Dhul-Hijja starts today after Maghrib!
Assalamu Alaikum,
**Starting at Maghrib time today, Friday, June 7th, 2024, we will enter the first of Dhul Hijjah, marking the beginning of one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. Therefore, Arafah day will be on Saturday June 15th and Eid Al Adha will be on Sunday, June 16th.
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Praise be to Allah, who has created time and made certain periods better than others, including specific months, days, and nights where rewards are multiplied as a mercy towards believers.
**Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days [the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah]" (Al-Bukhari).
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As Muslims, we should take full advantage of this opportunity by dedicating these ten days to increased worship and striving harder in our religious activities. Recommended acts of worship during these ten days include:
- Fasting, especially on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, Arafah day, as it is considered one of the best deeds.
- Takbeer, tahmid, tahlil, and tasbih (dhikr), as it is a Sunnah and an easy act of worship.
- Engaging in general good deeds such as prayers, reading the Qur'an, remembering Allah, giving charity, and maintaining family ties.
Insha'Allah, we will send further announcements regarding the Day of Arafah and the Eid Prayer soon.
Additionally, if you are able, please consider performing the Udhiya (Kurban) after the Eid Prayer. The Udhiya animal for Eid must be at least a five-year-old camel, a two-year-old cow, a one-year-old goat, or a six-month-old sheep. It must be healthy and free from any disabilities. The person intending to sacrifice should refrain from shaving, getting a haircut, or trimming nails starting the first day of Dhul Hijjah, which means today starting Maghrib (as it is Sunnah). This requirement applies to the person buying the sacrifice, not the entire family.
May Allah accept our good deeds.
Hassan,
On behalf of the EC.
Sorry if you have received this multiple times.