The Prophet ﷺ said: "There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten." (Bukhārī 969) — Tick items each day. Tap i for sources and guidance.
"Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. And to Allah belongs all praise."
Takbīr muṭlaq (unrestricted): from the 1st of Dhul Ḥijjah through sunset of the 13th — anywhere, anytime, freely. Takbīr muqayyad (restricted): after every farḍ prayer from Fajr of the 9th through ʿAṣr of the 13th.
Ibn ʿUmar and Abū Hurayrah said it openly in the markets until people joined them. — Bukhārī, before 970
If a Friday falls during these days: recite Sūrat al-Kahf during the day · increase ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ · seek the hour of acceptance in the final stretch before Maghrib, when one duʿāʾ is not refused. (Bukhārī 935; Muslim 852; Nasāʾī 1374)
Day One ✓
1 Dhul Ḥijjah
The Niyyah
Entering with intention
— Daily Core —
Sunnah
Fast from before Fajr (after Suhūr) until Maghrib. Make niyyah before Fajr. Fasting in these ten days is among the most beloved deeds to Allah. If fasting all ten is difficult, prioritise the 9th (Yawm ʿArafah) above all — it expiates two years of sins (Muslim 1162).
At Suhūr — even a sip of waterThe Prophet ﷺ said: "Take Suhūr, for in Suhūr there is barakah." (Bukhārī 1923) Eat what is wholesome; drink water generously. Niyyah for the FastThe niyyah is in the heart — you do not need to say it aloud. Simply intend before Fajr to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah. At Iftar — break with dates and water, then say:ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُDhahaba-ẓ-ẓamaʾu wa-btallati-l-ʿurūqu wa thabata-l-ajru in shāʾ Allāh. "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed if Allah wills." (Abū Dāwūd 2357, ḥasan)The duʿāʾ of the fasting person at Iftar — answeredThe Prophet ﷺ said: "For the fasting person at the moment he breaks his fast there is a duʿāʾ that is not refused." (Ibn Mājah 1753) Ask deliberately in the moments before and at the moment of breaking the fast.
Bukhārī 969; Muslim 1162; Abū Dāwūd 2357; Ibn Mājah 1753
The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
2 before Fajr · 4 before + 2 after Ẓuhr · 2 after Maghrib · 2 after ʿIshāʾ. Whoever prays them daily, Allah builds for him a house in Paradise. Muslim 728
Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping and rising before Fajr. Pray at least 2 rakaʿāt, then as many as ease allows. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Night prayer is two by two — and if one fears Fajr is near, let him pray one rakaʿah as Witr." Close always with Witr (minimum: one rakaʿah). The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in sujūd — linger there. Bukhārī 990; Muslim 749, 482
The salaf intensified recitation in these ten days — Saʿīd ibn Jubayr was "as one in iʿtikāf" during them. If a full juzʾ is beyond reach today, a single page read with presence of heart is worth more than a juzʾ read in haste. Begin where you are. Ibn Rajab, Laṭāʾif al-Maʿārif
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
This is the Takbīr muṭlaq — unrestricted glorification. Say it freely and as often as possible from the 1st of Dhul Ḥijjah through sunset of the 13th: in your home, while walking, at work, between tasks. Ibn ʿUmar and Abū Hurayrah said it in the markets until others joined them. There is no specific count — the more, the better.
Bukhārī, before 970
The most beloved speech to Allah is these four phrases. Muslim 2137
"By Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day," said the Prophet ﷺ. Bukhārī 6307
Whoever sends one ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me, Allah sends ten upon him. (Muslim 408)
The Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. "O Allah, send prayers upon Muḥammad and upon the family of Muḥammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrāhīm and the family of Ibrāhīm — verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious…"Bukhārī 3370; Muslim 406
Every act of goodness is ṣadaqah. Give what you can, how you can:
Give WealthGive money — even a small amount — to a trustworthy charity or a person in need. "Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth." (Muslim 2588) Feed OthersBuy food, cook a meal, or leave groceries at a door. "The best of you are those who feed others." (Aḥmad) Ṣadaqah Jāriyah — Ongoing RewardDonate to a water well, a masjid, a Qurʾān project, or an orphan's education — rewards flow even after death. (Muslim 1631) Hidden Ṣadaqah — Ṣadaqat al-SirrPay a bill or settle a debt anonymously — so hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. (Bukhārī 660) Remove Obstacles · Make Way for OthersRemove something harmful from a path. "Removing a harmful thing from the road is ṣadaqah." A man entered Paradise for clearing a branch that hurt Muslims on the road. (Bukhārī & Muslim) Help with Tasks · Ease Another's BurdenHelp someone carry their load, assist with a task they are struggling with. "Helping a man get on his mount is ṣadaqah." (Bukhārī & Muslim) Feed AnimalsGive water or food to a hungry or thirsty animal. Allah forgave a woman of ill repute because she gave water to a dying dog. "In every living thing there is reward." (Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244) Duʿāʾ for OthersMake sincere duʿāʾ for another Muslim by name, for a specific need. The angel says: "Āmīn — and for you the same." (Muslim 2733) A Good Word · A Genuine SmileA kind word is ṣadaqah. A sincere smile at your Muslim brother or sister is ṣadaqah. (Tirmidhī 1956) Muslim 2588; Bukhārī 6021; Tirmidhī 1956; Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244, 1631
Protocol of Duʿāʾ1. Wuḍūʾ · Face the QiblahBegin in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible. 2. Thanāʾ — Praise Allah Firstالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Do not begin with your request. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man jump straight to asking; he said: "This one has rushed." (Abū Dāwūd 1481) 3. Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌDuʿāʾ is held suspended between heaven and earth until the ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ is completed. Do not rush past it. (Tirmidhī 3476)4. Ask — with certainty, not hesitationAsk for deen and dunya. Your health, rizq, parents, children, fears, sins, death, grave, ākhirah. Ask for others by name. "Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs — even the strap of his sandal." (Tirmidhī 3604) 5. Close with Ṣalawāt (Darood) again · ĀmīnEnd as you began — repeat the Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood). Raise your hands throughout; wipe your face at the end. (Abū Dāwūd 1485)
Tirmidhī 2969; Abū Dāwūd 1481, 1485; Tirmidhī 3476, 3604
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
① From Grief, Worry, and Weaknessاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِAllāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika mina-l-hammi wa-l-ḥazan, wa-l-ʿajzi wa-l-kasal, wa-l-bukhli wa-l-jubn, wa ḍalaʿi-d-dayn, wa ghalabati-r-rijāl. "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debt, and from being overpowered by others." — The Prophet ﷺ never left this duʿāʾ. (Bukhārī 7/158; Nasāʾī 5449)② For the Love of Allahاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حُبَّكَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمِنَ الْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ḥubbak, wa ḥubba man yuḥibbuk, wa-l-ʿamala-lladhī yuballighu-nī ḥubbak. Allāhumma-jʿal ḥubbaka aḥabba ilayya min nafsī wa ahlī wa mina-l-māʾi-l-bārid. "O Allah, I ask You for Your love, the love of those who love You, and the deeds that bring me to Your love. O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and cold water." — The duʿāʾ of Dāwūd ﷺ, taught by our Prophet ﷺ. (Tirmidhī 3490, ḥasan)③ For Forgiveness and Well-Beingاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِيAllāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fi-d-dunyā wa-l-ākhirah. Allāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fī dīnī wa dunyāya wa ahlī wa mālī. "O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth." — The Prophet ﷺ never abandoned these every morning and evening. (Ibn Mājah 3871)④ For Beneficial Knowledgeاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًاAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ʿilman nāfiʿan wa rizqan ṭayyiban wa ʿamalan mutaqabbalan. "O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds." — After Fajr. (Ibn Mājah 925, ḥasan)Nasāʾī 5449; Tirmidhī 3490; Ibn Mājah 3871, 925
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
The Qurʾān is full of duʿās put into the mouths of the prophets and the righteous. Use them — they were sent down for you to use.
① The Comprehensive Duʿāʾ — for this world and the nextرَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِRabbanā ātinā fī-d-dunyā ḥasanah, wa fī-l-ākhirati ḥasanah, wa qinā ʿadhāba-n-nār. "Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the next, and protect us from the fire of Hell." — The Prophet's ﷺ most repeated duʿāʾ. (Sūrat al-Baqarah 2:201; Bukhārī 6389)② Mūsā's Duʿāʾ — for clarity, ease, and speechرَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِنْ لِسَانِي يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِيRabbi-shraḥ lī ṣadrī, wa yassir lī amrī, wa-ḥlul ʿuqdatan min lisānī, yafqahū qawlī. "My Lord, expand my chest for me, ease my affair for me, and untie the knot from my tongue so they may understand my speech." — Before any difficult task. (Sūrat Ṭā Hā 20:25–28)③ Duʿāʾ Against Forgetfulness and Trialرَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِنْ نَسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ ۖ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَاRabbanā lā tuʾākhidhnā in nasīnā aw akhṭaʾnā. Rabbanā wa lā taḥmil ʿalaynā iṣran kamā ḥamaltahu ʿalā-lladhīna min qablinā. Rabbanā wa lā tuḥammilnā mā lā ṭāqata lanā bih, wa-ʿfu ʿannā wa-ghfir lanā wa-rḥamnā. "Our Lord, do not hold us accountable if we forget or err. Our Lord, do not lay upon us a burden as You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, do not place on us what we cannot bear. Pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us." (Sūrat al-Baqarah 2:286)④ For Sincerity and Acceptanceرَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُRabbanā taqabbal minnā, innaka anta-s-Samīʿu-l-ʿAlīm. "Our Lord, accept from us. Indeed You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." — Ibrāhīm and Ismāʿīl ﷺ raising the Kaʿbah. (Sūrat al-Baqarah 2:127)⑤ For Steadfastness in Faithرَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّابُRabbanā lā tuzigh qulūbanā baʿda idh hadaytanā wa hab lanā min ladunka raḥmah, innaka anta-l-Wahhāb. "Our Lord, do not deviate our hearts after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from Yourself. Indeed You are the Bestower." (Sūrat Āl ʿImrān 3:8)⑥ The Duʿāʾ of Yūnus ﷺ — from the belly of the whaleلَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَLā ilāha illā anta, subḥānaka, innī kuntu mina-ẓ-ẓālimīn. "There is no god but You, glory be to You — I have been among the wrongdoers." — The Prophet ﷺ said: "No Muslim invokes Allah with this in any matter except that Allah responds to him." (Tirmidhī 3505; Qurʾān 21:87)Qurʾān 2:127, 2:201, 2:286, 3:8, 20:25–28, 21:87; Tirmidhī 3505
Conditional
From the new moon of Dhul Ḥijjah until after the slaughter. Applies only to the one offering the sacrifice, not the household. Muslim 1977, from Umm Salamah
Be conscious of Allah wherever you are, and follow up a bad deed with a good one. Tirmidhī 1987, ḥasan
— Today's Focus —
①إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُIyyāka naʿbudu wa iyyāka nastaʿīn "You alone we worship, You alone we ask for help." — al-Fātiḥah 1:5②بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِBismi-llāhi-r-Raḥmāni-r-Raḥīm "In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful." — al-Fātiḥah 1:1③وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِWa mā khalaqtu-l-jinna wa-l-insa illā li-yaʿbudūn "I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me." — al-Dhāriyāt 51:56④إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِInna ṣalātī wa nusukī wa maḥyāya wa mamātī lillāh "My prayer, my sacrifice, my life, my death — all for Allah." — al-Anʿām 6:162⑤كُن فَيَكُونُKun fa-yakūn "Be — and it is." — Yā Sīn 36:82
Day Two ✓
2 Dhul Ḥijjah
Tawbah
Clearing the floor
— Daily Core —
Sunnah
Fast from before Fajr (after Suhūr) until Maghrib. Make niyyah before Fajr. Fasting in these ten days is among the most beloved deeds to Allah. If fasting all ten is difficult, prioritise the 9th (Yawm ʿArafah) above all — it expiates two years of sins (Muslim 1162).
At Suhūr — even a sip of waterThe Prophet ﷺ said: "Take Suhūr, for in Suhūr there is barakah." (Bukhārī 1923) Eat what is wholesome; drink water generously. Niyyah for the FastThe niyyah is in the heart — you do not need to say it aloud. Simply intend before Fajr to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah. At Iftar — break with dates and water, then say:ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُDhahaba-ẓ-ẓamaʾu wa-btallati-l-ʿurūqu wa thabata-l-ajru in shāʾ Allāh. "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed if Allah wills." (Abū Dāwūd 2357, ḥasan)The duʿāʾ of the fasting person at Iftar — answeredThe Prophet ﷺ said: "For the fasting person at the moment he breaks his fast there is a duʿāʾ that is not refused." (Ibn Mājah 1753) Ask deliberately in the moments before and at the moment of breaking the fast.
Bukhārī 969; Muslim 1162; Abū Dāwūd 2357; Ibn Mājah 1753
The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
2 before Fajr · 4 before + 2 after Ẓuhr · 2 after Maghrib · 2 after ʿIshāʾ. Whoever prays them daily, Allah builds for him a house in Paradise. Muslim 728
Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping and rising before Fajr. Pray at least 2 rakaʿāt, then as many as ease allows. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Night prayer is two by two — and if one fears Fajr is near, let him pray one rakaʿah as Witr." Close always with Witr (minimum: one rakaʿah). The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in sujūd — linger there. Bukhārī 990; Muslim 749, 482
The salaf intensified recitation in these ten days — Saʿīd ibn Jubayr was "as one in iʿtikāf" during them. If a full juzʾ is beyond reach today, a single page read with presence of heart is worth more than a juzʾ read in haste. Begin where you are. Ibn Rajab, Laṭāʾif al-Maʿārif
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
This is the Takbīr muṭlaq — unrestricted glorification. Say it freely and as often as possible from the 1st of Dhul Ḥijjah through sunset of the 13th: in your home, while walking, at work, between tasks. Ibn ʿUmar and Abū Hurayrah said it in the markets until others joined them. There is no specific count — the more, the better.
