World Dawah Quran & Sunnah through understanding of Salaf
Question: What is your eminence’s opinion regarding those who say that fasting the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is an innovation (bid’ah)?
Imam ibn Baz rahimahu Allah
Answer: Such a person is ignorant and needs to be educated.
The Prophet (pbuh) encouraged good deeds during these days, and fasting is among the good deeds, as evidenced by the Prophet’s saying: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He replied, “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, except for a man who goes forth with his life and wealth and returns with neither.” [Narrated by Bukhari in his Sahih]
Even if the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not fast these days – though there are narrations both that he did and did not fast them – what matters most is his statement.
The statement carries more weight than the action. When both statement and action are combined, it makes the Sunnah more emphatic.
A statement alone is considered, an action alone is considered, and approval alone is considered. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) makes a statement, performs an action, or approves an action, all are Sunnah. However, his statements are the strongest and most authoritative, followed by his actions, then his approvals. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the ten days.Therefore, whoever fasts these days or gives charity during them is upon great good. It is also prescribed to increase in declaring Allah’s greatness (takbeer), praise (tahmeed), and oneness (tahleel) during these days, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are no days greater with Allah or more beloved to Him for good deeds than these ten days, so increase in them your declarations of tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed. May Allah grant everyone success.
