Dhu al-Qadah 28, 1447 (May 15, 2026)
Assalaamun Alaykum Warahmatullah Taallah Wabarakatuhu
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today, we are treating two topics owing to the demand of the Hajj season.
The first topic is on the reflection on the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah while the second topic is what should Muslims do during Hajj season, if they are not among those performing the Hajj.
(Topic 1)
*When the Sacred Days Arrive: Reflection on the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah (2026)*
There are moments in the calendar that do not merely pass. They arrive with a quiet majesty, carrying with them an invitation.
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are such moments.
In 2026, they begin on Monday, May 18, gently ushering believers into a sacred window of mercy, reflection, and renewed purpose.
For many, the announcement comes like good news from a distant but beloved place: the days are here again. Congratulations are in order; not just for those who intend to fast, but also for those who remind others. In a world overflowing with distractions, reminding someone of duties to Allah is no small act. It is a form of charity, a gesture of care for the soul.
The Qur’an draws attention to these days with an oath by Allah SWT in Surah Al-Fajr “And (by) the ten nights.” (Q89:2).
This verse is part of an oath taken by Allah in the opening of the Chapter. Majority of scholars, including Ibn Abbas and Ibn Kathir, explain that these “ten nights” refer to the first ten days and nights of Dhul-Hijjah.
Across generations, Scholars have reflected on this verse, emphasizing that when Allah swears by something, it signals its immense value. So, these ten days are not ordinary days.
They are days in which small acts carry great weight, and sincere intentions could transform lives.
A Calendar of Opportunity
This year, the days unfold as follows:
Monday, May 18 – 1st of Dhul-Hijjah
Tuesday, May 19 – 2nd of Dhul-Hijjah
Wednesday, May 20 – 3rd of Dhul-Hijjah
Thursday, May 21 – 4th of Dhul-Hijjah
Friday, May 22 – 5th of Dhul-Hijjah
Saturday, May 23 – 6th of Dhul-Hijjah
Sunday, May 24 – 7th of Dhul-Hijjah
Monday, May 25 – 8th of Dhul-Hijjah
Tuesday, May 26 – 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah)
Wednesday, May 27 – 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha)
Each day arrives with its own quiet invitation, asking us: What will you do with me?
The Spirit of the Days
Unlike Ramadan, which comes with a communal rhythm – mosques filled, streets alive at night – these ten days often pass more quietly. Yet, in many ways, they are just as spiritually potent as Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that no good deeds are more beloved to Allah than those performed in these days.
This is what makes them remarkable: the door is wide open. Whether one fasts, prays, gives charity, remembers Allah, or simply strives to be kinder and more conscious, every effort is magnified.
Fasting, in particular, becomes a deeply personal act during these days. It is not obligatory, yet it is beloved. It is a choice; one that reflects a yearning to draw closer to Allah. For many, fasting the first nine days, or even a few of them, becomes a way of reclaiming spiritual discipline in the midst of life’s chaos.
The Day That Stands Above All
Among these days, the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah – the Day of Arafah – stands apart.
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, millions of pilgrims will stand on the plains of Arafah, their hands raised, their hearts laid bare before their Creator. It is a scene that transcends geography: a sea of humanity united in humility.
In the same vein, the Day of Arafah holds immense significance for those not performing Hajj. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that fasting on this day expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year. It is a gift: one day that could reshape the spiritual record of two years.
There is something deeply moving about this: while some stand physically on Arafah, others can stand spiritually – wherever they are – through fasting, prayer, and sincere repentance.
Eid: The Celebration of Sacrifice
The tenth day, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, marks Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice.
It is a day of joy, yes – but also a day of profound meaning. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice what was most dear to him in obedience to Allah.
That story is not just history; it is a mirror.
Each believer is quietly asked: What are you willing to sacrifice?
Is it pride? Is it anger? Is it a habit that distances you from Allah?
The sacrifice of Eid is not only about the animal offered; it is about the heart being offered in sincerity.
A Call to Reflect
In Nigeria and across the world, life continues at its usual pace: traffic, deadlines, responsibilities. Yet, these ten days arrive as a gentle interruption.
They remind us that beyond the noise of daily life, there is a deeper purpose.
You do not need to be perfect to benefit from these days. You only need to be willing.
If you can fast, fast – even if it is just one day.
If you can pray more, do so – even if it is just a few extra units.
If you can give, give – even if it is small.
If you can forgive, forgive – even if it is difficult.