Bukhārī, before 970
The most beloved speech to Allah is these four phrases. Muslim 2137
"By Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day," said the Prophet ﷺ. Bukhārī 6307
Whoever sends one ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me, Allah sends ten upon him. (Muslim 408)
The Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. "O Allah, send prayers upon Muḥammad and upon the family of Muḥammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrāhīm and the family of Ibrāhīm — verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious…"Bukhārī 3370; Muslim 406
Every act of goodness is ṣadaqah. Give what you can, how you can:
Give WealthGive money — even a small amount — to a trustworthy charity or a person in need. "Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth." (Muslim 2588) Feed OthersBuy food, cook a meal, or leave groceries at a door. "The best of you are those who feed others." (Aḥmad) Ṣadaqah Jāriyah — Ongoing RewardDonate to a water well, a masjid, a Qurʾān project, or an orphan's education — rewards flow even after death. (Muslim 1631) Hidden Ṣadaqah — Ṣadaqat al-SirrPay a bill or settle a debt anonymously — so hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. (Bukhārī 660) Remove Obstacles · Make Way for OthersRemove something harmful from a path. "Removing a harmful thing from the road is ṣadaqah." A man entered Paradise for clearing a branch that hurt Muslims on the road. (Bukhārī & Muslim) Help with Tasks · Ease Another's BurdenHelp someone carry their load, assist with a task they are struggling with. "Helping a man get on his mount is ṣadaqah." (Bukhārī & Muslim) Feed AnimalsGive water or food to a hungry or thirsty animal. Allah forgave a woman of ill repute because she gave water to a dying dog. "In every living thing there is reward." (Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244) Duʿāʾ for OthersMake sincere duʿāʾ for another Muslim by name, for a specific need. The angel says: "Āmīn — and for you the same." (Muslim 2733) A Good Word · A Genuine SmileA kind word is ṣadaqah. A sincere smile at your Muslim brother or sister is ṣadaqah. (Tirmidhī 1956) Muslim 2588; Bukhārī 6021; Tirmidhī 1956; Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244, 1631
Protocol of Duʿāʾ1. Wuḍūʾ · Face the QiblahBegin in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible. 2. Thanāʾ — Praise Allah Firstالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Do not begin with your request. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man jump straight to asking; he said: "This one has rushed." (Abū Dāwūd 1481) 3. Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌDuʿāʾ is held suspended between heaven and earth until the ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ is completed. Do not rush past it. (Tirmidhī 3476)4. Ask — with certainty, not hesitationAsk for deen and dunya. Your health, rizq, parents, children, fears, sins, death, grave, ākhirah. Ask for others by name. "Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs — even the strap of his sandal." (Tirmidhī 3604) 5. Close with Ṣalawāt (Darood) again · ĀmīnEnd as you began — repeat the Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood). Raise your hands throughout; wipe your face at the end. (Abū Dāwūd 1485)
Tirmidhī 2969; Abū Dāwūd 1481, 1485; Tirmidhī 3476, 3604
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
① From Grief, Worry, and Weaknessاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِAllāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika mina-l-hammi wa-l-ḥazan, wa-l-ʿajzi wa-l-kasal, wa-l-bukhli wa-l-jubn, wa ḍalaʿi-d-dayn, wa ghalabati-r-rijāl. "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debt, and from being overpowered by others." — The Prophet ﷺ never left this duʿāʾ. (Bukhārī 7/158; Nasāʾī 5449)② For the Love of Allahاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حُبَّكَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمِنَ الْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ḥubbak, wa ḥubba man yuḥibbuk, wa-l-ʿamala-lladhī yuballighu-nī ḥubbak. Allāhumma-jʿal ḥubbaka aḥabba ilayya min nafsī wa ahlī wa mina-l-māʾi-l-bārid. "O Allah, I ask You for Your love, the love of those who love You, and the deeds that bring me to Your love. O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and cold water." — The duʿāʾ of Dāwūd ﷺ, taught by our Prophet ﷺ. (Tirmidhī 3490, ḥasan)③ For Forgiveness and Well-Beingاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِيAllāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fi-d-dunyā wa-l-ākhirah. Allāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fī dīnī wa dunyāya wa ahlī wa mālī. "O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth." — The Prophet ﷺ never abandoned these every morning and evening. (Ibn Mājah 3871)④ For Beneficial Knowledgeاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًاAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ʿilman nāfiʿan wa rizqan ṭayyiban wa ʿamalan mutaqabbalan. "O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds." — After Fajr. (Ibn Mājah 925, ḥasan)Nasāʾī 5449; Tirmidhī 3490; Ibn Mājah 3871, 925
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
The Qurʾān gives the words of those who turned back to Allah — Adam, Mūsā, Yūnus, the believers. Borrow their voices.
① The First Duʿāʾ — Ādam and Ḥawwāʾ after the fallرَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَRabbanā ẓalamnā anfusanā wa in lam taghfir lanā wa tarḥamnā la-nakūnanna mina-l-khāsirīn "Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we shall surely be among the losers." — The very first words of human repentance recorded in Revelation. (Sūrat al-Aʿrāf 7:23)② Mūsā’s Confessionرَبِّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي فَاغْفِرْ لِيRabbi innī ẓalamtu nafsī fa-ghfir lī "My Lord, I have wronged myself, so forgive me." — Said after the unintended killing — six words that name and request without excuse. (Sūrat al-Qaṣaṣ 28:16)③ The Believers’ Confessionرَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِRabbanā innanā āmannā fa-ghfir lanā dhunūbanā wa qinā ʿadhāba-n-nār "Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us our sins and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." — The plea of those who answered the caller. (Sūrat Āl ʿImrān 3:16)④ For Steadfastness After Forgivenessرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَإِسْرَافَنَا فِي أَمْرِنَا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَRabbanā-ghfir lanā dhunūbanā wa isrāfanā fī amrinā wa thabbit aqdāmanā wa-nṣurnā ʿalā-l-qawmi-l-kāfirīn "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and our excesses in our affairs, plant our feet firmly, and grant us victory over the disbelieving people." — Forgiveness is the start — staying upright after it is the test. (Sūrat Āl ʿImrān 3:147)⑤ For the Perfecting of Lightرَبَّنَا أَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌRabbanā atmim lanā nūranā wa-ghfir lanā innaka ʿalā kulli shayʾin qadīr "Our Lord, perfect our light for us, and forgive us. You are over all things competent." — For the Day when believers walk by the light of their deeds. (Sūrat al-Taḥrīm 66:8)⑥ The Angels’ Duʿāʾ for Those Who Repentرَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ رَّحْمَةً وَعِلْمًا فَاغْفِرْ لِلَّذِينَ تَابُوا وَاتَّبَعُوا سَبِيلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ الْجَحِيمِRabbanā wasiʿta kulla shayʾin raḥmatan wa ʿilman fa-ghfir lilladhīna tābū wa-ttabaʿū sabīlaka wa qihim ʿadhāba-l-jaḥīm "Our Lord, You encompass all things in mercy and knowledge — forgive those who repent and follow Your way, and shield them from the punishment of Hellfire." — The bearers of the Throne praying for the repentant. Slip into the recipients of this duʿāʾ. (Sūrat Ghāfir 40:7)Sūrat al-Aʿrāf 7:23; al-Qaṣaṣ 28:16; Āl ʿImrān 3:16, 3:147; al-Taḥrīm 66:8; Ghāfir 40:7
— Today's Focus —
The ḤadīthAbū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq رضي الله عنه narrated: the Prophet ﷺ said: "There is no man who commits a sin, then rises, purifies himself (wuḍūʾ), and prays two rakaʿāt, then seeks Allah's forgiveness — except that Allah forgives him."Abū Dāwūd 1521; Tirmidhī 406 — ḥasan
How to Pray It1. Make wuḍūʾ — with the intention of tawbah. 2. Pray two rakaʿāt — any sūrahs you know. No specific sūrah is required. 3. After salām: sit, raise your hands, name the sin internally, feel its weight. 4. Recite Sayyid al-Istighfār (see Morning Adhkār above). 5. Make a firm, heart-spoken resolution: "Yā Allah, I leave this for Your sake. Do not let me return to it."
Four Conditions of Tawbah(1) Regret — feel its weight. (2) Cessation — stop immediately. (3) Resolve — firm intention not to return. (4) Restitution — if a person's right was violated, return it or seek their forgiveness.
Ibn Qudāmah; agreement of scholars
①لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِLā taqnaṭū min raḥmati-llāh "Do not despair of Allah's mercy." — al-Zumar 39:53②إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَInna-llāha yuḥibbu-t-tawwābīn "Allah loves those who turn back to Him in repentance." — al-Baqarah 2:222③وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللَّهَWa-staghfirū-llāh "And seek Allah's forgiveness." — al-Baqarah 2:199④تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًاTūbū ilā-llāhi tawbatan naṣūḥā "Turn to Allah with sincere repentance." — al-Taḥrīm 66:8⑤إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌInna-llāha Ghafūrun Raḥīm "Indeed Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." — al-Baqarah 2:173
Day Three ✓
3 Dhul Ḥijjah
The Speech of Allah
Returning to the Qurʾān
— Daily Core —
Sunnah
Fast from before Fajr (after Suhūr) until Maghrib. Make niyyah before Fajr. Fasting in these ten days is among the most beloved deeds to Allah. If fasting all ten is difficult, prioritise the 9th (Yawm ʿArafah) above all — it expiates two years of sins (Muslim 1162).
At Suhūr — even a sip of waterThe Prophet ﷺ said: "Take Suhūr, for in Suhūr there is barakah." (Bukhārī 1923) Eat what is wholesome; drink water generously. Niyyah for the FastThe niyyah is in the heart — you do not need to say it aloud. Simply intend before Fajr to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah. At Iftar — break with dates and water, then say:ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُDhahaba-ẓ-ẓamaʾu wa-btallati-l-ʿurūqu wa thabata-l-ajru in shāʾ Allāh. "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed if Allah wills." (Abū Dāwūd 2357, ḥasan)The duʿāʾ of the fasting person at Iftar — answeredThe Prophet ﷺ said: "For the fasting person at the moment he breaks his fast there is a duʿāʾ that is not refused." (Ibn Mājah 1753) Ask deliberately in the moments before and at the moment of breaking the fast.
Bukhārī 969; Muslim 1162; Abū Dāwūd 2357; Ibn Mājah 1753
The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
2 before Fajr · 4 before + 2 after Ẓuhr · 2 after Maghrib · 2 after ʿIshāʾ. Whoever prays them daily, Allah builds for him a house in Paradise. Muslim 728
Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping and rising before Fajr. Pray at least 2 rakaʿāt, then as many as ease allows. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Night prayer is two by two — and if one fears Fajr is near, let him pray one rakaʿah as Witr." Close always with Witr (minimum: one rakaʿah). The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in sujūd — linger there. Bukhārī 990; Muslim 749, 482
The salaf intensified recitation in these ten days — Saʿīd ibn Jubayr was "as one in iʿtikāf" during them. If a full juzʾ is beyond reach today, a single page read with presence of heart is worth more than a juzʾ read in haste. Begin where you are. Ibn Rajab, Laṭāʾif al-Maʿārif
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
This is the Takbīr muṭlaq — unrestricted glorification. Say it freely and as often as possible from the 1st of Dhul Ḥijjah through sunset of the 13th: in your home, while walking, at work, between tasks. Ibn ʿUmar and Abū Hurayrah said it in the markets until others joined them. There is no specific count — the more, the better.
Bukhārī, before 970
The most beloved speech to Allah is these four phrases. Muslim 2137
"By Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day," said the Prophet ﷺ. Bukhārī 6307
Whoever sends one ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me, Allah sends ten upon him. (Muslim 408)
The Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. "O Allah, send prayers upon Muḥammad and upon the family of Muḥammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrāhīm and the family of Ibrāhīm — verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious…"Bukhārī 3370; Muslim 406
Every act of goodness is ṣadaqah. Give what you can, how you can:
Give WealthGive money — even a small amount — to a trustworthy charity or a person in need. "Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth." (Muslim 2588) Feed OthersBuy food, cook a meal, or leave groceries at a door. "The best of you are those who feed others." (Aḥmad) Ṣadaqah Jāriyah — Ongoing RewardDonate to a water well, a masjid, a Qurʾān project, or an orphan's education — rewards flow even after death. (Muslim 1631) Hidden Ṣadaqah — Ṣadaqat al-SirrPay a bill or settle a debt anonymously — so hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. (Bukhārī 660) Remove Obstacles · Make Way for OthersRemove something harmful from a path. "Removing a harmful thing from the road is ṣadaqah." A man entered Paradise for clearing a branch that hurt Muslims on the road. (Bukhārī & Muslim) Help with Tasks · Ease Another's BurdenHelp someone carry their load, assist with a task they are struggling with. "Helping a man get on his mount is ṣadaqah." (Bukhārī & Muslim) Feed AnimalsGive water or food to a hungry or thirsty animal. Allah forgave a woman of ill repute because she gave water to a dying dog. "In every living thing there is reward." (Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244) Duʿāʾ for OthersMake sincere duʿāʾ for another Muslim by name, for a specific need. The angel says: "Āmīn — and for you the same." (Muslim 2733) A Good Word · A Genuine SmileA kind word is ṣadaqah. A sincere smile at your Muslim brother or sister is ṣadaqah. (Tirmidhī 1956) Muslim 2588; Bukhārī 6021; Tirmidhī 1956; Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244, 1631
Protocol of Duʿāʾ1. Wuḍūʾ · Face the QiblahBegin in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible. 2. Thanāʾ — Praise Allah Firstالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Do not begin with your request. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man jump straight to asking; he said: "This one has rushed." (Abū Dāwūd 1481) 3. Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌDuʿāʾ is held suspended between heaven and earth until the ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ is completed. Do not rush past it. (Tirmidhī 3476)4. Ask — with certainty, not hesitationAsk for deen and dunya. Your health, rizq, parents, children, fears, sins, death, grave, ākhirah. Ask for others by name. "Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs — even the strap of his sandal." (Tirmidhī 3604) 5. Close with Ṣalawāt (Darood) again · ĀmīnEnd as you began — repeat the Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood). Raise your hands throughout; wipe your face at the end. (Abū Dāwūd 1485)
Tirmidhī 2969; Abū Dāwūd 1481, 1485; Tirmidhī 3476, 3604
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
① From Grief, Worry, and Weaknessاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِAllāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika mina-l-hammi wa-l-ḥazan, wa-l-ʿajzi wa-l-kasal, wa-l-bukhli wa-l-jubn, wa ḍalaʿi-d-dayn, wa ghalabati-r-rijāl. "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debt, and from being overpowered by others." — The Prophet ﷺ never left this duʿāʾ. (Bukhārī 7/158; Nasāʾī 5449)② For the Love of Allahاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حُبَّكَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمِنَ الْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ḥubbak, wa ḥubba man yuḥibbuk, wa-l-ʿamala-lladhī yuballighu-nī ḥubbak. Allāhumma-jʿal ḥubbaka aḥabba ilayya min nafsī wa ahlī wa mina-l-māʾi-l-bārid. "O Allah, I ask You for Your love, the love of those who love You, and the deeds that bring me to Your love. O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and cold water." — The duʿāʾ of Dāwūd ﷺ, taught by our Prophet ﷺ. (Tirmidhī 3490, ḥasan)③ For Forgiveness and Well-Beingاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِيAllāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fi-d-dunyā wa-l-ākhirah. Allāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fī dīnī wa dunyāya wa ahlī wa mālī. "O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth." — The Prophet ﷺ never abandoned these every morning and evening. (Ibn Mājah 3871)④ For Beneficial Knowledgeاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًاAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ʿilman nāfiʿan wa rizqan ṭayyiban wa ʿamalan mutaqabbalan. "O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds." — After Fajr. (Ibn Mājah 925, ḥasan)Nasāʾī 5449; Tirmidhī 3490; Ibn Mājah 3871, 925
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
Asking for knowledge is itself an act of worship. The Prophet ﷺ was commanded to say one of these directly.
