THE BLESSED DAYS OF TASHREEQ

We have received many questions from our followers on Anjum Hotel Makkah social media channels, asking us: What are the days of Tashreeq? What is special about them and what distinguishes them from other days? We will be listing in this article what makes Day el Tashreeq so special and what it is its importance to our Muslim worshippers.

The days of Tashreeq are 11th, 12th, and 13th of Zul Hijja. These are the appointed days Allah mentioned in chapter Al-Baqarah: “Celebrate the praises of Allah during the Appointed Days. But if anyone hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if anyone stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allah, and know that ye will surely be gathered unto Him.” (2:203)

The strongest opinion on why they are called Ayyam-ut-tashreeq translates as “The days of sun-drying”. The root “Sh-R-Q” revolves around sunrise, sunlight, and brightness. “Tashreeq” means to put something under sunlight. In the olden days the pilgrims used to preserve their surplus sacrificial meat by sun-drying it in these days, hence the name.

Celebration and Worship

These days are considered days of worship, celebration and festivity. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The Day of ‘Arafah, the Day of Nahr and the days of Mina (i.e. the Days of Tashreeq) are ‘Eid for us, Muslims.” (Muslim)

Also, these are the days when every Muslim would offer a sacrifice. Allah (SWT) said: The sacrificial camels We have made for you as among the symbols from Allah: in them is (much) good for you: then pronounce the name of Allah over them as they line up (for sacrifice): when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat you thereof, and feed such as (beg not but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility: thus have We made animals subject to you, that you may be grateful.” (22:36)

Rulings for Pilgrims

It is only permissible to fast these days for the pilgrims if they were unable to offer the sacrificial animal, and therefore these pilgrims become obligated to fast three days during the Hajj and seven when they arrive home. Allah (SWT) said: “…and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the ‘umrah on to the Hajj, he must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return, making ten days in all…” (2:196)

At Anjum Hotel Makkah, we pray to the Almighty and supplicate Him:  O Allaah, help us to do righteous deeds and make us steadfast until death; have mercy on us, O Most Generous Giver. Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the World.