We’re in the greatest days of the year.
The 12th Islamic Month, Dh Al-Ḥijjah, starts on August 11. This is the month in which millions of Muslims embark to perform the Ritual Pilgrimage [Ḥajj]. It is also the month in which we celebrate our 2nd Islamic Festival, ʿEĪd Al-Aḍḥā. It’s a month filled with following the footsteps of the great grand father of our Beloved Messenger ﷺ, Abraham [Ibrāhīm (ع)].
Dates:
Start of Dh Al-Ḥijjah: August 11
9th Day — ʿArafah: August 20
10th Day — [Baqrah] Eid Al-Aḍḥā: August 21
The Messenger of ALLAH ﷺ said: “There are no days in which correct-righteous actions are more beloved to God than these 10 days [first ten of Dh Al-Ḥijjah]. The companions asked: “Not even Jihād for God?” So The Messenger of God ﷺ responded: “Not even Jihād for God; except for someone who goes out with his life and wealth, and returns with neither.” [1, 2, 3, 4]
Fasting on ʿArafah [9th of Dh Al-Ḥijjah] – Thursday, August 31
The Messenger of God ﷺ was asked about fasting on the day of ʿArafah [the 9th day of Dh Al-Ḥijjah — this is under the notion that one is not a pilgrim at ʿArafah]. He ﷺ answered: “It wipes away the sins of the past year, and coming year.” [1, 2] This will be Thursday, August 31.
The Messenger of God ﷺ fasted the first 9 days of Dh Al-Hijjah. [7, 8, 9]
Fasting Qurʾān Charity
Praying Extra Durūd | Ṣalawāt Duʿāʾ
Remembering God Seclusion Helping
Volunteering Repentance Masjid
Ritual Slaughter [Uḍḥiyah] for The Festival of Sacrifice [ʿEĪd Al-Aḍḥā]
It is mandatory [wājib] for for anyone who has ~$3,970 [niṣāb ḥirmān al-zakāh — checked 8/28] in extra possessions [i.e., you don’t need to have this much in liquid cash, but only if your extra possessions — such as an extra car, laptop, phone, watch, etc — reach or exceed this amount]. It must be done on one’s own behalf [not the physical slaughter]. It must be done after you have prayed the Festival Prayer [Ṣalāh Al-ʿEĪd], and before Maghrib on the 12th of Dh Al-Ḥijjah [10, 11, 12]. There are a handful of other rulings associated to this, but if you intend to outsource this act, those people will fulfill the rest of the criteria, God-Willing [in-shāʾ-Allāh].
For anyone intending to do this amazing act, it is religiously recommended [Sunnah] to not trim one’s hair or nails during the first 10 days of Dh Al-Ḥijjah, until your sacrifice has been made. [13, 14]
“Neither the meat or the blood [of your sacrifice] reaches God. Rather, it is your piety and devotion that reaches [God]. …” [Al-Ḥajj 22:37]
Chanting The Praises of The Almighty [Takbīrāt]
From Fajr on the 9th (Thursday, August 31), until ʿAṣr on the 13th (Monday, September 4), EVERYONE should read this aloud after every prayer. Man, Woman, Child. Whether you prayed alone, or in a group. E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E.
اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَاَللهُ أَكْبَرُ اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
(Allāh is the Greatest (3x), There are no deities, except The One True God [Allāh], and Allāh is the Greatest (2x), and All Praise and Thanks belong to Allāh.) (Takbīrāt Short Version)
The 11th-13th of Dh al-Ḥijjah — Jerky Time [Ayām Al-Tashrīq]
These are the days that were originally used to dry the freshly slaughtered meat, so that it could be preserved [i.e., turned into jerky] for later consumption. #mmmJerky
It is absolutely prohibited [Ḥarām | Makrūh Taḥrīmā] to fast on these days, including the joyous day of ʿEĪd. So do NOT fast from Friday, August 21 [10th] to Monday, August 24 [13th].
Recommended Actions [Sunan] of Our Beloved Messenger ﷺ for The Festival [ʿEĪd]
Ritual Shower [Ghusl]
Siwāk & Brushing Teeth
Dress & Smell Nice
Recite Takbirāt out loud
Go and Return from the place of prayer from a different route
Eat after the ʿEĪd Sermon [Do NOT Fast]
Credit to Muddassir Mayet