① The Most Concise Knowledge Duʿāʾرَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًاRabbi zidnī ʿilmā "My Lord, increase me in knowledge." — The only duʿāʾ Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ to ask for an increase in. (Sūrat Ṭā Hā 20:114)② Affirmation of the Revealed Bookرَبَّنَا آمَنَّا بِمَا أَنزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُولَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَRabbanā āmannā bi-mā anzalta wa-ttabaʿnā-r-rasūla fa-ktubnā maʿa-sh-shāhidīn "Our Lord, we have believed in what You have sent down and we have followed the Messenger — so write us down among the witnesses." — The disciples of ʿĪsā ﷺ. Stand with them. (Sūrat Āl ʿImrān 3:53)③ Shuʿayb’s Duʿāʾ for True Judgementرَبَّنَا افْتَحْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ قَوْمِنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْفَاتِحِينَRabbanā-ftaḥ baynanā wa bayna qawminā bi-l-ḥaqqi wa anta khayru-l-fātiḥīn "Our Lord, judge between us and our people in truth — You are the best of those who give decision." — When the truth is contested. (Sūrat al-Aʿrāf 7:89)④ Yūsuf’s Duʿāʾ of Gratitude for Understandingرَبِّ قَدْ آتَيْتَنِي مِنَ الْمُلْكِ وَعَلَّمْتَنِي مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ ... تَوَفَّنِي مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَRabbi qad ātaytanī mina-l-mulki wa ʿallamtanī min taʾwīli-l-aḥādīth... tawaffanī musliman wa alḥiqnī bi-ṣ-ṣāliḥīn "My Lord, You have given me of sovereignty and taught me the interpretation of events... cause me to die in submission and join me with the righteous." — For knowledge that ends in surrender, not pride. (Sūrat Yūsuf 12:101)⑤ Ibrāhīm’s Duʿāʾ for Wisdomرَبِّ هَبْ لِي حُكْمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَRabbi hab lī ḥukman wa alḥiqnī bi-ṣ-ṣāliḥīn "My Lord, grant me wisdom and join me with the righteous." — The duʿāʾ that asks for both the substance and the company. (Sūrat al-Shuʿarāʾ 26:83)⑥ Zakariyyā’s Duʿāʾ for an Inheritor of Knowledgeفَهَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيًّا يَرِثُنِي وَيَرِثُ مِنْ آلِ يَعْقُوبَ ۖ وَاجْعَلْهُ رَبِّ رَضِيًّاFa-hab lī min ladunka waliyyan, yarithunī wa yarithu min āli Yaʿqūb, wa-jʿalhu rabbi raḍiyyā "Grant me from Yourself an heir who will inherit from me and from the family of Yaʿqūb — and make him, my Lord, pleasing." — For passing on what cannot die. (Sūrat Maryam 19:5–6)Sūrat Ṭā Hā 20:114; Āl ʿImrān 3:53; al-Aʿrāf 7:89; Yūsuf 12:101; al-Shuʿarāʾ 26:83; Maryam 19:5–6
— Today's Focus —
①هَٰذَا بَلَاغٌ لِّلنَّاسِHādhā balāghun li-n-nās "This is a message for mankind." — Ibrāhīm 14:52②إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَInnā naḥnu nazzalnā-dh-dhikra wa innā lahu la-ḥāfiẓūn "Indeed We have sent down the Reminder, and We will surely preserve it." — al-Ḥijr 15:9③وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِWa la-qad yassarnā-l-Qurʾāna lidh-dhikr "We have made the Qurʾān easy to remember." — al-Qamar 54:17④وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌWa nunazzilu mina-l-Qurʾāni mā huwa shifāʾun wa raḥmah "We send down of the Qurʾān that which is healing and mercy." — al-Isrāʾ 17:82⑤إِنَّ عَلَيْنَا جَمْعَهُ وَقُرْآنَهُInna ʿalaynā jamʿahu wa qurʾānah "Indeed upon Us is its collection and its recitation." — al-Qiyāmah 75:17
Day Four ✓
4 Dhul Ḥijjah
The Hand That Gives
Ṣadaqah — public and hidden
— Daily Core —
Sunnah
Fast from before Fajr (after Suhūr) until Maghrib. Make niyyah before Fajr. Fasting in these ten days is among the most beloved deeds to Allah. If fasting all ten is difficult, prioritise the 9th (Yawm ʿArafah) above all — it expiates two years of sins (Muslim 1162).
At Suhūr — even a sip of waterThe Prophet ﷺ said: "Take Suhūr, for in Suhūr there is barakah." (Bukhārī 1923) Eat what is wholesome; drink water generously. Niyyah for the FastThe niyyah is in the heart — you do not need to say it aloud. Simply intend before Fajr to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah. At Iftar — break with dates and water, then say:ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُDhahaba-ẓ-ẓamaʾu wa-btallati-l-ʿurūqu wa thabata-l-ajru in shāʾ Allāh. "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed if Allah wills." (Abū Dāwūd 2357, ḥasan)The duʿāʾ of the fasting person at Iftar — answeredThe Prophet ﷺ said: "For the fasting person at the moment he breaks his fast there is a duʿāʾ that is not refused." (Ibn Mājah 1753) Ask deliberately in the moments before and at the moment of breaking the fast.
Bukhārī 969; Muslim 1162; Abū Dāwūd 2357; Ibn Mājah 1753
The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
2 before Fajr · 4 before + 2 after Ẓuhr · 2 after Maghrib · 2 after ʿIshāʾ. Whoever prays them daily, Allah builds for him a house in Paradise. Muslim 728
Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping and rising before Fajr. Pray at least 2 rakaʿāt, then as many as ease allows. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Night prayer is two by two — and if one fears Fajr is near, let him pray one rakaʿah as Witr." Close always with Witr (minimum: one rakaʿah). The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in sujūd — linger there. Bukhārī 990; Muslim 749, 482
The salaf intensified recitation in these ten days — Saʿīd ibn Jubayr was "as one in iʿtikāf" during them. If a full juzʾ is beyond reach today, a single page read with presence of heart is worth more than a juzʾ read in haste. Begin where you are. Ibn Rajab, Laṭāʾif al-Maʿārif
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
This is the Takbīr muṭlaq — unrestricted glorification. Say it freely and as often as possible from the 1st of Dhul Ḥijjah through sunset of the 13th: in your home, while walking, at work, between tasks. Ibn ʿUmar and Abū Hurayrah said it in the markets until others joined them. There is no specific count — the more, the better.
Bukhārī, before 970
The most beloved speech to Allah is these four phrases. Muslim 2137
"By Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day," said the Prophet ﷺ. Bukhārī 6307
Whoever sends one ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me, Allah sends ten upon him. (Muslim 408)
The Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. "O Allah, send prayers upon Muḥammad and upon the family of Muḥammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrāhīm and the family of Ibrāhīm — verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious…"Bukhārī 3370; Muslim 406
Every act of goodness is ṣadaqah. Give what you can, how you can:
Give WealthGive money — even a small amount — to a trustworthy charity or a person in need. "Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth." (Muslim 2588) Feed OthersBuy food, cook a meal, or leave groceries at a door. "The best of you are those who feed others." (Aḥmad) Ṣadaqah Jāriyah — Ongoing RewardDonate to a water well, a masjid, a Qurʾān project, or an orphan's education — rewards flow even after death. (Muslim 1631) Hidden Ṣadaqah — Ṣadaqat al-SirrPay a bill or settle a debt anonymously — so hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. (Bukhārī 660) Remove Obstacles · Make Way for OthersRemove something harmful from a path. "Removing a harmful thing from the road is ṣadaqah." A man entered Paradise for clearing a branch that hurt Muslims on the road. (Bukhārī & Muslim) Help with Tasks · Ease Another's BurdenHelp someone carry their load, assist with a task they are struggling with. "Helping a man get on his mount is ṣadaqah." (Bukhārī & Muslim) Feed AnimalsGive water or food to a hungry or thirsty animal. Allah forgave a woman of ill repute because she gave water to a dying dog. "In every living thing there is reward." (Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244) Duʿāʾ for OthersMake sincere duʿāʾ for another Muslim by name, for a specific need. The angel says: "Āmīn — and for you the same." (Muslim 2733) A Good Word · A Genuine SmileA kind word is ṣadaqah. A sincere smile at your Muslim brother or sister is ṣadaqah. (Tirmidhī 1956) Muslim 2588; Bukhārī 6021; Tirmidhī 1956; Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244, 1631
Protocol of Duʿāʾ1. Wuḍūʾ · Face the QiblahBegin in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible. 2. Thanāʾ — Praise Allah Firstالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Do not begin with your request. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man jump straight to asking; he said: "This one has rushed." (Abū Dāwūd 1481) 3. Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌDuʿāʾ is held suspended between heaven and earth until the ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ is completed. Do not rush past it. (Tirmidhī 3476)4. Ask — with certainty, not hesitationAsk for deen and dunya. Your health, rizq, parents, children, fears, sins, death, grave, ākhirah. Ask for others by name. "Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs — even the strap of his sandal." (Tirmidhī 3604) 5. Close with Ṣalawāt (Darood) again · ĀmīnEnd as you began — repeat the Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood). Raise your hands throughout; wipe your face at the end. (Abū Dāwūd 1485)
Tirmidhī 2969; Abū Dāwūd 1481, 1485; Tirmidhī 3476, 3604
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
① From Grief, Worry, and Weaknessاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِAllāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika mina-l-hammi wa-l-ḥazan, wa-l-ʿajzi wa-l-kasal, wa-l-bukhli wa-l-jubn, wa ḍalaʿi-d-dayn, wa ghalabati-r-rijāl. "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debt, and from being overpowered by others." — The Prophet ﷺ never left this duʿāʾ. (Bukhārī 7/158; Nasāʾī 5449)② For the Love of Allahاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حُبَّكَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمِنَ الْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ḥubbak, wa ḥubba man yuḥibbuk, wa-l-ʿamala-lladhī yuballighu-nī ḥubbak. Allāhumma-jʿal ḥubbaka aḥabba ilayya min nafsī wa ahlī wa mina-l-māʾi-l-bārid. "O Allah, I ask You for Your love, the love of those who love You, and the deeds that bring me to Your love. O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and cold water." — The duʿāʾ of Dāwūd ﷺ, taught by our Prophet ﷺ. (Tirmidhī 3490, ḥasan)③ For Forgiveness and Well-Beingاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِيAllāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fi-d-dunyā wa-l-ākhirah. Allāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fī dīnī wa dunyāya wa ahlī wa mālī. "O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth." — The Prophet ﷺ never abandoned these every morning and evening. (Ibn Mājah 3871)④ For Beneficial Knowledgeاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًاAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ʿilman nāfiʿan wa rizqan ṭayyiban wa ʿamalan mutaqabbalan. "O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds." — After Fajr. (Ibn Mājah 925, ḥasan)Nasāʾī 5449; Tirmidhī 3490; Ibn Mājah 3871, 925
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
The Qurʾān teaches that asking Allah for provision is dignity, not desperation. The greatest of the prophets asked.
① Mūsā’s Duʿāʾ When in Needرَبِّ إِنِّي لِمَا أَنزَلْتَ إِلَيَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌRabbi innī limā anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqīr "My Lord, I am, for whatever good You send down to me, in need." — Said when he had nothing — and shortly after, everything opened. (Sūrat al-Qaṣaṣ 28:24)② Shuʿayb’s Duʿāʾ of Tawakkulوَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ ۚ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُWa mā tawfīqī illā billāh, ʿalayhi tawakkaltu wa ilayhi unīb "My success is only by Allah. Upon Him I rely, and to Him I turn." — For when the work is yours but the outcome is His. (Sūrat Hūd 11:88)③ ʿĪsā’s Duʿāʾ for Sustenance from the Skyرَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَائِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ ... وَارْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَRabbanā anzil ʿalaynā māʾidatan mina-s-samāʾi... wa-rzuqnā wa anta khayru-r-rāziqīn "Our Lord, send down upon us a table from the heaven... and provide for us — You are the best of providers." — For provision that comes from a direction you did not expect. (Sūrat al-Māʾidah 5:114)④ The Sleepers of the Caveرَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًاRabbanā ātinā min ladunka raḥmatan wa hayyiʾ lanā min amrinā rashadā "Our Lord, grant us mercy from Yourself and prepare for us right guidance in our affair." — When you cannot see the way through — ask Him to prepare it. (Sūrat al-Kahf 18:10)⑤ The Believer at Forty — Comprehensive Gratitudeرَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِيRabbi awziʿnī an ashkura niʿmataka allatī anʿamta ʿalayya wa ʿalā wālidayya wa an aʿmala ṣāliḥan tarḍāhu wa aṣliḥ lī fī dhurriyyatī "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor upon me and my parents, to do righteous deeds You approve of, and grant me righteousness in my offspring." — The most complete gratitude duʿāʾ in the Qurʾān — covers the past, present, and the line that follows you. (Sūrat al-Aḥqāf 46:15)Sūrat al-Qaṣaṣ 28:24; Hūd 11:88; al-Māʾidah 5:114; al-Kahf 18:10; al-Aḥqāf 46:15
— Today's Focus —
So hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. Bukhārī 660
The Prophet ﷺ said: "I and the one who sponsors an orphan will be like this in Paradise" — and he joined his index and middle finger. (Bukhārī 5304)
Sponsorship does not require legal adoption. A consistent monthly contribution to a verified orphan welfare organisation — even the cost of a single meal — earns this closeness to the Prophet ﷺ. "The most beloved deeds to Allah are the most consistent, even if small." (Bukhārī 6464)
Bukhārī 5304, 6464
①لَن تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَLan tanālu-l-birra ḥattā tunfiqū mimmā tuḥibbūn "You will not attain piety until you give from what you love." — Āl ʿImrān 3:92②إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَInna-llāha yuḥibbu-l-muḥsinīn "Allah loves those who do good." — al-Baqarah 2:195③وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنفُسِكُمْWa mā tunfiqū min khayrin fa-li-anfusikum "Whatever good you spend is for yourselves." — al-Baqarah 2:272④خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةًKhudh min amwālihim ṣadaqah "Take from their wealth a charity." — al-Tawbah 9:103⑤وَفِي أَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ لِّلسَّائِلِ وَالْمَحْرُومِWa fī amwālihim ḥaqqun li-s-sāʾili wa-l-maḥrūm "In their wealth is a right for the beggar and the deprived." — al-Dhāriyāt 51:19
Day Five ✓
5 Dhul Ḥijjah
The Architecture of Salāh
Farḍ · Sunnah · Nāfilah — three tiers, one ascent
— Daily Core —
Sunnah
Fast from before Fajr (after Suhūr) until Maghrib. Make niyyah before Fajr. Fasting in these ten days is among the most beloved deeds to Allah. If fasting all ten is difficult, prioritise the 9th (Yawm ʿArafah) above all — it expiates two years of sins (Muslim 1162).
At Suhūr — even a sip of waterThe Prophet ﷺ said: "Take Suhūr, for in Suhūr there is barakah." (Bukhārī 1923) Eat what is wholesome; drink water generously. Niyyah for the FastThe niyyah is in the heart — you do not need to say it aloud. Simply intend before Fajr to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah. At Iftar — break with dates and water, then say:ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُDhahaba-ẓ-ẓamaʾu wa-btallati-l-ʿurūqu wa thabata-l-ajru in shāʾ Allāh. "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed if Allah wills." (Abū Dāwūd 2357, ḥasan)The duʿāʾ of the fasting person at Iftar — answeredThe Prophet ﷺ said: "For the fasting person at the moment he breaks his fast there is a duʿāʾ that is not refused." (Ibn Mājah 1753) Ask deliberately in the moments before and at the moment of breaking the fast.
Bukhārī 969; Muslim 1162; Abū Dāwūd 2357; Ibn Mājah 1753
The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
2 before Fajr · 4 before + 2 after Ẓuhr · 2 after Maghrib · 2 after ʿIshāʾ. Whoever prays them daily, Allah builds for him a house in Paradise. Muslim 728
Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping and rising before Fajr. Pray at least 2 rakaʿāt, then as many as ease allows. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Night prayer is two by two — and if one fears Fajr is near, let him pray one rakaʿah as Witr." Close always with Witr (minimum: one rakaʿah). The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in sujūd — linger there. Bukhārī 990; Muslim 749, 482
The salaf intensified recitation in these ten days — Saʿīd ibn Jubayr was "as one in iʿtikāf" during them. If a full juzʾ is beyond reach today, a single page read with presence of heart is worth more than a juzʾ read in haste. Begin where you are. Ibn Rajab, Laṭāʾif al-Maʿārif
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
This is the Takbīr muṭlaq — unrestricted glorification. Say it freely and as often as possible from the 1st of Dhul Ḥijjah through sunset of the 13th: in your home, while walking, at work, between tasks. Ibn ʿUmar and Abū Hurayrah said it in the markets until others joined them. There is no specific count — the more, the better.
