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‘First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah, an Exceptional Opportunity for all Muslims’

Referring to the special virtues of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, the prominent Iranian Sunni scholar described these days as an exceptional opportunity for all Muslims around the globe and emphasized the need to increase acts of worship during these days.
Talking to tens of thousands of worshipers in the biggest Friday gathering of Zahedan, capital of Iranian Baluchistan, in the first day of July 2022, after reciting verses from Surah al-Fajr, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said: “Allah Almighty tests people with ego and Satan and with the love of money and wealth. The ego of humankind and the devil force and provoke people from inside and outside to commit sins, vices, and corruption.”
“Allah Almighty has sent prophets, divine books and the religion to defeat Satan in his temptations against human beings. He has commanded people to fight against the temptations of the ego and Satan. The religion of Islam, that includes the best beliefs, practices, deeds and attitude, guides humanity in every step of life. Islam makes humanity victorious in all fields. Whoever overcomes the ego, he\she will succeed in all stages of life,” said the Friday Khateeb of Zahedan.
President of Darululoom Zahedan continued: “Cleansing and purifying the soul from sin and pollution is the biggest jihad and struggle. The biggest fighter is the one who forces him\herself to obey Allah Almighty. Successful is the one who restrain his\her ego from sin and follows Allah Almighty; such people will achieve a great victory.”
“In order to overcome the evil and the devil, Allah Almighty has provided the best opportunities for Muslims; opportunities such as some particular times, places and deeds. Muzdalifah, Arafat, Mina, Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid al-Haram and etc. are opportunities of the places. Ramadan, Sha’ban, the al-Qadr night and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and etc. are among opportunities of the especial times. Prayers, fasting, Zakat, Hajj, remembrance of Allah, repentance and such worships are among the holy deeds,” said the most outstanding Iranian Sunni scholar in the Friday gathering of Zahedan.
“To overcome the evil and the devil, we must not miss these opportunities, but should use them properly,” he believed.
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid further said: “The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is an exceptional opportunity not only for pilgrims but also for all Muslims to fight against the Satan and seek forgiveness. During these days, pilgrims achieve a special position; by using these opportunities, they get honor, respect and greatness. They are so lucky who are near the two holy sites and acquire the special virtues of the days of Dhul-Hijjah. The virtue of these days is also possible for non-pilgrims; this is a sign of the greatness of these days.”
“These are the days of prayer, fasting, charity, sacrifice, Takbir at-Tashreeq, supplication and worship. The reward of worship in these days is different from the gratuity of other days. For those who cannot perform Hajj, fasting the day of Arafah forgives the sins of one year. Try to fast these ten days or at least the day of Arafah; remember Allah, recite the holy Qur’an and engage in worshiping Allah Almighty,” said the Friday prayer leader of Sunnis in Zahedan.
He said: “Saying Takbir at-Tashreeq after the ritual prayers starts from the day of Arafah and continues until the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah. Sacrificing animals during Eid al-Adha has many rewards. If you sacrifice even a herd of sheep after days of Eid, it will not have the reward of slaughtering an animal as sacrifice in Eid days.”

Pilgrims are ambassadors of the Ummah; they should pray for all
Imam of the Grand Makki Mosque said in his Friday sermons: “Many pilgrims have been waiting for years to perform Hajj. It is very dangerous that after so long of waiting, the pilgrims forget the deeds of Hajj and become negligent. Negligence during Hajj is a big failure and disadvantage. Hajj journey is different from other trips.”
“Hajj is not a tourism travel, but a trip to Allah Almighty and for worship. Pilgrims are Allah’s guests. Haji should be humble and mindful about the past. The more you have sincerity in preforming hajj, the more you get reward by Allah Almighty,” he addressed the pilgrims.
“You are ambassadors of the Islamic Ummah, so pray for them, for their victory, unity, and guidance,” said the Iranian Sunnis’ leader.

Haj Bashir Ahmad was a compassionate and a well-wisher elder
Referring to the passing of Sardar Haj Bashir Ahmad Rigi, a Baluch tribal elder, in recent days, the most influential Iranian Sunni leader called his death as a great loss for people and expressed his deep condolences with the survivors of the late, with his family, and friends.
“Haj Bashir Ahmad was a famous well-wisher, and a compassionate personality whose father and ancestors served the people with sincerity,” said Shaikh Abdol-Hamid.
He also alluded to the passing of Haj Mahdi Gorgij, another tribal elder whose funeral prayer was prayed after the Friday prayers. Mawlana Abdol-Hamid expressed his sorrow over his passing and asked Allah for the full forgiveness of the late elders.