And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly guided]. Q2:186. Nigerian Muslims must however appreciate that Allah (SWT) answers the supplications of those who keep their covenant with Him and are very much conscious of Him in actions and words.
“More so, it is in these sacred days that the annual ‘Eid-el-Adha is celebrated along with the accompanying momentous sacrifices and the spiritual attainment of Hajj. Therefore, it is recommended for non-pilgrim who could, to fast the Arafat day which comes up on Friday, 8th July, 2022, its reward is the reparation of two years sins. We should also use this opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness, adore and worship Him the more, as well as supplicate fervently for an end to the security cum socio-economic challenges bedeviling the Nation, especially that the 2023 General Elections is fast approaching with a lot of apprehensions and uncertainties.
“Some of the recommended acts expected to be performed in these days include increased Dhikr (constant remembrance of Allah, the Most High by glorifying Him and thanking Him), especially frequent repetition (saying) of Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar, Laa’ilaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Walillahil-Hamd, as well as the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an and recital of Istighfar (seeking Allah’s forgiveness), extending kindness to relatives, sharing with the poor and the needy, making peace and reconciliation, extending goodwill to kith and kin, visiting the sick, amongst many other meritorious acts of worship.
“It should be noted that the superiority of performing righteous acts in this period is gracious, that’s why “…performing deeds (good) during these days are more beloved to Allah than performing deeds (good) during any other days on earth without exception…” as declared by the Prophet (PBUH) and expounded by Ibn Rajab.
“On the other hand, we shouldn’t forget that it is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphatic practice) upon whoever has the ability of owning a sacrificial animal to refrain from hair shaving of all forms, cutting of finger and feet nails, until the ‘Eid day i.e. after the ‘Eid prayers. It is also desirable for those who would offer sacrificial animal not to take breakfast on the ‘Eid day, until after observing the ‘Eid prayers and slaughtering of their respective animals, and eat therefrom after the slaughtering.
“The JNI also reiterates its calls to Muslims to fervently pray against the lingering waves of abductions and kidnappings for ransom, as well as repeated attacks on innocent Nigerians. We recap that these heinous crimes are condemnable, abhorrent and un-Islamic. We must not relent in offering our support to security agencies by providing relevant intelligence tips, in-spite of the alleged repercussions sometimes on informants by the mindless criminals and likely unpatriotic elements in the nation’s security apparatus.
“Above all, after the ‘Eid prayers, Muslims are to resume back to Dhikr after each obligatory prayer from the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah i.e. Saturday, 9th July, 2022 (after Zuhr – afternoon prayers), till after the Subh – early morning prayer of the 14th day of Dhul-Hijjah i.e. Wednesday, 13th July, 2022.
“This is in line with “the most correct saying concerning the Takbir – that which the majority of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors), and the Scholars from the Companions and Imams were upon – is to begin making the Takbir from Fajr (dawn) on the day of Arafah up until the last day of at-Tashriq (the thirteenth of Dhul-Hajj), after every Prayer.” [Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmu al-Fatawa, vol. 24, page 220].
“While wishing all an accepted acts of worship in these sacred days, we wish the Ummah an accepted Udhiya (sacrifice) and peaceful celebration,” the JNI Chief Scribe said.