Bukhārī, before 970
The most beloved speech to Allah is these four phrases. Muslim 2137
"By Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day," said the Prophet ﷺ. Bukhārī 6307
Whoever sends one ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me, Allah sends ten upon him. (Muslim 408)
The Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. "O Allah, send prayers upon Muḥammad and upon the family of Muḥammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrāhīm and the family of Ibrāhīm — verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious…"Bukhārī 3370; Muslim 406
Every act of goodness is ṣadaqah. Give what you can, how you can:
Give WealthGive money — even a small amount — to a trustworthy charity or a person in need. "Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth." (Muslim 2588) Feed OthersBuy food, cook a meal, or leave groceries at a door. "The best of you are those who feed others." (Aḥmad) Ṣadaqah Jāriyah — Ongoing RewardDonate to a water well, a masjid, a Qurʾān project, or an orphan's education — rewards flow even after death. (Muslim 1631) Hidden Ṣadaqah — Ṣadaqat al-SirrPay a bill or settle a debt anonymously — so hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. (Bukhārī 660) Remove Obstacles · Make Way for OthersRemove something harmful from a path. "Removing a harmful thing from the road is ṣadaqah." A man entered Paradise for clearing a branch that hurt Muslims on the road. (Bukhārī & Muslim) Help with Tasks · Ease Another's BurdenHelp someone carry their load, assist with a task they are struggling with. "Helping a man get on his mount is ṣadaqah." (Bukhārī & Muslim) Feed AnimalsGive water or food to a hungry or thirsty animal. Allah forgave a woman of ill repute because she gave water to a dying dog. "In every living thing there is reward." (Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244) Duʿāʾ for OthersMake sincere duʿāʾ for another Muslim by name, for a specific need. The angel says: "Āmīn — and for you the same." (Muslim 2733) A Good Word · A Genuine SmileA kind word is ṣadaqah. A sincere smile at your Muslim brother or sister is ṣadaqah. (Tirmidhī 1956) Muslim 2588; Bukhārī 6021; Tirmidhī 1956; Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244, 1631
Protocol of Duʿāʾ1. Wuḍūʾ · Face the QiblahBegin in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible. 2. Thanāʾ — Praise Allah Firstالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Do not begin with your request. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man jump straight to asking; he said: "This one has rushed." (Abū Dāwūd 1481) 3. Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌDuʿāʾ is held suspended between heaven and earth until the ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ is completed. Do not rush past it. (Tirmidhī 3476)4. Ask — with certainty, not hesitationAsk for deen and dunya. Your health, rizq, parents, children, fears, sins, death, grave, ākhirah. Ask for others by name. "Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs — even the strap of his sandal." (Tirmidhī 3604) 5. Close with Ṣalawāt (Darood) again · ĀmīnEnd as you began — repeat the Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood). Raise your hands throughout; wipe your face at the end. (Abū Dāwūd 1485)
Tirmidhī 2969; Abū Dāwūd 1481, 1485; Tirmidhī 3476, 3604
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
① From Grief, Worry, and Weaknessاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِAllāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika mina-l-hammi wa-l-ḥazan, wa-l-ʿajzi wa-l-kasal, wa-l-bukhli wa-l-jubn, wa ḍalaʿi-d-dayn, wa ghalabati-r-rijāl. "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debt, and from being overpowered by others." — The Prophet ﷺ never left this duʿāʾ. (Bukhārī 7/158; Nasāʾī 5449)② For the Love of Allahاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حُبَّكَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمِنَ الْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ḥubbak, wa ḥubba man yuḥibbuk, wa-l-ʿamala-lladhī yuballighu-nī ḥubbak. Allāhumma-jʿal ḥubbaka aḥabba ilayya min nafsī wa ahlī wa mina-l-māʾi-l-bārid. "O Allah, I ask You for Your love, the love of those who love You, and the deeds that bring me to Your love. O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and cold water." — The duʿāʾ of Dāwūd ﷺ, taught by our Prophet ﷺ. (Tirmidhī 3490, ḥasan)③ For Forgiveness and Well-Beingاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِيAllāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fi-d-dunyā wa-l-ākhirah. Allāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fī dīnī wa dunyāya wa ahlī wa mālī. "O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth." — The Prophet ﷺ never abandoned these every morning and evening. (Ibn Mājah 3871)④ For Beneficial Knowledgeاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًاAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ʿilman nāfiʿan wa rizqan ṭayyiban wa ʿamalan mutaqabbalan. "O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds." — After Fajr. (Ibn Mājah 925, ḥasan)Nasāʾī 5449; Tirmidhī 3490; Ibn Mājah 3871, 925
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
Establishing prayer is one thing — keeping it lifelong is another. These duʿās ask for the second.
① Ibrāhīm’s Duʿāʾ for Prayer in His Lineageرَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِRabbi-jʿalnī muqīma-ṣ-ṣalāti wa min dhurriyyatī, rabbanā wa taqabbal duʿāʾ "My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication." — For a prayer that does not die with you. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:40)② Ibrāhīm — for Parents and the Believersرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the account is established." — A son’s prayer that reaches further than himself. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)③ The Magicians’ Duʿāʾ — Patience to the Endرَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِينَRabbanā afrigh ʿalaynā ṣabran wa tawaffanā muslimīn "Our Lord, pour upon us patience and let us die in submission." — Said by men who believed in the morning and were crucified by evening. (Sūrat al-Aʿrāf 7:126)④ The Brief, Repeatable Duʿāʾ for Mercyرَّبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَRabbi-ghfir wa-rḥam wa anta khayru-r-rāḥimīn "My Lord, forgive and have mercy — You are the best of those who show mercy." — Three asks in seven words. Make this a habit. (Sūrat al-Muʾminūn 23:118)⑤ Refuge from the Whispers of Shayāṭīnرَّبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَن يَحْضُرُونِRabbi aʿūdhu bika min hamazāti-sh-shayāṭīn, wa aʿūdhu bika rabbi an yaḥḍurūn "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whisperings of the devils, and I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they be present with me." — Especially before prayer — where they push hardest. (Sūrat al-Muʾminūn 23:97–98)⑥ Mūsā’s Plea after the Quakingأَنتَ وَلِيُّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْغَافِرِينَAnta waliyyunā fa-ghfir lanā wa-rḥamnā wa anta khayru-l-ghāfirīn "You are our Protector — so forgive us and have mercy on us; You are the best of those who forgive." — When the ground itself shifts. (Sūrat al-Aʿrāf 7:155)Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:40, 14:41; al-Aʿrāf 7:126, 7:155; al-Muʾminūn 23:97–98, 23:118
— Today's Focus — The Three Tiers
"Pray as if it is your farewell prayer." (Ibn Mājah 4171, ṣaḥīḥ)
The farḍ is not a floor to clear and move past — it is the centre of gravity. Before takbīr, stand for a moment in silence. Let the world outside the prayer mat become quiet. Say Allāhu akbar not as a starting gun, but as a statement you mean. Ibn Mājah 4171
The rawātib were the prayers the Prophet ﷺ never left, even when travelling he maintained some. "Allah builds a house in Paradise for whoever prays twelve rakaʿāt of Sunnah in a day." They are the weft that holds the farḍ in place — a buffer, a reinforcement, a renewal of wuḍūʾ of the soul. Muslim 728
Nāfilah is not rehearsal — it is presence. Qiyām, Ḍuḥā, Taḥiyyat al-Masjid, Ṣalāt al-Tawbah — these prayers exist in no one's ledger except yours and Allah's. No communal obligation, no time pressure. Pray as many or as few as ease allows.
"My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts until I love him — and when I love him, I become the hearing with which he hears, the sight with which he sees, the hand with which he strikes, and the foot with which he walks." (Bukhārī 6502 — Ḥadīth Qudsī) Bukhārī 6502
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The closest a servant is to his Lord is while in sujūd — so make much duʿāʾ in it." (Muslim 482)
After your recited adhkār and duʿāʾ — there is no rule that says you must rise immediately. Stay. Let your forehead be on the ground and let that silence be your conversation. This is not innovation (bidʿah); the Prophet ﷺ himself prolonged his sujūd in voluntary prayer. (Bukhārī 817; Muslim 1002) Muslim 482; Bukhārī 817
①أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِيAqimi-ṣ-ṣalāta li-dhikrī "Establish prayer for My remembrance." — Ṭā Hā 20:14②إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِInna-ṣ-ṣalāta tanhā ʿani-l-faḥshāʾi wa-l-munkar "Indeed, prayer prevents indecency and evil." — al-ʿAnkabūt 29:45③وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِWa-staʿīnū bi-ṣ-ṣabri wa-ṣ-ṣalāh "Seek help through patience and prayer." — al-Baqarah 2:45④حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِḤāfiẓū ʿalā-ṣ-ṣalawāt "Guard the prayers strictly." — al-Baqarah 2:238⑤قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَQad aflaḥa-l-muʾminūn "Successful indeed are the believers." — al-Muʾminūn 23:1
Day Six ✓
6 Dhul Ḥijjah
The Tongue
Silence as worship
— Daily Core —
Sunnah
Fast from before Fajr (after Suhūr) until Maghrib. Make niyyah before Fajr. Fasting in these ten days is among the most beloved deeds to Allah. If fasting all ten is difficult, prioritise the 9th (Yawm ʿArafah) above all — it expiates two years of sins (Muslim 1162).
At Suhūr — even a sip of waterThe Prophet ﷺ said: "Take Suhūr, for in Suhūr there is barakah." (Bukhārī 1923) Eat what is wholesome; drink water generously. Niyyah for the FastThe niyyah is in the heart — you do not need to say it aloud. Simply intend before Fajr to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah. At Iftar — break with dates and water, then say:ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُDhahaba-ẓ-ẓamaʾu wa-btallati-l-ʿurūqu wa thabata-l-ajru in shāʾ Allāh. "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed if Allah wills." (Abū Dāwūd 2357, ḥasan)The duʿāʾ of the fasting person at Iftar — answeredThe Prophet ﷺ said: "For the fasting person at the moment he breaks his fast there is a duʿāʾ that is not refused." (Ibn Mājah 1753) Ask deliberately in the moments before and at the moment of breaking the fast.
Bukhārī 969; Muslim 1162; Abū Dāwūd 2357; Ibn Mājah 1753
The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
2 before Fajr · 4 before + 2 after Ẓuhr · 2 after Maghrib · 2 after ʿIshāʾ. Whoever prays them daily, Allah builds for him a house in Paradise. Muslim 728
Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping and rising before Fajr. Pray at least 2 rakaʿāt, then as many as ease allows. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Night prayer is two by two — and if one fears Fajr is near, let him pray one rakaʿah as Witr." Close always with Witr (minimum: one rakaʿah). The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in sujūd — linger there. Bukhārī 990; Muslim 749, 482
The salaf intensified recitation in these ten days — Saʿīd ibn Jubayr was "as one in iʿtikāf" during them. If a full juzʾ is beyond reach today, a single page read with presence of heart is worth more than a juzʾ read in haste. Begin where you are. Ibn Rajab, Laṭāʾif al-Maʿārif
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
This is the Takbīr muṭlaq — unrestricted glorification. Say it freely and as often as possible from the 1st of Dhul Ḥijjah through sunset of the 13th: in your home, while walking, at work, between tasks. Ibn ʿUmar and Abū Hurayrah said it in the markets until others joined them. There is no specific count — the more, the better.
Bukhārī, before 970
The most beloved speech to Allah is these four phrases. Muslim 2137
"By Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day," said the Prophet ﷺ. Bukhārī 6307
Whoever sends one ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me, Allah sends ten upon him. (Muslim 408)
The Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. "O Allah, send prayers upon Muḥammad and upon the family of Muḥammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrāhīm and the family of Ibrāhīm — verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious…"Bukhārī 3370; Muslim 406
Every act of goodness is ṣadaqah. Give what you can, how you can:
Give WealthGive money — even a small amount — to a trustworthy charity or a person in need. "Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth." (Muslim 2588) Feed OthersBuy food, cook a meal, or leave groceries at a door. "The best of you are those who feed others." (Aḥmad) Ṣadaqah Jāriyah — Ongoing RewardDonate to a water well, a masjid, a Qurʾān project, or an orphan's education — rewards flow even after death. (Muslim 1631) Hidden Ṣadaqah — Ṣadaqat al-SirrPay a bill or settle a debt anonymously — so hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. (Bukhārī 660) Remove Obstacles · Make Way for OthersRemove something harmful from a path. "Removing a harmful thing from the road is ṣadaqah." A man entered Paradise for clearing a branch that hurt Muslims on the road. (Bukhārī & Muslim) Help with Tasks · Ease Another's BurdenHelp someone carry their load, assist with a task they are struggling with. "Helping a man get on his mount is ṣadaqah." (Bukhārī & Muslim) Feed AnimalsGive water or food to a hungry or thirsty animal. Allah forgave a woman of ill repute because she gave water to a dying dog. "In every living thing there is reward." (Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244) Duʿāʾ for OthersMake sincere duʿāʾ for another Muslim by name, for a specific need. The angel says: "Āmīn — and for you the same." (Muslim 2733) A Good Word · A Genuine SmileA kind word is ṣadaqah. A sincere smile at your Muslim brother or sister is ṣadaqah. (Tirmidhī 1956) Muslim 2588; Bukhārī 6021; Tirmidhī 1956; Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244, 1631
Protocol of Duʿāʾ1. Wuḍūʾ · Face the QiblahBegin in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible. 2. Thanāʾ — Praise Allah Firstالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Do not begin with your request. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man jump straight to asking; he said: "This one has rushed." (Abū Dāwūd 1481) 3. Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌDuʿāʾ is held suspended between heaven and earth until the ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ is completed. Do not rush past it. (Tirmidhī 3476)4. Ask — with certainty, not hesitationAsk for deen and dunya. Your health, rizq, parents, children, fears, sins, death, grave, ākhirah. Ask for others by name. "Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs — even the strap of his sandal." (Tirmidhī 3604) 5. Close with Ṣalawāt (Darood) again · ĀmīnEnd as you began — repeat the Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood). Raise your hands throughout; wipe your face at the end. (Abū Dāwūd 1485)
Tirmidhī 2969; Abū Dāwūd 1481, 1485; Tirmidhī 3476, 3604
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
① From Grief, Worry, and Weaknessاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِAllāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika mina-l-hammi wa-l-ḥazan, wa-l-ʿajzi wa-l-kasal, wa-l-bukhli wa-l-jubn, wa ḍalaʿi-d-dayn, wa ghalabati-r-rijāl. "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debt, and from being overpowered by others." — The Prophet ﷺ never left this duʿāʾ. (Bukhārī 7/158; Nasāʾī 5449)② For the Love of Allahاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حُبَّكَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمِنَ الْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ḥubbak, wa ḥubba man yuḥibbuk, wa-l-ʿamala-lladhī yuballighu-nī ḥubbak. Allāhumma-jʿal ḥubbaka aḥabba ilayya min nafsī wa ahlī wa mina-l-māʾi-l-bārid. "O Allah, I ask You for Your love, the love of those who love You, and the deeds that bring me to Your love. O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and cold water." — The duʿāʾ of Dāwūd ﷺ, taught by our Prophet ﷺ. (Tirmidhī 3490, ḥasan)③ For Forgiveness and Well-Beingاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِيAllāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fi-d-dunyā wa-l-ākhirah. Allāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fī dīnī wa dunyāya wa ahlī wa mālī. "O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth." — The Prophet ﷺ never abandoned these every morning and evening. (Ibn Mājah 3871)④ For Beneficial Knowledgeاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًاAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ʿilman nāfiʿan wa rizqan ṭayyiban wa ʿamalan mutaqabbalan. "O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds." — After Fajr. (Ibn Mājah 925, ḥasan)Nasāʾī 5449; Tirmidhī 3490; Ibn Mājah 3871, 925
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
What we say matters. Use these duʿās to ask for the tongue Allah wants from you.