What matters is sincerity, not scale.
Essence of Reminder
There is also something rewarding about sharing this knowledge. When you inform someone that these days are approaching, you are not merely passing information. You are opening a door for them.
Perhaps someone will fast because of your reminder.
Perhaps someone will make a prayer he would have otherwise forgotten.
Perhaps someone’s life will change in a way you may never see.
In Islam, this is part of a quiet chain of goodness, where one act leads to another, and the reward continues to ripple outward.
Holding On to the Moment
The tragedy of sacred time is not that it passes but that it often passes unnoticed.
These ten days will come and go, just as they have every year.
The question is not whether they will pass, but how they will pass for you.
Will they be just another set of dates on a calendar?
Or will they become a turning point – no matter how minute – in your relationship with Allah?
Last Line
As Monday, May 18 approaches, there is a quiet excitement in the air for those who are attentive. It is the excitement of knowing that Allah, in His mercy, has given another chance.
Another chance to reset.
Another chance to draw closer.
Another chance to be better than we were yesterday.
So, congratulations:
to those who will fast, to those who will pray,
to those who will give, and
to those who will remind others.
And importantly, congratulations to those who will try.
This is because, in these ten sacred days, trying sincerely is a highly rewarding act for the believer.
_________________
…..Now this:👇👇👇
(Topic 2)
What Should Muslims Do During Hajj Season, If They Are Not Performing Hajj?
Dear brothers and sisters,
We are in the blessed season of Hajj — a time when millions of Muslims gather in the sacred lands, responding to the call of Prophet Ibrāhīm (peace be upon him). While many hearts long to be there physically, Allah in His mercy has not deprived those who remain at home of immense opportunities for reward.
Hajj is not only a journey of the body — it is also a journey of the soul.
So the question is: What should we do if we are not among the pilgrims this year?
1. Increase in Worship and Good Deeds
These days are among the most sacred in the entire year — especially the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that no good deeds are more beloved to Allah than those done in these days.
Increase in:
Ṣalāh (both obligatory and voluntary)
Recitation of the Qur’an
Dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
Charity (Ṣadaqah)
Do not let these days pass like ordinary days.
2. Fasting, Especially the Day of ‘Arafah
For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah carries tremendous reward. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said it expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.
While the pilgrims stand on the plains of ‘Arafah, we too can stand spiritually before Allah — through fasting, humility, and sincere supplication.
3. Engage in Dhikr and Takbīr
Let your homes, mosques, and hearts echo with:
Allāhu Akbar
Alhamdulillāh
Lā ilāha illa Allāh
Revive this Sunnah loudly and collectively in your environment. Let these sacred words replace idle talk.
4. Offer Qurbani (Sacrifice)
If you have the means, participate in the act of sacrifice. It is not just about meat — it is about submission, just as Prophet Ibrāhīm demonstrated his obedience to Allah.
Let this act remind us:
To sacrifice our ego
To sacrifice our sins
To sacrifice our attachment to worldly distractions
5. Strengthen Family and Community Ties
Use this season to:
Visit relatives
Forgive others
Reconcile broken relationships
What is the value of worship if hearts remain divided?
6. Reflect on the Meaning of Hajj
Even if you are not there physically, reflect deeply:
The unity of the Ummah
The equality of mankind before Allah
The reality of the Day of Judgment
Hajj is a rehearsal for the Hereafter — and we must prepare.
Dear brothers and sisters,
Let us not fall into the trap of thinking that only those in Makkah are close to Allah. Closeness to Allah is not about location — it is about devotion.
A person in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, or anywhere in the world can surpass a pilgrim in reward — if his sincerity, humility, and worship are stronger.
So ask yourself:
Have I purified my heart?
Have I repented sincerely?
Have I remembered Allah enough?
A Call to Action
Before these blessed days end:
Make sincere tawbah (repentance)
Set a new spiritual direction
Renew your commitment to Allah
Do not let this season pass without transformation.
_______________
O Allah, grant us the reward of Hajj even if we are not among the pilgrims.
O Allah, accept from those performing Hajj and bring them back safely.
O Allah, purify our hearts, forgive our sins, and unite our Ummah.
O Allah, grant us the opportunity to visit Your Sacred House in the future.
Rabbana taqabbal minnā innaka anta al-Samī‘ al-‘Alīm.
Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression.
________________
Endeavour to recite Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18: Verses 1-110).
Juma’ah Mabrouq
