1ST DAY OF ZILHAJJ

A number of devotional acts may be practiced on this blessed day:

First: It is recommended to observe fasting on this day, for its reward is equal to the reward of eighty-month worship.

Second: It is recommended to offer Salat Fatimah. According to Shaykh al-Tusi, this prayer consists of four units each couple of which are offered separately. At each unit, Surah al-Faatehah is recited once and Surah al-Tawheed repeated fifty times. After the Taslim statement, the famous Tasbih al-Zahra’ litany is done. Thereafter, the following doxology is said:

Third: It is recommended to offer a two unit prayer half an hour before midday. At each unit, Surah al-Faatehah is recited once and Surah al-Tawheed, Ayah al-Kursi, and Surah al-Qadr repeated ten times each.

Fourth: One who fears an oppressor and says the following words on this day will be saved, by Almighty Allah:

On this day, Prophet Abraham (a.s.) was born.

On this day too, yet according to the narration of the two Shaykhs, Imam AliAmeer al-Momineen(a.s.) married Lady Fatimah al-Zahra’(a.s.).

THE SEVENTH OF DHU’L-HIJJAH

This is a sad day for the Shi’ah, for Imam Muhammad ibn Ali al-Baqir (a.s.) departed life on this day at the holy city of al-Madinah in AH 114.

THE EIGHTH OF DHU’L-HIJJAH

The eighth of Dhu’l-Hijjah is called the Tarwiyah Day. To observe fasting on this day brings about a great reward. According to a narration, it erases the sins of sixty years. Shaykh al-Shahid (the martyr) has said that it is recommended to bathe oneself on this day.