① Ibrāhīm’s Duʿāʾ for a Tongue of Truthوَاجْعَل لِّي لِسَانَ صِدْقٍ فِي الْآخِرِينَWa-jʿal lī lisāna ṣidqin fī-l-ākhirīn "And grant me a tongue of truth among later generations." — A duʿāʾ Allah answered explicitly — Ibrāhīm is still spoken of in every prayer of every Muslim. (Sūrat al-Shuʿarāʾ 26:84)② For a Sound Heart on the Day of Resurrectionوَلَا تُخْزِنِي يَوْمَ يُبْعَثُونَ يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌ وَلَا بَنُونَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى اللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍWa lā tukhzinī yawma yubʿathūn, yawma lā yanfaʿu mālun wa lā banūn, illā man atā-llāha bi-qalbin salīm "Do not disgrace me on the Day they are resurrected — the Day when neither wealth nor children will profit, except for one who comes to Allah with a sound heart." — A sound heart begins with a sound tongue. (Sūrat al-Shuʿarāʾ 26:87–89)③ When You Forget — the Recovery Phraseوَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ إِذَا نَسِيتَ وَقُلْ عَسَىٰ أَن يَهْدِيَنِ رَبِّي لِأَقْرَبَ مِنْ هَٰذَا رَشَدًاWa-dhkur rabbaka idhā nasīta wa qul ʿasā an yahdiyani rabbī li-aqraba min hādhā rashadā "And remember your Lord when you forget, and say: "Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is nearer than this in right conduct."" — When you slip — the Qurʾān gives you the exact words to return. (Sūrat al-Kahf 18:24)④ The Sincere Entry and Exitرَّبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَاجْعَل لِّي مِن لَّدُنكَ سُلْطَانًا نَّصِيرًاRabbi adkhilnī mudkhala ṣidqin wa akhrijnī mukhraja ṣidqin wa-jʿal lī min ladunka sulṭānan naṣīrā "My Lord, let me enter through a sincere entrance and exit through a sincere exit, and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority." — For every threshold — every meeting, conversation, and decision. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:80)⑤ Refuge from Being Numbered with the Wrongdoersرَّبِّ إِمَّا تُرِيَنِّي مَا يُوعَدُونَ رَبِّ فَلَا تَجْعَلْنِي فِي الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَRabbi immā turiyannī mā yūʿadūn, rabbi fa-lā tajʿalnī fī-l-qawmi-ẓ-ẓālimīn "My Lord, if You should show me that which they are promised, then do not place me, my Lord, among the wrongdoing people." — A duʿāʾ Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ to say. The tongue that asks this stays separate from theirs. (Sūrat al-Muʾminūn 23:93–94)Sūrat al-Shuʿarāʾ 26:84, 26:87–89; al-Kahf 18:24; al-Isrāʾ 17:80; al-Muʾminūn 23:93–94
— Today's Focus —
Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent. (Bukhārī 6136)
①قُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًاQūlū li-n-nāsi ḥusnā "Speak good words to people." — al-Baqarah 2:83②يَقُولُوا الَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُYaqūlū-llatī hiya aḥsan "Let them say that which is best." — al-Isrāʾ 17:53③فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْFa-dhkurūnī adhkurkum "Remember Me, I will remember you." — al-Baqarah 2:152④وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ كَثِيرًاWa-dhkur rabbaka kathīrā "Remember your Lord often." — Āl ʿImrān 3:41⑤مَا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌMā yalfiẓu min qawlin illā ladayhi raqīb "He does not utter a word but a watcher is ready." — Qāf 50:18
Day Seven ✓
7 Dhul Ḥijjah
Silat al-Raḥim
The ties of kinship
— Daily Core —
Sunnah
Fast from before Fajr (after Suhūr) until Maghrib. Make niyyah before Fajr. Fasting in these ten days is among the most beloved deeds to Allah. If fasting all ten is difficult, prioritise the 9th (Yawm ʿArafah) above all — it expiates two years of sins (Muslim 1162).
At Suhūr — even a sip of waterThe Prophet ﷺ said: "Take Suhūr, for in Suhūr there is barakah." (Bukhārī 1923) Eat what is wholesome; drink water generously. Niyyah for the FastThe niyyah is in the heart — you do not need to say it aloud. Simply intend before Fajr to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah. At Iftar — break with dates and water, then say:ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُDhahaba-ẓ-ẓamaʾu wa-btallati-l-ʿurūqu wa thabata-l-ajru in shāʾ Allāh. "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed if Allah wills." (Abū Dāwūd 2357, ḥasan)The duʿāʾ of the fasting person at Iftar — answeredThe Prophet ﷺ said: "For the fasting person at the moment he breaks his fast there is a duʿāʾ that is not refused." (Ibn Mājah 1753) Ask deliberately in the moments before and at the moment of breaking the fast.
Bukhārī 969; Muslim 1162; Abū Dāwūd 2357; Ibn Mājah 1753
The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
2 before Fajr · 4 before + 2 after Ẓuhr · 2 after Maghrib · 2 after ʿIshāʾ. Whoever prays them daily, Allah builds for him a house in Paradise. Muslim 728
Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping and rising before Fajr. Pray at least 2 rakaʿāt, then as many as ease allows. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Night prayer is two by two — and if one fears Fajr is near, let him pray one rakaʿah as Witr." Close always with Witr (minimum: one rakaʿah). The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in sujūd — linger there. Bukhārī 990; Muslim 749, 482
The salaf intensified recitation in these ten days — Saʿīd ibn Jubayr was "as one in iʿtikāf" during them. If a full juzʾ is beyond reach today, a single page read with presence of heart is worth more than a juzʾ read in haste. Begin where you are. Ibn Rajab, Laṭāʾif al-Maʿārif
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
This is the Takbīr muṭlaq — unrestricted glorification. Say it freely and as often as possible from the 1st of Dhul Ḥijjah through sunset of the 13th: in your home, while walking, at work, between tasks. Ibn ʿUmar and Abū Hurayrah said it in the markets until others joined them. There is no specific count — the more, the better.
Bukhārī, before 970
The most beloved speech to Allah is these four phrases. Muslim 2137
"By Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day," said the Prophet ﷺ. Bukhārī 6307
Whoever sends one ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me, Allah sends ten upon him. (Muslim 408)
The Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. "O Allah, send prayers upon Muḥammad and upon the family of Muḥammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrāhīm and the family of Ibrāhīm — verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious…"Bukhārī 3370; Muslim 406
Every act of goodness is ṣadaqah. Give what you can, how you can:
Give WealthGive money — even a small amount — to a trustworthy charity or a person in need. "Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth." (Muslim 2588) Feed OthersBuy food, cook a meal, or leave groceries at a door. "The best of you are those who feed others." (Aḥmad) Ṣadaqah Jāriyah — Ongoing RewardDonate to a water well, a masjid, a Qurʾān project, or an orphan's education — rewards flow even after death. (Muslim 1631) Hidden Ṣadaqah — Ṣadaqat al-SirrPay a bill or settle a debt anonymously — so hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. (Bukhārī 660) Remove Obstacles · Make Way for OthersRemove something harmful from a path. "Removing a harmful thing from the road is ṣadaqah." A man entered Paradise for clearing a branch that hurt Muslims on the road. (Bukhārī & Muslim) Help with Tasks · Ease Another's BurdenHelp someone carry their load, assist with a task they are struggling with. "Helping a man get on his mount is ṣadaqah." (Bukhārī & Muslim) Feed AnimalsGive water or food to a hungry or thirsty animal. Allah forgave a woman of ill repute because she gave water to a dying dog. "In every living thing there is reward." (Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244) Duʿāʾ for OthersMake sincere duʿāʾ for another Muslim by name, for a specific need. The angel says: "Āmīn — and for you the same." (Muslim 2733) A Good Word · A Genuine SmileA kind word is ṣadaqah. A sincere smile at your Muslim brother or sister is ṣadaqah. (Tirmidhī 1956) Muslim 2588; Bukhārī 6021; Tirmidhī 1956; Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244, 1631
Protocol of Duʿāʾ1. Wuḍūʾ · Face the QiblahBegin in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible. 2. Thanāʾ — Praise Allah Firstالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Do not begin with your request. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man jump straight to asking; he said: "This one has rushed." (Abū Dāwūd 1481) 3. Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌDuʿāʾ is held suspended between heaven and earth until the ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ is completed. Do not rush past it. (Tirmidhī 3476)4. Ask — with certainty, not hesitationAsk for deen and dunya. Your health, rizq, parents, children, fears, sins, death, grave, ākhirah. Ask for others by name. "Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs — even the strap of his sandal." (Tirmidhī 3604) 5. Close with Ṣalawāt (Darood) again · ĀmīnEnd as you began — repeat the Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood). Raise your hands throughout; wipe your face at the end. (Abū Dāwūd 1485)
Tirmidhī 2969; Abū Dāwūd 1481, 1485; Tirmidhī 3476, 3604
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
① From Grief, Worry, and Weaknessاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِAllāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika mina-l-hammi wa-l-ḥazan, wa-l-ʿajzi wa-l-kasal, wa-l-bukhli wa-l-jubn, wa ḍalaʿi-d-dayn, wa ghalabati-r-rijāl. "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debt, and from being overpowered by others." — The Prophet ﷺ never left this duʿāʾ. (Bukhārī 7/158; Nasāʾī 5449)② For the Love of Allahاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حُبَّكَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمِنَ الْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ḥubbak, wa ḥubba man yuḥibbuk, wa-l-ʿamala-lladhī yuballighu-nī ḥubbak. Allāhumma-jʿal ḥubbaka aḥabba ilayya min nafsī wa ahlī wa mina-l-māʾi-l-bārid. "O Allah, I ask You for Your love, the love of those who love You, and the deeds that bring me to Your love. O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and cold water." — The duʿāʾ of Dāwūd ﷺ, taught by our Prophet ﷺ. (Tirmidhī 3490, ḥasan)③ For Forgiveness and Well-Beingاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِيAllāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fi-d-dunyā wa-l-ākhirah. Allāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fī dīnī wa dunyāya wa ahlī wa mālī. "O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth." — The Prophet ﷺ never abandoned these every morning and evening. (Ibn Mājah 3871)④ For Beneficial Knowledgeاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًاAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ʿilman nāfiʿan wa rizqan ṭayyiban wa ʿamalan mutaqabbalan. "O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds." — After Fajr. (Ibn Mājah 925, ḥasan)Nasāʾī 5449; Tirmidhī 3490; Ibn Mājah 3871, 925
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
The prophets prayed for their parents, their spouses, their children, their lineage. Pray for yours.
① The Duʿāʾ for Parents — Qurʾān’s Direct Commandرَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small." — The exact words the Qurʾān places in the mouth of every child for their parents. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)② For a Family that Becomes the Coolness of the Eyesرَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًاRabbanā hab lanā min azwājinā wa dhurriyyātinā qurrata aʿyun wa-jʿalnā li-l-muttaqīna imāmā "Our Lord, grant us from our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes, and make us a model for the righteous." — For homes that lead, not just survive. (Sūrat al-Furqān 25:74)③ Zakariyyā’s Duʿāʾ for Pure Offspringرَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِRabbi hab lī min ladunka dhurriyyatan ṭayyibah, innaka samīʿu-d-duʿāʾ "My Lord, grant me from Yourself pure offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication." — Said in old age, after waiting his whole life. (Sūrat Āl ʿImrān 3:38)④ Ibrāhīm’s Duʿāʾ for a Righteous Childرَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَRabbi hab lī mina-ṣ-ṣāliḥīn "My Lord, grant me of the righteous." — Five words that brought Ismāʿīl ﷺ into being. (Sūrat al-Ṣāffāt 37:100)⑤ Nūḥ’s Duʿāʾ for the Household of Believersرَّبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَن دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, and whoever enters my house in faith — and the believing men and women." — A house that prays this becomes a house that survives every flood. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24; al-Furqān 25:74; Āl ʿImrān 3:38; al-Ṣāffāt 37:100; Nūḥ 71:28
— Today's Focus —
Whoever wishes for expanded provision and extended life, let him maintain kinship ties. (Bukhārī 5985)
①وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَالْأَرْحَامَWa-ttaqū-llāha wa-l-arḥām "Fear Allah and the wombs of kinship." — al-Nisāʾ 4:1②وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًاWa bi-l-wālidayni iḥsānā "And to parents, good conduct." — al-Isrāʾ 17:23③رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā "My Lord, have mercy on them as they raised me when I was small." — al-Isrāʾ 17:24④وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُWa āti dhā-l-qurbā ḥaqqahu "Give the relative his right." — al-Isrāʾ 17:26⑤رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَRabbi hab lī mina-ṣ-ṣāliḥīn "My Lord, grant me a righteous child." — al-Ṣāffāt 37:100
Day Eight — Yawm al-Tarwiyah✓
8 Dhul Ḥijjah
The Eve of ʿArafah
The last quiet before the greatest day
— Daily Core —
Sunnah
Fast from before Fajr (after Suhūr) until Maghrib. Make niyyah before Fajr. Fasting in these ten days is among the most beloved deeds to Allah. If fasting all ten is difficult, prioritise the 9th (Yawm ʿArafah) above all — it expiates two years of sins (Muslim 1162).
At Suhūr — even a sip of waterThe Prophet ﷺ said: "Take Suhūr, for in Suhūr there is barakah." (Bukhārī 1923) Eat what is wholesome; drink water generously. Niyyah for the FastThe niyyah is in the heart — you do not need to say it aloud. Simply intend before Fajr to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah. At Iftar — break with dates and water, then say:ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُDhahaba-ẓ-ẓamaʾu wa-btallati-l-ʿurūqu wa thabata-l-ajru in shāʾ Allāh. "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed if Allah wills." (Abū Dāwūd 2357, ḥasan)The duʿāʾ of the fasting person at Iftar — answeredThe Prophet ﷺ said: "For the fasting person at the moment he breaks his fast there is a duʿāʾ that is not refused." (Ibn Mājah 1753) Ask deliberately in the moments before and at the moment of breaking the fast.
Bukhārī 969; Muslim 1162; Abū Dāwūd 2357; Ibn Mājah 1753
Even if you could not fast a single day before — fast on Yawm ʿArafah. The Prophet ﷺ said it expiates two years of sins: the past year and the coming year. (Muslim 1162) This is the fast of the decade. Do not let it pass. Muslim 1162
The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
2 before Fajr · 4 before + 2 after Ẓuhr · 2 after Maghrib · 2 after ʿIshāʾ. Whoever prays them daily, Allah builds for him a house in Paradise. Muslim 728
Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping and rising before Fajr. Pray at least 2 rakaʿāt, then as many as ease allows. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Night prayer is two by two — and if one fears Fajr is near, let him pray one rakaʿah as Witr." Close always with Witr (minimum: one rakaʿah). The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in sujūd — linger there. Bukhārī 990; Muslim 749, 482
The salaf intensified recitation in these ten days — Saʿīd ibn Jubayr was "as one in iʿtikāf" during them. If a full juzʾ is beyond reach today, a single page read with presence of heart is worth more than a juzʾ read in haste. Begin where you are. Ibn Rajab, Laṭāʾif al-Maʿārif
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
This is the Takbīr muṭlaq — unrestricted glorification. Say it freely and as often as possible from the 1st of Dhul Ḥijjah through sunset of the 13th: in your home, while walking, at work, between tasks. Ibn ʿUmar and Abū Hurayrah said it in the markets until others joined them. There is no specific count — the more, the better.
