The first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah are the most blessed and sacred days of the year for Muslims. They are the days in which Allah (swt) has bestowed His immense favor and mercy upon His servants, and has opened the doors of forgiveness and reward for those who seek Him.
The Virtue of the 10 Days
The first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah are so virtuous that Allah (swt) has sworn by them in the Quran: “By the dawn. And [by] ten nights.” (Surah Al-Fajr: 89:1-2). The majority of scholars agree that these 10 nights are the nights of the first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah, as narrated by Ibn Abbas (ra), who said: “The ‘appointed days’ are the first ten days (of Dhu Al-Hijjah).” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 969).
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) also emphasized the excellence of these days, and urged his companions to increase their good deeds in them. He said: “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhu Al-Hijjah).”
This hadith shows that the reward for doing good deeds in these 10 days is greater than any other time of the year. This is because these are the days in which Allah (swt) has chosen to manifest His glory and majesty, and to accept the prayers and supplications of His servants. These are also the days in which the Hajj (pilgrimage) takes place, which is one of the pillars of Islam and one of the greatest acts of worship.
The Recommended Deeds
There are many deeds that we can do in these 10 days to attain Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness. Some of them are:
- Fasting: Fasting is one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah (swt), as He says: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward for it.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 1904). Fasting in these 10 days is especially recommended, as it is a way of expressing our gratitude and devotion to Allah (swt). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu Al-Hijjah, as narrated by one of his wives: “Allah’s Messenger used to fast the [first] nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of ‘Ashurah, and three days of each month.” (Sunan Abi Dawud: 2437). The most important day to fast is the ninth day, which is known as the Day of Arafah. This is the day when the pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. Fasting on this day expiates the sins of two years, as the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates for two years; one year before it and one year after it.” (Sahih Muslim: 1162).
- Takbir, Tahmid, Tasbih, and Tahlil: These are the words that glorify Allah (swt) and praise Him. They are: Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar), Tahmid (saying Alhamdulillah), Tasbih (saying Subhanallah), and Tahlil (saying La ilaha illallah). These words have a great impact on our hearts and souls, as they remind us of Allah’s greatness, power, mercy, and oneness. We should recite them abundantly in these 10 days, especially after the obligatory prayers, in the mornings and evenings, and on every occasion. There is a specific form of Takbir that is prescribed for these days, which is known as Takbirat al-Tashreeq.
- Salah: Salah (prayer) is the pillar of Islam and the connection between us and Allah (swt). It is the best way to communicate with our Lord and to seek His guidance and help. We should perform the obligatory prayers on time and with concentration, and also increase our voluntary prayers, especially the night prayer (Tahajjud). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Sahih Muslim: 1163). The night prayer is more likely to be accepted by Allah (swt), as He descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night, and says: “Who is calling upon Me, that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me, that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 1145).
- Sadaqah: Sadaqah (charity) is one of the most noble and rewarding deeds that we can do in these 10 days. It is a way of expressing our gratitude to Allah (swt) for His bounties and blessings, and a way of helping those who are in need. Allah (swt) says: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is All-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 2:261). We should give generously from our wealth, according to our ability, and not be stingy or greedy. We should also give with sincerity, without expecting anything in return, except from Allah (swt). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Sadaqah does not decrease wealth.” (Sahih Muslim: 2588). Click to pay crypto for Sadaqah.
- Udhiyah: Udhiyah (sacrifice) is one of the rites of Hajj and one of the symbols of Islam. It is the act of slaughtering an animal (such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel) on the tenth day of Dhu Al-Hijjah or the following three days, in order to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (as), who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail (as) for the sake of Allah (swt). Allah (swt) says: “So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].” (Surah Al-Kawthar: 108:2). The Udhiyah is a means of attaining Allah’s forgiveness and mercy, as well as feeding the poor and needy. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Whoever offers a sacrifice after the prayer has completed his rituals [of Eid] and has followed the way of the Muslims.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 5545). Click to donate crypto for the Udhiyah.
These are some of the advantages and benefits of the first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah. They are days of great virtue, reward, forgiveness, and mercy. They are days that we should not waste or neglect, but rather seize and utilize. They are days that we should fill with good deeds and righteous actions, in order to please Allah (swt) and attain His pleasure. They are days that we should make dua for ourselves, our families, our ummah, and all humanity. They are days that we should prepare for the Hereafter and seek Allah’s protection from the Hellfire.
We ask Allah (swt) to enable us to make the best use of these 10 days, and to accept our deeds and supplications. We ask Him to grant us His mercy and forgiveness, and to admit us into His Paradise. Ameen.
