QUESTION: Assalamualaykum, in the zulhajj what is the benefits of the ramathan? – Anonymous, Singapore

ANSWER: As for this question, it seems unclear to me as to what is intended by the one who ask. It appears as if he is asking about the benefits of the month of Ramadan but at the same he mentioned the month of zulhijjah. In that case, I will explain the benefits of both months and their significance concisely.

The month of zulhijjah
As for the month of zulhijjah, it is considered to be one of the four sacred months in islam which Allah mentions in the quran:

The count of months, as far as GOD is concerned, is twelve. This has been GOD’s law, since the day He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred.
[Quran 9:36]

Ibn kathir mentioned in his tafsir the reason for zuljijjah to be sacred by saying:

“ Dhul-Hijjah, the next month, was made sacred because it is the month of Hajj, during which they performed Hajj rituals.”

Benefits of the month of zulhijjah
There are many narrations pertaining to the virtues of the month of zulhijjah especially the first ten days. Amongst them:

Allah has taken oath of ten nights in Soorah Al-Fajr. According to the majority of the commentators of Qur’ãn, the nights are those of the (first) ten days of Zul Hijjah.

Abdullah Ibne ‘Abbãs radiyallahu anhu related that the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, “Good deeds performed on other days are not superior to those performed on these (first ten days of Zul Hijjah).” The Companions radiyallahu anhum inquired, “Not even Jihãd?” He replied, “Not even jihãd, except for that person who goes out putting himself and his wealth in danger and does not return with anything.” (Bukhãri)

Abdullah Ibne ‘Abbãs radiyallahu anhu narrated that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, “On no other days are good deeds more liked by Allah than on these ten days (i.e. The first ten days of Zul Hijjah).” The Sahãbah radiyallahu anhum asked, ” O Rasoolullah ! Not even Jihãd in the Way of Allah?” Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam replied, “Not even Jihãd in the Way of Allah, except for that person who goes out with his life and wealth and does not return with anything.” (Aboo Dãwood, Tirmizi, Ibne Mãjah)

Aboo Hurayrah radiyallahu anhu related that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, “On no days is the worship of Allah desired more than in the (first) ten days of Zul Hijjah. The fast of each of these days is equal to the fast of a whole year, and the worship of each of these nights is equal to the worship of Laylatul Qadr.” (Tirmizi, Ibne Mãjah)

The month of Ramadan
As for the month of Ramadan, it is the month where The quran was first revealed to the prophet s.a.w. Allah mentions in the quran:

“Ramadhan is the (month) in which the Qur’an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting.” AL-Quran 2:185

This Quranic verse explains the link between the Quran and the month of Ramadan. The revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) began in this month.

Benefits of the month of Ramadan
It is narrated by Imam Bukhary -Volume 1, Book 2, Number 36:

Allah’s Apostle said: “Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven.”

The Prophet stated that Ramadan to Ramadan is a forgiveness between them.

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhe wasalam) said : “The time between the five prayers, two consecutive Friday Prayers, and two consecutive Ramadans are expiations for all that has happened during that period, provided that one has avoided the grave (major) sins.” [Narrated by Imam Muslim]

The month of Ramadan, amongst many other immense blessings, grants us the best opportunity to strive for attaining the self-control that will lead to eternal pleasure and felicity. Allah, subhanahu wa ta`ala (Exalted is He), guarantees paradise as a reward for the one who resists following his/her desires. This can be attained by fasting.

One of the purposes of fasting in Ramadan according to the Qu’ran is to gain taqwa (piety) by training the nafs (self) in self-control.

Imam al-Ghazali (ra) called it “breaking the two desires”:

• The desire for food and drink.
  The desire for sexual relations

Wallahu a’lam
Contributor: Ustaz Anwar Hussain
www.AskUstaz.com