Bukhārī, before 970
The most beloved speech to Allah is these four phrases. Muslim 2137
"By Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day," said the Prophet ﷺ. Bukhārī 6307
Whoever sends one ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me, Allah sends ten upon him. (Muslim 408)
The Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. "O Allah, send prayers upon Muḥammad and upon the family of Muḥammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrāhīm and the family of Ibrāhīm — verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious…"Bukhārī 3370; Muslim 406
Every act of goodness is ṣadaqah. Give what you can, how you can:
Give WealthGive money — even a small amount — to a trustworthy charity or a person in need. "Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth." (Muslim 2588) Feed OthersBuy food, cook a meal, or leave groceries at a door. "The best of you are those who feed others." (Aḥmad) Ṣadaqah Jāriyah — Ongoing RewardDonate to a water well, a masjid, a Qurʾān project, or an orphan's education — rewards flow even after death. (Muslim 1631) Hidden Ṣadaqah — Ṣadaqat al-SirrPay a bill or settle a debt anonymously — so hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. (Bukhārī 660) Remove Obstacles · Make Way for OthersRemove something harmful from a path. "Removing a harmful thing from the road is ṣadaqah." A man entered Paradise for clearing a branch that hurt Muslims on the road. (Bukhārī & Muslim) Help with Tasks · Ease Another's BurdenHelp someone carry their load, assist with a task they are struggling with. "Helping a man get on his mount is ṣadaqah." (Bukhārī & Muslim) Feed AnimalsGive water or food to a hungry or thirsty animal. Allah forgave a woman of ill repute because she gave water to a dying dog. "In every living thing there is reward." (Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244) Duʿāʾ for OthersMake sincere duʿāʾ for another Muslim by name, for a specific need. The angel says: "Āmīn — and for you the same." (Muslim 2733) A Good Word · A Genuine SmileA kind word is ṣadaqah. A sincere smile at your Muslim brother or sister is ṣadaqah. (Tirmidhī 1956) Muslim 2588; Bukhārī 6021; Tirmidhī 1956; Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244, 1631
Protocol of Duʿāʾ1. Wuḍūʾ · Face the QiblahBegin in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible. 2. Thanāʾ — Praise Allah Firstالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Do not begin with your request. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man jump straight to asking; he said: "This one has rushed." (Abū Dāwūd 1481) 3. Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌDuʿāʾ is held suspended between heaven and earth until the ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ is completed. Do not rush past it. (Tirmidhī 3476)4. Ask — with certainty, not hesitationAsk for deen and dunya. Your health, rizq, parents, children, fears, sins, death, grave, ākhirah. Ask for others by name. "Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs — even the strap of his sandal." (Tirmidhī 3604) 5. Close with Ṣalawāt (Darood) again · ĀmīnEnd as you began — repeat the Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood). Raise your hands throughout; wipe your face at the end. (Abū Dāwūd 1485)
Tirmidhī 2969; Abū Dāwūd 1481, 1485; Tirmidhī 3476, 3604
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
① From Grief, Worry, and Weaknessاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِAllāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika mina-l-hammi wa-l-ḥazan, wa-l-ʿajzi wa-l-kasal, wa-l-bukhli wa-l-jubn, wa ḍalaʿi-d-dayn, wa ghalabati-r-rijāl. "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debt, and from being overpowered by others." — The Prophet ﷺ never left this duʿāʾ. (Bukhārī 7/158; Nasāʾī 5449)② For the Love of Allahاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حُبَّكَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمِنَ الْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ḥubbak, wa ḥubba man yuḥibbuk, wa-l-ʿamala-lladhī yuballighu-nī ḥubbak. Allāhumma-jʿal ḥubbaka aḥabba ilayya min nafsī wa ahlī wa mina-l-māʾi-l-bārid. "O Allah, I ask You for Your love, the love of those who love You, and the deeds that bring me to Your love. O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and cold water." — The duʿāʾ of Dāwūd ﷺ, taught by our Prophet ﷺ. (Tirmidhī 3490, ḥasan)③ For Forgiveness and Well-Beingاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِيAllāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fi-d-dunyā wa-l-ākhirah. Allāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fī dīnī wa dunyāya wa ahlī wa mālī. "O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth." — The Prophet ﷺ never abandoned these every morning and evening. (Ibn Mājah 3871)④ For Beneficial Knowledgeاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًاAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ʿilman nāfiʿan wa rizqan ṭayyiban wa ʿamalan mutaqabbalan. "O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds." — After Fajr. (Ibn Mājah 925, ḥasan)Nasāʾī 5449; Tirmidhī 3490; Ibn Mājah 3871, 925
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
Tomorrow is the greatest day of duʿā in the year. These are the rites and stances Ibrāhīm ﷺ used to prepare himself for it.
① Ibrāhīm at the Foundation — Make This Land Safeرَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا الْبَلَدَ آمِنًا وَاجْنُبْنِي وَبَنِيَّ أَن نَّعْبُدَ الْأَصْنَامَRabbi-jʿal hādhā-l-balada āminan wa-jnubnī wa baniyya an naʿbuda-l-aṣnām "My Lord, make this land safe, and keep me and my children away from worshipping idols." — The duʿāʾ that founded Makkah. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:35)② Settling the Family by the Houseرَّبَّنَا إِنِّي أَسْكَنتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِي زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَيْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ ... فَاجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِّنَ النَّاسِ تَهْوِي إِلَيْهِمْRabbanā innī askantu min dhurriyyatī bi-wādin ghayri dhī zarʿin ʿinda baytika-l-muḥarram... fa-jʿal afʾidatan mina-n-nāsi tahwī ilayhim "Our Lord, I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley by Your Sacred House... so make the hearts of people incline toward them." — Every pilgrim today is an answer to this duʿāʾ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:37)③ Show Us the Ritesرَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَاRabbanā wa-jʿalnā muslimayni laka wa min dhurriyyatinā ummatan muslimatan lak wa arinā manāsikanā wa tub ʿalaynā "Our Lord, make us submitters to You, and from our descendants a community submitting to You. Show us our rites and accept our repentance." — Ibrāhīm and Ismāʿīl at the Kaʿbah asking to be shown the very rites Muslims now perform. (Sūrat al-Baqarah 2:128)④ For Pouring Patienceرَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَاRabbanā afrigh ʿalaynā ṣabran wa thabbit aqdāmanā "Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant our feet firmly." — Said by Ṭālūt’s small band before they faced Jālūt. (Sūrat al-Baqarah 2:250)⑤ To Be Turned Away from the Fireرَبَّنَا اصْرِفْ عَنَّا عَذَابَ جَهَنَّمَ ۖ إِنَّ عَذَابَهَا كَانَ غَرَامًاRabbanā-ṣrif ʿannā ʿadhāba jahannam, inna ʿadhābahā kāna gharāmā "Our Lord, turn away from us the punishment of Hell — its punishment is unrelenting." — Tomorrow is the day Allah frees the most necks from the Fire. Begin asking now. (Sūrat al-Furqān 25:65–66)⑥ Refuge from Asking for the Wrong Thingرَبِّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَسْأَلَكَ مَا لَيْسَ لِي بِهِ عِلْمٌRabbi innī aʿūdhu bika an asʾalaka mā laysa lī bihi ʿilm "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from asking You for that of which I have no knowledge." — Nūḥ’s correction. Before a day of immense asking — ask for the right things. (Sūrat Hūd 11:47)Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:35, 14:37; al-Baqarah 2:128, 2:250; al-Furqān 25:65–66; Hūd 11:47
— Today's Focus — Read About ʿArafah
A Teaser — Some Things to Wonder About
Tomorrow, millions of pilgrims will stand on a plain in the desert as the sun travels across the sky — and the scholars say the gates of forgiveness will be wide open, as if nothing has ever been refused.
Ask yourself these before tomorrow:
— What did Ibrāhīm ﷺ feel standing in that same valley, building a house with his son for a God who gave him everything and then asked for the one thing he loved most?
— The Prophet ﷺ stood on ʿArafah on his last Ḥajj. He wept. What do you think he saw?
— Allah descends to the nearest heaven and boasts about the people of ʿArafah to His angels. What does it mean to be someone He speaks about with pride?
— What do you want to leave ʿArafah without? Which burden do you want to put down tomorrow — and not pick back up?
These are not rhetorical questions. Write your answers if you are willing. Muslim 1348; Aḥmad 19114
①إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًاInna maʿa-l-ʿusri yusrā "Indeed, with hardship comes ease." — al-Sharḥ 94:6②وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَWa bashshiri-ṣ-ṣābirīn "Give glad tidings to the patient." — al-Baqarah 2:155③إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَInnā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn "Indeed we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return." — al-Baqarah 2:156④وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًاWa man yattaqi-llāha yajʿal lahu makhrajā "Whoever fears Allah, He makes for him a way out." — al-Ṭalāq 65:2⑤حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُḤasbunā-llāhu wa niʿma-l-wakīl "Sufficient for us is Allah, and what an excellent Trustee." — Āl ʿImrān 3:173
Day Nine — Yawm ʿArafah 🌿 ✓
9 Dhul Ḥijjah
The Greatest Day
Stand. Ask. Do not stop.
— Daily Core —
HIGHEST PRIORITY
Fast from before Fajr (after Suhūr) until Maghrib. Make niyyah before Fajr. Fasting in these ten days is among the most beloved deeds to Allah. If fasting all ten is difficult, prioritise the 9th (Yawm ʿArafah) above all — it expiates two years of sins (Muslim 1162).
At Suhūr — even a sip of waterThe Prophet ﷺ said: "Take Suhūr, for in Suhūr there is barakah." (Bukhārī 1923) Eat what is wholesome; drink water generously. Niyyah for the FastThe niyyah is in the heart — you do not need to say it aloud. Simply intend before Fajr to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah. At Iftar — break with dates and water, then say:ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُDhahaba-ẓ-ẓamaʾu wa-btallati-l-ʿurūqu wa thabata-l-ajru in shāʾ Allāh. "The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed if Allah wills." (Abū Dāwūd 2357, ḥasan)The duʿāʾ of the fasting person at Iftar — answeredThe Prophet ﷺ said: "For the fasting person at the moment he breaks his fast there is a duʿāʾ that is not refused." (Ibn Mājah 1753) Ask deliberately in the moments before and at the moment of breaking the fast.
Bukhārī 969; Muslim 1162; Abū Dāwūd 2357; Ibn Mājah 1753
The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
2 before Fajr · 4 before + 2 after Ẓuhr · 2 after Maghrib · 2 after ʿIshāʾ. Whoever prays them daily, Allah builds for him a house in Paradise. Muslim 728
Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping and rising before Fajr. Pray at least 2 rakaʿāt, then as many as ease allows. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Night prayer is two by two — and if one fears Fajr is near, let him pray one rakaʿah as Witr." Close always with Witr (minimum: one rakaʿah). The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in sujūd — linger there. Bukhārī 990; Muslim 749, 482
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
This is the Takbīr muṭlaq — unrestricted glorification. Say it freely and as often as possible from the 1st of Dhul Ḥijjah through sunset of the 13th: in your home, while walking, at work, between tasks. Ibn ʿUmar and Abū Hurayrah said it in the markets until others joined them. There is no specific count — the more, the better.
Bukhārī, before 970
The most beloved speech to Allah is these four phrases. Muslim 2137
"By Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day," said the Prophet ﷺ. Bukhārī 6307
Whoever sends one ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me, Allah sends ten upon him. (Muslim 408)
The Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. "O Allah, send prayers upon Muḥammad and upon the family of Muḥammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrāhīm and the family of Ibrāhīm — verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious…"Bukhārī 3370; Muslim 406
Every act of goodness is ṣadaqah. Give what you can, how you can:
Give WealthGive money — even a small amount — to a trustworthy charity or a person in need. "Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth." (Muslim 2588) Feed OthersBuy food, cook a meal, or leave groceries at a door. "The best of you are those who feed others." (Aḥmad) Ṣadaqah Jāriyah — Ongoing RewardDonate to a water well, a masjid, a Qurʾān project, or an orphan's education — rewards flow even after death. (Muslim 1631) Hidden Ṣadaqah — Ṣadaqat al-SirrPay a bill or settle a debt anonymously — so hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. (Bukhārī 660) Remove Obstacles · Make Way for OthersRemove something harmful from a path. "Removing a harmful thing from the road is ṣadaqah." A man entered Paradise for clearing a branch that hurt Muslims on the road. (Bukhārī & Muslim) Help with Tasks · Ease Another's BurdenHelp someone carry their load, assist with a task they are struggling with. "Helping a man get on his mount is ṣadaqah." (Bukhārī & Muslim) Feed AnimalsGive water or food to a hungry or thirsty animal. Allah forgave a woman of ill repute because she gave water to a dying dog. "In every living thing there is reward." (Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244) Duʿāʾ for OthersMake sincere duʿāʾ for another Muslim by name, for a specific need. The angel says: "Āmīn — and for you the same." (Muslim 2733) A Good Word · A Genuine SmileA kind word is ṣadaqah. A sincere smile at your Muslim brother or sister is ṣadaqah. (Tirmidhī 1956) Muslim 2588; Bukhārī 6021; Tirmidhī 1956; Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244, 1631
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
① From Grief, Worry, and Weaknessاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِAllāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika mina-l-hammi wa-l-ḥazan, wa-l-ʿajzi wa-l-kasal, wa-l-bukhli wa-l-jubn, wa ḍalaʿi-d-dayn, wa ghalabati-r-rijāl. "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the burden of debt, and from being overpowered by others." — The Prophet ﷺ never left this duʿāʾ. (Bukhārī 7/158; Nasāʾī 5449)② For the Love of Allahاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حُبَّكَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمِنَ الْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ḥubbak, wa ḥubba man yuḥibbuk, wa-l-ʿamala-lladhī yuballighu-nī ḥubbak. Allāhumma-jʿal ḥubbaka aḥabba ilayya min nafsī wa ahlī wa mina-l-māʾi-l-bārid. "O Allah, I ask You for Your love, the love of those who love You, and the deeds that bring me to Your love. O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and cold water." — The duʿāʾ of Dāwūd ﷺ, taught by our Prophet ﷺ. (Tirmidhī 3490, ḥasan)③ For Forgiveness and Well-Beingاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِيAllāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fi-d-dunyā wa-l-ākhirah. Allāhumma innī asʾaluka-l-ʿafwa wa-l-ʿāfiyah fī dīnī wa dunyāya wa ahlī wa mālī. "O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth." — The Prophet ﷺ never abandoned these every morning and evening. (Ibn Mājah 3871)④ For Beneficial Knowledgeاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًاAllāhumma innī asʾaluka ʿilman nāfiʿan wa rizqan ṭayyiban wa ʿamalan mutaqabbalan. "O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds." — After Fajr. (Ibn Mājah 925, ḥasan)Nasāʾī 5449; Tirmidhī 3490; Ibn Mājah 3871, 925
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best duʿāʾ is the duʿāʾ of the day of ʿArafah." These are the comprehensive duʿās from Āl ʿImrān — open everything in your hands.
