Dr Bashir Yankuzo, the Chief Imam of Federal University of Technology, Minna, on Friday, urged Muslims to take advantage of the first 10 days in the month of Dhul Hijja to be closer to Allah.
He made the call in a sermon in Minna and urged Muslims to fast in the first nine days, stressing that bountiful rewards await those who obey Allah and do good deeds on those days.
The chief imam, who spoke on the topic “Life is about true submission and sincere sacrifice”, explained that the first 10 days in the month of Dhul Hijja, the 12th and last month in the Islamic calendar, was a period for Muslims to seek Allah’s forgiveness and favour.
He added that “Allah has blessed us with various opportunities to repent, come closer to Him, seek from Him and compete in promoting beneficial things for our community.
“One of such opportunities is found in the first 10 days of Dhul Hijja. Muslims must not allow opportunities to escape them.”
He explained that during the 10 days of the month, Muslims were usually divided into two; those in Hajj activities and those in other beneficial ventures “to earn rewards that are greater than Jihad.
“Imam Bukhari related that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said good works are loved by Allah within these days more than in any other days, even more than Jihad for the sake of Allah.
“The good works include fasting, glorifying Allah and assisting others. Within these days also Muslims should partake in important activities of sacrifice.
“Significantly, Muslims are expected to realise that every situation in life is a test from Almighty Allah. Our sincere submission is what Allah is testing through sacrifice that has its history from the lives of Prophets Ibrahim and Ismaeel.
“We need to submit ourselves to Allah, care for one another and remain upright in whatever we do.”
