Friday sermon: the blessings of dawn and the 10 nights of Dhu Al Hijjah

Worshippers will be told about the most blessed time of the day

This week’s Friday sermon will start by reminding worshippers of the significance of dawn, emphasising that it is the most blessed time of day.

As Allah says in the Quran: “By the dawn and [by] ten nights, and [by] the even [number] and the odd, and [by] the night when it passes, is there [not] in [all] that an oath [sufficient] for one of perception?"

Worshippers are told that dawn embodies the omnipotent power (Qudra) of Allah. As dawn begins, the sun shines, brightens and illuminates the day. As Allah says: "And [by] the morning when it brightens.”

Then, as first light appears, a breeze spreads. As Allah says: “And by the dawn when it breathes.” The Quran says: “[Allah is] the cleaver of daybreak.”

Allah also swears by the first 10 days of Dhu Al Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, which are blessed over and above other days of the year.

As the Prophet Mohammed said: "The best days in this world are the [first] 10 days [of Dhul Hijja]."

Scholars say the reason why Dhu Al Hijjah has been singled out is due to it encompassing all major forms of worship. It includes Hajj, fasting, praying, charity, recitation of Quran, and the remembrance of Allah.

Each year, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform Hajj, with many also travelling farther north to the city of Madinah.