① The Witness of the Creationرَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِRabbanā mā khalaqta hādhā bāṭilan subḥānaka fa-qinā ʿadhāba-n-nār "Our Lord, You did not create this in vain — glory be to You; protect us from the punishment of the Fire." — Said by those who reflect on heaven and earth, standing, sitting, and on their sides. (Sūrat Āl ʿImrān 3:191)② The Plea Against Disgraceرَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ مَن تُدْخِلِ النَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍRabbanā innaka man tudkhili-n-nāra fa-qad akhzaytah, wa mā li-ẓ-ẓālimīna min anṣār "Our Lord, whoever You admit to the Fire — You have disgraced him; and the wrongdoers will have no helpers." — Name the loss directly. Then ask not to be among them. (Sūrat Āl ʿImrān 3:192)③ Having Heard the Caller — the Full Responseرَّبَّنَا إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِي لِلْإِيمَانِ أَنْ آمِنُوا بِرَبِّكُمْ فَآمَنَّا ۚ رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّئَاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْأَبْرَارِRabbanā innanā samiʿnā munādiyan yunādī li-l-īmān an āminū bi-rabbikum fa-āmannā, rabbanā fa-ghfir lanā dhunūbanā wa kaffir ʿannā sayyiʾātinā wa tawaffanā maʿa-l-abrār "Our Lord, we have heard a caller calling to faith — "Believe in your Lord" — and we have believed. Our Lord, forgive us our sins, remove from us our misdeeds, and cause us to die with the righteous." — Six asks in one breath. Use this when you do not know what else to say. (Sūrat Āl ʿImrān 3:193)④ Asking for the Promiseرَبَّنَا وَآتِنَا مَا وَعَدتَّنَا عَلَىٰ رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ۗ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَRabbanā wa ātinā mā waʿadtanā ʿalā rusulika wa lā tukhzinā yawma-l-qiyāmah, innaka lā tukhlifu-l-mīʿād "Our Lord, grant us what You promised us through Your messengers, and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, You do not break the promise." — You are claiming a promise. Allah keeps His. (Sūrat Āl ʿImrān 3:194)⑤ Write Us with the Witnessesرَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَRabbanā āmannā fa-ktubnā maʿa-sh-shāhidīn "Our Lord, we have believed — so write us down among the witnesses." — Said by those whose eyes overflowed with tears when they recognised the truth. (Sūrat al-Māʾidah 5:83)⑥ Ibrāhīm’s Total Tawakkulرَّبَّنَا عَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْنَا وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ رَبَّنَا لَا تَجْعَلْنَا فِتْنَةً لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا رَبَّنَاRabbanā ʿalayka tawakkalnā wa ilayka anabnā wa ilayka-l-maṣīr, rabbanā lā tajʿalnā fitnatan lilladhīna kafarū wa-ghfir lanā rabbanā "Our Lord, upon You we have relied; to You we turn back; and to You is the destination. Our Lord, do not make us a trial for those who disbelieve, and forgive us — our Lord." — Ibrāhīm’s words on the day he disavowed his people. Use them today to disavow the worst in yourself. (Sūrat al-Mumtaḥanah 60:4–5)Sūrat Āl ʿImrān 3:191, 3:192, 3:193, 3:194; al-Māʾidah 5:83; al-Mumtaḥanah 60:4–5
— Today's Focus — Give This Day to Allah
The ʿArafah duʿāʾ window opens at Ẓuhr and extends to Maghrib. This is the afternoon of the greatest day in the Islamic calendar. Sit with your list of needs — names, fears, hopes, every person you love, every burden you carry. Allah descends to the nearest heaven and asks: "Who is calling upon Me that I may answer? Who is asking of Me that I may give? Who is seeking forgiveness that I may forgive?" (Bukhārī 1145; Muslim 1048)
If you can devote the full window from Ẓuhr to Maghrib — do. If life allows only Aṣr to Maghrib — protect that at minimum. Do not let this afternoon pass in distraction. Muslim 1348; Bukhārī 1145
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌLā ilāha illā Allāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamd, wa huwa ʿalā kulli shayʾin qadīr. "There is no god but Allah, alone, with no partner. His is the dominion, His is the praise, and He has power over all things." — The best duʿāʾ on the Day of ʿArafah. (Tirmidhī 3585, ḥasan)
On this plain — on this day — our Prophet ﷺ stood and delivered the last words he would speak to the full ummah gathered before him. Consider what he chose to say in his final moments of address:
"O people: your Lord is One, and your father is one. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; a white person has no superiority over a black, nor a black over white — except by taqwā. Have I conveyed the message? O Allah, bear witness."
He spoke of blood, wealth, honour — as sacred as this day. He spoke of women — to treat them with kindness. He spoke of debt — do not wrong one another. He held up the Qurʾān and Sunnah as the two things that would preserve us if we held to them.
He said: "Those present must convey to those absent."
He said it was completed. Allah confirmed: الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ (5:3).
Stand on your own ʿArafah today. What from that sermon are you living? What have you let fall? Bukhārī 1741; Muslim 1218
①الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْAl-yawma akmaltu lakum dīnakum "Today I have perfected your religion for you. — Revealed at ʿArafah" — al-Māʾidah 5:3②رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةًRabbanā ātinā fī-d-dunyā ḥasanah "Our Lord, give us good in this world." — al-Baqarah 2:201③إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ اللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ مِّنَ الْمُحْسِنِينَInna raḥmata-llāhi qarībun mina-l-muḥsinīn "Allah's mercy is near to those who do good." — al-Aʿrāf 7:56④وَادْعُوهُ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًاWa-dʿūhu khawfan wa ṭamaʿā "Call upon Him in fear and hope." — al-Aʿrāf 7:56⑤وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْدُودَاتٍWa-dhkurū-llāha fī ayyāmin maʿdūdāt "Remember Allah on the appointed days." — al-Baqarah 2:203
Day Ten — Yawm al-Naḥr 🎉 ✓
10 Dhul Ḥijjah
Eid al-Aḍḥā
The feast of sacrifice and gratitude
— The Sunnahs of Eid —
FORBIDDEN
On the Day of Eid al-Aḍḥā, voluntary fasting is forbidden. These are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of Allah. Muslim 1141
Recommended before attending Eid prayer. Ibn Mājah 1315, ḥasan
Strongly sunnah — the Prophet ﷺ commanded even menstruating women to attend and observe. Bukhārī 971
The Prophet ﷺ used to go out to Eid prayer saying the Takbīr and return by a different path. Ibn Mājah 1301; Bukhārī 986
Sunnah / Wājib
From the new moon of Dhul Ḥijjah until after the slaughter. Applies only to the one offering the sacrifice, not the household. Muslim 1977, from Umm Salamah
From Fajr of 9th Dhul Ḥijjah through ʿAṣr of 13th — say the Takbīr after every obligatory prayer. This is the Takbīr muqayyad (bound Takbīr), as opposed to the free/muṭlaq Takbīr. Ibn Taymiyyah; practice of the Companions
Today especially — anchor the day of Eid with the five farḍ. The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
The classical division: roughly one-third for the household, one-third for relatives and neighbours, one-third for the poor. Deliver in person where possible — meeting the recipient is part of the act. If you contracted a collective slaughter, ensure your share is actually distributed today or in the days that follow, not deferred indefinitely. Recorded across the four madhāhib; Bukhārī 5569
Protocol of Duʿāʾ1. Wuḍūʾ · Face the QiblahBegin in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible. 2. Thanāʾ — Praise Allah Firstالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Do not begin with your request. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man jump straight to asking; he said: "This one has rushed." (Abū Dāwūd 1481) 3. Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌDuʿāʾ is held suspended between heaven and earth until the ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ is completed. Do not rush past it. (Tirmidhī 3476)4. Ask — with certainty, not hesitationAsk for deen and dunya. Your health, rizq, parents, children, fears, sins, death, grave, ākhirah. Ask for others by name. "Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs — even the strap of his sandal." (Tirmidhī 3604) 5. Close with Ṣalawāt (Darood) again · ĀmīnEnd as you began — repeat the Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood). Raise your hands throughout; wipe your face at the end. (Abū Dāwūd 1485)
Tirmidhī 2969; Abū Dāwūd 1481, 1485; Tirmidhī 3476, 3604
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
Today the heart is full. The right response is praise — these are the words the Qurʾān gives for moments of completion.
① Ibrāhīm at the Moment of Sacrifice — Total Disclosureرَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ تَعْلَمُ مَا نُخْفِي وَمَا نُعْلِنُ ۗ وَمَا يَخْفَىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ مِن شَيْءٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِRabbanā innaka taʿlamu mā nukhfī wa mā nuʿlin, wa mā yakhfā ʿalā-llāhi min shayʾin fī-l-arḍi wa lā fī-s-samāʾ "Our Lord, You know what we conceal and what we declare. Nothing on earth or in the heavens is hidden from Allah." — On the day of sacrifice — admit it all. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:38)② Ibrāhīm’s Praise for the Gift of Sonsالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي وَهَبَ لِي عَلَى الْكِبَرِ إِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّي لَسَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِAl-ḥamdulillāhi-lladhī wahaba lī ʿalā-l-kibari Ismāʿīla wa Isḥāq, inna rabbī la-samīʿu-d-duʿāʾ "Praise be to Allah who has granted me — in old age — Ismāʿīl and Isḥāq. Indeed, my Lord is the Hearer of supplication." — The father of the sacrificed son praising Allah for him. Praise becomes the offering. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:39)③ Sulaymān — "This Is from My Lord’s Favour"هَٰذَا مِن فَضْلِ رَبِّي لِيَبْلُوَنِي أَأَشْكُرُ أَمْ أَكْفُرُ ۖ وَمَن شَكَرَ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِHādhā min faḍli rabbī li-yabluwanī a-ashkuru am akfur, wa man shakara fa-innamā yashkuru li-nafsih "This is from my Lord’s favour — to test whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. Whoever is grateful — his gratitude is only for his own soul." — Said when the Throne of Bilqīs appeared. Said today when the sacrifice is complete. (Sūrat al-Naml 27:40)④ The Praise of Those Who Reach the Gardenالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي هَدَانَا لِهَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِنَهْتَدِيَ لَوْلَا أَنْ هَدَانَا اللَّهُAl-ḥamdulillāhi-lladhī hadānā li-hādhā wa mā kunnā li-nahtadiya law lā an hadānā-llāh "Praise be to Allah who guided us to this — we would never have been guided had Allah not guided us." — The words spoken on entering Paradise. Begin saying them now. (Sūrat al-Aʿrāf 7:43)⑤ The Removal of All Sorrowالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَذْهَبَ عَنَّا الْحَزَنَ ۖ إِنَّ رَبَّنَا لَغَفُورٌ شَكُورٌAl-ḥamdulillāhi-lladhī adhhaba ʿannā-l-ḥazan, inna rabbanā la-Ghafūrun Shakūr "Praise be to Allah who has removed sorrow from us. Indeed, our Lord is Most Forgiving, Most Appreciative." — The first words of those who enter Paradise after a long wait. (Sūrat Fāṭir 35:34)⑥ The Witness of Fulfilled Promiseالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي صَدَقَنَا وَعْدَهُ وَأَوْرَثَنَا الْأَرْضَ نَتَبَوَّأُ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ حَيْثُ نَشَاءُAl-ḥamdulillāhi-lladhī ṣadaqanā waʿdahu wa awrathanā-l-arḍa natabawwaʾu mina-l-jannati ḥaythu nashāʾ "Praise be to Allah who has fulfilled His promise to us and given us this land — we settle in Paradise wherever we wish." — The praise of the residents of the Garden. The promise was always kept. (Sūrat al-Zumar 39:74)Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:38, 14:39; al-Naml 27:40; al-Aʿrāf 7:43; Fāṭir 35:34; al-Zumar 39:74
تَقَبَّلَ اللَّهُ مِنَّا وَمِنكُمْ"May Allah accept from us and from you." — The greeting of the Companions on the days of Eid. Recorded from the practice of the ṣaḥābah. (Al-Ḥākim; Ibn Ḥajar, Fatḥ al-Bārī)
— Today's Reflection —
①فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْFa-ṣalli li-rabbika wa-nḥar "So pray to your Lord and sacrifice." — al-Kawthar 108:2②إِنَّا أَعْطَيْنَاكَ الْكَوْثَرَInnā aʿṭaynāka-l-kawthar "Indeed We have granted you al-Kawthar (abundance)." — al-Kawthar 108:1③لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَاLan yanāla-llāha luḥūmuhā wa lā dimāʾuhā "Neither their flesh nor their blood reaches Allah." — al-Ḥajj 22:37④وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْWa lākin yanāluhu-t-taqwā minkum "But your piety reaches Him." — al-Ḥajj 22:37⑤وَالْبُدْنَ جَعَلْنَاهَا لَكُم مِّن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِWa-l-budna jaʿalnāhā lakum min shaʿāʾiri-llāh "We have made the sacrificial camels among the signs of Allah." — al-Ḥajj 22:36
Day Eleven — Ayyām al-Tashrīq I✓
11 Dhul Ḥijjah
Days of Eating and Remembrance
Dhikr between the feasts
— Core —
FORBIDDEN
The Days of Tashrīq (11th–13th Dhul Ḥijjah) are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance — voluntary fasting is not permitted. Muslim 1141
The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
2 before Fajr · 4 before + 2 after Ẓuhr · 2 after Maghrib · 2 after ʿIshāʾ. Whoever prays them daily, Allah builds for him a house in Paradise. Muslim 728
Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping and rising before Fajr. Pray at least 2 rakaʿāt, then as many as ease allows. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Night prayer is two by two — and if one fears Fajr is near, let him pray one rakaʿah as Witr." Close always with Witr (minimum: one rakaʿah). The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in sujūd — linger there. Bukhārī 990; Muslim 749, 482
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
The Takbīr muqayyad — bound to the prayer — is recited audibly after every farḍ prayer from Fajr of the 9th through ʿAṣr of the 13th. Say it immediately after the salām, before the rest of the post-prayer adhkār. This is on the agreement of the four madhāhib. The muṭlaq Takbīr (the unrestricted recitation throughout the day) continues today as well — at home, in the streets, between tasks. "Until ʿAṣr of the 13th."Bukhārī, before 970; agreement of the four madhāhib
The most beloved speech to Allah is these four phrases. Muslim 2137
"By Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day," said the Prophet ﷺ. Bukhārī 6307
Whoever sends one ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me, Allah sends ten upon him. (Muslim 408)
The Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. "O Allah, send prayers upon Muḥammad and upon the family of Muḥammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrāhīm and the family of Ibrāhīm — verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious…"Bukhārī 3370; Muslim 406
Every act of goodness is ṣadaqah. Give what you can, how you can:
Give WealthGive money — even a small amount — to a trustworthy charity or a person in need. "Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth." (Muslim 2588) Feed OthersBuy food, cook a meal, or leave groceries at a door. "The best of you are those who feed others." (Aḥmad) Ṣadaqah Jāriyah — Ongoing RewardDonate to a water well, a masjid, a Qurʾān project, or an orphan's education — rewards flow even after death. (Muslim 1631) Hidden Ṣadaqah — Ṣadaqat al-SirrPay a bill or settle a debt anonymously — so hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. (Bukhārī 660) Remove Obstacles · Make Way for OthersRemove something harmful from a path. "Removing a harmful thing from the road is ṣadaqah." A man entered Paradise for clearing a branch that hurt Muslims on the road. (Bukhārī & Muslim) Help with Tasks · Ease Another's BurdenHelp someone carry their load, assist with a task they are struggling with. "Helping a man get on his mount is ṣadaqah." (Bukhārī & Muslim) Feed AnimalsGive water or food to a hungry or thirsty animal. Allah forgave a woman of ill repute because she gave water to a dying dog. "In every living thing there is reward." (Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244) Duʿāʾ for OthersMake sincere duʿāʾ for another Muslim by name, for a specific need. The angel says: "Āmīn — and for you the same." (Muslim 2733) A Good Word · A Genuine SmileA kind word is ṣadaqah. A sincere smile at your Muslim brother or sister is ṣadaqah. (Tirmidhī 1956) Muslim 2588; Bukhārī 6021; Tirmidhī 1956; Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244, 1631
Protocol of Duʿāʾ1. Wuḍūʾ · Face the QiblahBegin in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible. 2. Thanāʾ — Praise Allah Firstالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Do not begin with your request. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man jump straight to asking; he said: "This one has rushed." (Abū Dāwūd 1481) 3. Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌDuʿāʾ is held suspended between heaven and earth until the ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ is completed. Do not rush past it. (Tirmidhī 3476)4. Ask — with certainty, not hesitationAsk for deen and dunya. Your health, rizq, parents, children, fears, sins, death, grave, ākhirah. Ask for others by name. "Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs — even the strap of his sandal." (Tirmidhī 3604) 5. Close with Ṣalawāt (Darood) again · ĀmīnEnd as you began — repeat the Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood). Raise your hands throughout; wipe your face at the end. (Abū Dāwūd 1485)
Tirmidhī 2969; Abū Dāwūd 1481, 1485; Tirmidhī 3476, 3604
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
The days that come after the peak. The Qurʾān shows how to keep remembering when the high moment has passed.
