Learn about the Sunnah fasting in Dzulhijjah, its start dates, duration, and the significance as explained by Ustadz Abdul Somad.
The sacred month of Dzulhijjah 1445 is just around the corner. According to the schedule set by PP Muhammadiyah, the beginning of Dzulhijjah 1445 H will fall on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The Day of Arafah, 9 Dzulhijjah 1445, will be on Sunday, June 16, 2024, and Eid al-Adha, 10 Dzulhijjah 1445 H, will be on Monday, June 17, 2024.
Determining the Start of Dzulhijjah
The official date for Eid al-Adha, according to the government, will be decided in the isbat meeting on Friday, June 7, 2024. However, it's anticipated that there will be no differences in the celebration this year, meaning it will likely be observed uniformly.
Sunnah Fasting in Dzulhijjah
As Dzulhijjah approaches, Muslims are encouraged to prepare for various recommended acts of worship, including Sunnah fasting during this sacred month.
When to Start Sunnah Fasting in Dzulhijjah?
The Sunnah fasting in Dzulhijjah can begin from the start of the month, 1 Dzulhijjah, up to 9 Dzulhijjah. Ustadz Abdul Somad explains that Muslims are permitted to fast throughout Dzulhijjah, except on days when fasting is forbidden, such as the Day of Nahar (10 Dzulhijjah) and the Days of Tashreeq (11, 12, 13 Dzulhijjah).
Recommended Days for Fasting
Muslims can fast for up to 26 days in Dzulhijjah. However, the most virtuous days to fast are from 1 to 9 Dzulhijjah, with the pinnacle being the Day of Arafah on 9 Dzulhijjah.
Optimal Days for Fasting in Dzulhijjah
Ustadz Abdul Somad highlights that among the 26 permissible fasting days in Dzulhijjah, the first nine days are the most meritorious. Among these nine days, fasting on the Day of Arafah holds the highest significance.
The Significance of Arafah Fasting
According to a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim RA (No. 1162), fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
Intention for Sunnah Fasting in Dzulhijjah
Here are the intentions for fasting in Dzulhijjah, Tarwiyah, and Arafah:
Intention for Fasting in Dzulhijjah
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ شَهْرِ ذِيْ الْحِجَّةِ سُنَّةً لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى
Nawaitu shouma syahri dzil hijjah sunnatan lillahi ta'ala
Meaning: "I intend to fast the month of Dzulhijjah for the sake of Allah."
Intention for Tarwiyah Fasting
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ تَرْوِيَةَ سُنَّةً لِلهِ تَعَالَى
Nawaitu shouma tarwiyata sunnatan lillahi ta'ala
Meaning: “I intend to fast Tarwiyah for the sake of Allah.”
Intention for Arafah Fasting
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ سُنَّةً لِلهِ تَعَالَى
Nawaitu shouma arafata sunnatan lillahi ta'ala
Meaning: “I intend to fast Arafah for the sake of Allah.”
Benefits of Sunnah Fasting Before Eid al-Adha
Fasting in the days leading up to Eid al-Adha has numerous virtues:
1st Dzulhijjah
Allah forgave Prophet Adam AS on this day, so those who fast will have their sins forgiven.
2nd Dzulhijjah
Allah answered Prophet Yunus's prayers and saved him from the whale, so fasting on this day equals a year's worth of worship without sin.
3rd Dzulhijjah
Allah answered Prophet Zakariya's prayers, so those who fast will have their prayers answered.
4th Dzulhijjah
Prophet Isa AS was born, so fasting on this day removes distress and brings one among the noble on Judgment Day.
5th Dzulhijjah
Prophet Musa AS was born and honored, so those who fast will be free from hypocrisy and the grave's torment.
6th Dzulhijjah
Allah opened all doors of goodness for the prophets, so those who fast will be looked upon with mercy and kindness by Allah.
7th Dzulhijjah
The gates of Hell are locked and will not open until the end of 10th Dzulhijjah, so fasting on this day avoids 30 hardships and opens 30 doors of ease.
8th Dzulhijjah (Tarwiyah)
The virtue of fasting on Tarwiyah is the expiation of sins from the previous year.
9th Dzulhijjah (Arafah)
Fasting on the Day of Arafah brings immense blessings, including:
- Blessings in one's life
- Increase in wealth
- Assurance of family well-being
- Purification from past sins and mistakes
- Multiplication of good deeds
- Ease in death
- Illumination in the grave during Barzakh
- Weighting of good deeds in the Hereafter
- Protection from downfall in this world and elevation of status in the sight of Allah SWT.
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