FASTING:(In India Tommorow is 9th of Dhul Hijjah)
It is Sunnah to fast on the ninth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (Sallellahu alaihi wa sallam) urged us to do good deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds. Allaah has chosen fasting for Himself, as is stated in the “hadeeth qudsi”: “Allaah says: ‘All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except for fasting, which is for Me and I am the One Who will reward him for it.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 1805).
Fasting on this day is an expiation for two years:
It was reported from Abu Qutaada (RadiyAllahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu alaihi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafat. He said: *”It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.”*[Narrated by Muslim]
The Prophet (Sallellahu alaihi wa sallam) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khaalid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (sallellahu alaihi wa sallam) that Prophet (sallellahu alaihi wa sallam) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah, on the day of ‘Aashooraa’, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.”
[Reported by al-Nisaa’i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawud; classified by al-Albaani as “saheeh” in”Saheeh Abi Dawud”, 2/462].
TAKBEER:
It is Sunnah to say “Takbeer” (Allaahu Akbar), “Tahmeed” (Al-hamdu Lillaah), “Tahleel” (La ilaha ill-Allaah) and “Tasbeeh” (Subhaan Allaah) during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allaah and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allaah, may He be exalted.
Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“*That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)…” [Al-Hajj 22:28]*
The majority of scholars agree that the “appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because of the words of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father): “The ‘appointed days’ are the first ten days (of Dhu’l-Hijjah).”
The “Takbeer” may include the words *”Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la ilaaha ill-Allaah; wa Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahi’l-hamd”*
(Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah; Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise),” as well as other phrases.
“Takbeer” at this time is an aspect of the Sunnah that has been forgotten, especially during the early part of this period, so much so that one hardly ever hears “Takbeer”, except from a few people. This “Takbeer”should be pronounced loudly, in order to revive the Sunnah and as a reminder to the negligent.
There is sound evidence that Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (RadiyAllahu anhuma) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting”Takbeer”, and the people would recite “Takbeer” when they heard them. The idea behind reminding the people to recite “Takbeer” is that each one should recite it individually, not in unison, as there is no basis in Sharee’ah for doing this.
Reviving aspects of the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten is a deed that will bring an immense reward, as is indicated by the words of Prophet (sallellahu alaihi wa sallam): *”Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.”*
[Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 7/443;].