① The Pleading Duʿāʾرَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَRabbanā āmannā fa-ghfir lanā wa-rḥamnā wa anta khayru-r-rāḥimīn "Our Lord, we have believed — so forgive us, have mercy on us, and You are the best of those who show mercy." — Said by those Allah called the best of His creation. Easy to memorise — make it your refrain through these three days. (Sūrat al-Muʾminūn 23:109)② For Those Who Came Before in Faithرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌRabbanā-ghfir lanā wa li-ikhwāninā-lladhīna sabaqūnā bi-l-īmān wa lā tajʿal fī qulūbinā ghillan lilladhīna āmanū rabbanā innaka raʾūfun raḥīm "Our Lord, forgive us and our brethren who preceded us in faith, and do not place in our hearts any rancor toward those who have believed. Our Lord, You are indeed Kind, Merciful." — A duʿāʾ for the dead and for the living believers around you. Heals what holds grudges. (Sūrat al-Ḥashr 59:10)③ Āsiyah’s Duʿāʾ — A House Near Allahرَبِّ ابْنِ لِي عِندَكَ بَيْتًا فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَنَجِّنِي مِن فِرْعَوْنَ وَعَمَلِهِ وَنَجِّنِي مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَRabbi-bni lī ʿindaka baytan fī-l-jannah wa najjinī min Firʿawna wa ʿamalih wa najjinī mina-l-qawmi-ẓ-ẓālimīn "My Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise — and save me from Firʿawn and his deeds, and save me from the wrongdoing people." — Spoken under torture. The Qurʾān names her a model for the believers. (Sūrat al-Taḥrīm 66:11)④ Zakariyyā — "Do Not Leave Me Alone"رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَRabbi lā tadharnī fardan wa anta khayru-l-wārithīn "My Lord, do not leave me alone — and You are the best of inheritors." — For the loneliness after a high moment. Allah heard him. (Sūrat al-Anbiyāʾ 21:89)⑤ ʿĪsā’s Intercession — Mercy Is Yours to Giveإِن تُعَذِّبْهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَ ۖ وَإِن تَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ فَإِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُIn tuʿadhdhibhum fa-innahum ʿibāduk, wa in taghfir lahum fa-innaka anta-l-ʿazīzu-l-ḥakīm "If You punish them, they are Your servants; and if You forgive them, You are the Mighty, the Wise." — ʿĪsā ﷺ on the Day of Judgement, refusing to demand vengeance. Use this duʿāʾ for the ummah. (Sūrat al-Māʾidah 5:118)Sūrat al-Muʾminūn 23:109; al-Ḥashr 59:10; al-Taḥrīm 66:11; al-Anbiyāʾ 21:89; al-Māʾidah 5:118
The salaf intensified recitation in these ten days — Saʿīd ibn Jubayr was "as one in iʿtikāf" during them. If a full juzʾ is beyond reach today, a single page read with presence of heart is worth more than a juzʾ read in haste. Begin where you are. Ibn Rajab, Laṭāʾif al-Maʿārif
— Today's Focus —
①أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُAlā bi-dhikri-llāhi taṭmaʾinnu-l-qulūb "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." — al-Raʿd 13:28②يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًاYā ayyuhā-lladhīna āmanū-dhkurū-llāha dhikran kathīrā "O believers, remember Allah with abundant remembrance." — al-Aḥzāb 33:41③وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًاWa sabbiḥūhu bukratan wa aṣīlā "And glorify Him morning and evening." — al-Aḥzāb 33:42④وَالْفَجْرِ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍWa-l-fajri wa layālin ʿashr "By the dawn and by the ten nights. — These very days." — al-Fajr 89:1-2⑤فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ آبَاءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًاFa-dhkurū-llāha ka-dhikrikum ābāʾakum aw ashadda dhikrā "Remember Allah as you remember your forefathers, or even more." — al-Baqarah 2:200
Day Twelve — Ayyām al-Tashrīq II✓
12 Dhul Ḥijjah
The Closing
Carrying it forward
— Core —
FORBIDDEN
The Days of Tashrīq (11th–13th Dhul Ḥijjah) are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance — voluntary fasting is not permitted. Muslim 1141
The first matter the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. Tirmidhī 413, ṣaḥīḥ
2 before Fajr · 4 before + 2 after Ẓuhr · 2 after Maghrib · 2 after ʿIshāʾ. Whoever prays them daily, Allah builds for him a house in Paradise. Muslim 728
Tahajjud is prayed after sleeping and rising before Fajr. Pray at least 2 rakaʿāt, then as many as ease allows. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Night prayer is two by two — and if one fears Fajr is near, let him pray one rakaʿah as Witr." Close always with Witr (minimum: one rakaʿah). The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in sujūd — linger there. Bukhārī 990; Muslim 749, 482
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
The Takbīr muqayyad — bound to the prayer — is recited audibly after every farḍ prayer from Fajr of the 9th through ʿAṣr of the 13th. Say it immediately after the salām, before the rest of the post-prayer adhkār. The muṭlaq Takbīr (the unrestricted recitation throughout the day) continues today as well — at home, in the streets, between tasks. "Until ʿAṣr of the 13th."Bukhārī, before 970; agreement of the four madhāhib
The most beloved speech to Allah is these four phrases. Muslim 2137
"By Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day," said the Prophet ﷺ. Bukhārī 6307
Whoever sends one ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me, Allah sends ten upon him. (Muslim 408)
The Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ʿalā Ibrāhīma wa ʿalā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. "O Allah, send prayers upon Muḥammad and upon the family of Muḥammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrāhīm and the family of Ibrāhīm — verily You are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious…"Bukhārī 3370; Muslim 406
Every act of goodness is ṣadaqah. Give what you can, how you can:
Give WealthGive money — even a small amount — to a trustworthy charity or a person in need. "Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth." (Muslim 2588) Feed OthersBuy food, cook a meal, or leave groceries at a door. "The best of you are those who feed others." (Aḥmad) Ṣadaqah Jāriyah — Ongoing RewardDonate to a water well, a masjid, a Qurʾān project, or an orphan's education — rewards flow even after death. (Muslim 1631) Hidden Ṣadaqah — Ṣadaqat al-SirrPay a bill or settle a debt anonymously — so hidden the left hand does not know what the right gives. (Bukhārī 660) Remove Obstacles · Make Way for OthersRemove something harmful from a path. "Removing a harmful thing from the road is ṣadaqah." A man entered Paradise for clearing a branch that hurt Muslims on the road. (Bukhārī & Muslim) Help with Tasks · Ease Another's BurdenHelp someone carry their load, assist with a task they are struggling with. "Helping a man get on his mount is ṣadaqah." (Bukhārī & Muslim) Feed AnimalsGive water or food to a hungry or thirsty animal. Allah forgave a woman of ill repute because she gave water to a dying dog. "In every living thing there is reward." (Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244) Duʿāʾ for OthersMake sincere duʿāʾ for another Muslim by name, for a specific need. The angel says: "Āmīn — and for you the same." (Muslim 2733) A Good Word · A Genuine SmileA kind word is ṣadaqah. A sincere smile at your Muslim brother or sister is ṣadaqah. (Tirmidhī 1956) Muslim 2588; Bukhārī 6021; Tirmidhī 1956; Bukhārī 2363; Muslim 2244, 1631
Protocol of Duʿāʾ1. Wuḍūʾ · Face the QiblahBegin in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible. 2. Thanāʾ — Praise Allah Firstالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Do not begin with your request. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man jump straight to asking; he said: "This one has rushed." (Abū Dāwūd 1481) 3. Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood) — completeاللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌDuʿāʾ is held suspended between heaven and earth until the ṣalawāt (Darood) on the Prophet ﷺ is completed. Do not rush past it. (Tirmidhī 3476)4. Ask — with certainty, not hesitationAsk for deen and dunya. Your health, rizq, parents, children, fears, sins, death, grave, ākhirah. Ask for others by name. "Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs — even the strap of his sandal." (Tirmidhī 3604) 5. Close with Ṣalawāt (Darood) again · ĀmīnEnd as you began — repeat the Ṣalawāt al-Ibrahimiyyah (Darood). Raise your hands throughout; wipe your face at the end. (Abū Dāwūd 1485)
Tirmidhī 2969; Abū Dāwūd 1481, 1485; Tirmidhī 3476, 3604
① Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ…Protection from morning to evening / evening to morning. (al-Ḥākim, authenticated by al-Albānī)② Three Quls × 3Recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās three times each. "They suffice you against everything." (Abū Dāwūd 5082, ṣaḥīḥ)③ Subḥān Allāhi wa bi-ḥamdihi · Subḥān Allāhi-l-ʿaẓīm × 100سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ ❦ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِSins wiped away even if like the foam of the sea. "Two phrases light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful." (Muslim 2692; Bukhārī 6406)④ Bismillāhi-lladhī lā yaḍurru × 3بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ"In the Name of Allah with Whose Name nothing can harm — on earth or in heaven — and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." × 3 — Nothing will harm him until morning/evening. (Abū Dāwūd 5088; Tirmidhī 3388, ṣaḥīḥ)⑤ Allāhumma bika aṣbaḥnā / amsaynāاللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا وَبِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا وَبِكَ نَحْيَا وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ وَإِلَيْكَ النُّشُورُ"O Allah, by You we enter the morning / evening, by You we live, by You we die, and to You is the resurrection." — Morning: aṣbaḥnā … al-nushūr; Evening: amsaynā … al-maṣīr. (Abū Dāwūd 5068)⑥ Ḥasbiya Allāhu × 7حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ"Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god but He. Upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." × 7 morning and evening — Allah suffices him in whatever grieves him. (Abū Dāwūd 5081)⑦ Sayyid al-Istighfār — once morning, once eveningاللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ / أَمَتُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَىٰ عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ"O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant (عَبْدُكَ for men / أَمَتُكَ for women). I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me — for none forgives sins but You." — Whoever says this with conviction in the morning and dies before evening enters Paradise; same at night. (Bukhārī 6306)⑧ Ṣalawāt (Darood) × 10Whoever sends ṣalawāt (Darood) upon me ten times morning and evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgement. (Ṭabarānī, ṣaḥīḥ al-Albānī)
Ḥiṣn al-Muslim; al-Nawawī, al-Adhkār
They can no longer make duʿāʾ for themselves. You can.
Duʿāʾ for the Deceasedاللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِAllāhumma-ghfir lahum wa-rḥamhum wa ʿāfihim wa-ʿfu ʿanhum, wa akrim nuzulahum, wa wassiʿ mudkhalahum, wa-ghsilhum bi-l-māʾi wa-th-thalji wa-l-barad. "O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, grant them well-being, pardon them, honour their reception, widen their entrance, and wash them with water, snow, and ice." — From the Prophet's ﷺ janāzah supplication. (Muslim 963)Also say for each person by name:اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ ❦ اللَّهُمَّ وَسِّعْ قَبْرَهُ وَأَدْخِلْهُ نُورًا"O Allah, make their grave a garden of Paradise. · O Allah, admit them into Paradise. · O Allah, widen their grave and fill it with light." — Say their names. Linger on each one. These days are among the holiest — send them this gift.Muslim 963; Ḥiṣn al-Muslim
One of the duʿās guaranteed acceptance is the duʿāʾ of a child for their parents. Do not let a day of this season pass without it.
For Living Parentsرَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًاRabbi-rḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā. "My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small." — The Qurʾānic command. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:24)For Departed Parentsرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُRabbanā-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-l-muʾminīna yawma yaqūmu-l-ḥisāb. "Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established." — The duʿāʾ of Ibrāhīm ﷺ. (Sūrat Ibrāhīm 14:41)More fullyرَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِRabbi-ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-man dakhala baytiya muʾminan wa li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt. "My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and the believing men and women." — The duʿāʾ of Nūḥ ﷺ. (Sūrat Nūḥ 71:28)
Say each by name. Linger on them. The duʿāʾ of a righteous child reaches the deceased parent in the grave — a station that does not stop rising. "Whence is this?" the parent asks. The answer: "From your child's istighfār for you." (Ibn Mājah 3660, ḥasan)
Qurʾān 17:24, 14:41, 71:28; Ibn Mājah 3660
The twelve days end, but istiqāmah is the only continuation that counts. Carry these duʿās forward — they were meant for after the season, not just during it.
① The Prophet’s ﷺ Final Recourse — Allah Is Enoughحَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ ۖ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِḤasbiya-llāhu lā ilāha illā huwa, ʿalayhi tawakkaltu, wa huwa rabbu-l-ʿarshi-l-ʿaẓīm "Sufficient for me is Allah — there is no god except Him; upon Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne." — The Prophet ﷺ said whoever says this seven times in the morning and the evening, Allah suffices him. (Sūrat al-Tawbah 9:129)② The Angels’ Duʿāʾ — Admit Them to the Gardensرَبَّنَا وَأَدْخِلْهُمْ جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ الَّتِي وَعَدتَّهُمْ وَمَن صَلَحَ مِنْ آبَائِهِمْ وَأَزْوَاجِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّاتِهِمْRabbanā wa adkhilhum jannāti ʿadnin allatī waʿadtahum wa man ṣalaḥa min ābāʾihim wa azwājihim wa dhurriyyātihim "Our Lord, admit them to Gardens of Eternity that You have promised them, and the righteous among their fathers, spouses, and offspring." — The bearers of the Throne praying for the believers and their families. Slip in. (Sūrat Ghāfir 40:8)③ Ibrāhīm — "Heir to the Garden of Bliss"وَاجْعَلْنِي مِن وَرَثَةِ جَنَّةِ النَّعِيمِWa-jʿalnī min warathati jannati-n-naʿīm "And make me of the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss." — The closing horizon of every duʿāʾ. (Sūrat al-Shuʿarāʾ 26:85)④ Ibrāhīm for His Fatherوَاغْفِرْ لِأَبِي إِنَّهُ كَانَ مِنَ الضَّالِّينَWa-ghfir li-abī innahu kāna mina-ḍ-ḍāllīn "And forgive my father — indeed he was among those who went astray." — A son’s impossible duʿāʾ. Even when there is no way, ask. (Sūrat al-Shuʿarāʾ 26:86)⑤ The Final Praise of Sūrat al-Isrāʾوَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَدًا وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ شَرِيكٌ فِي الْمُلْكِ ... وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًاWa quli-l-ḥamdulillāhi-lladhī lam yattakhidh waladan wa lam yakun lahu sharīkun fī-l-mulk... wa kabbirhu takbīrā "And say: "All praise belongs to Allah, who has taken no son, and who has no partner in dominion... and magnify Him greatly."" — The closing duʿāʾ Allah commanded — and the closing duʿāʾ of these twelve days. (Sūrat al-Isrāʾ 17:111)Sūrat al-Tawbah 9:129; Ghāfir 40:8; al-Shuʿarāʾ 26:85, 26:86; al-Isrāʾ 17:111
The salaf intensified recitation in these ten days — Saʿīd ibn Jubayr was "as one in iʿtikāf" during them. If a full juzʾ is beyond reach today, a single page read with presence of heart is worth more than a juzʾ read in haste. Begin where you are. Ibn Rajab, Laṭāʾif al-Maʿārif
— Today's Focus —
①وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُWa-ʿbud rabbaka ḥattā yaʾtiyaka-l-yaqīn "Worship your Lord until certainty (death) comes to you." — al-Ḥijr 15:99②فَاسْتَمْسِكْ بِالَّذِي أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَFa-stamsik bi-lladhī ūḥiya ilayk "Hold fast to what has been revealed to you." — al-Zukhruf 43:43③وَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَWa-staqim kamā umirta "Be upright as you have been commanded." — Hūd 11:112④وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِWa man yuʿaẓẓim shaʿāʾira-llāhi fa-innahā min taqwā-l-qulūb "Whoever honors the signs of Allah — they spring from piety of the heart." — al-Ḥajj 22:32⑤إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُواInnalladhīna qālū rabbunā-llāhu thumma-staqāmū "Those who say "Our Lord is Allah" and then stand firm." — Fuṣṣilat 41:30