The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the most virtuous days of the Islamic year. Allah (عز وجل) has blessed His Ummah with these ten days to amplify their rewards through His infinite mercy. Even a small deed done during these ten days of the year has amplified rewards. Let's learn why the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are called the best ten days of the year and how we can maximize our rewards!
Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Creator of the universe and all that exists, has provided us with profound signs and lessons to ponder. However, when He سبحانه وتعالى swears by specific days-the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah-it signifies their utmost importance. We should respond to the significance of His سبحانه وتعالى statement by striving to seek Allah's pleasure during these ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى swears by these days in Surah Al-Fajr:
"By the dawn; By the ten nights (i.e. the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah)"
[Surah Al-Fajr, Ayah 1-2]
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of doing good deeds, engaging in frequent Dhikr, and participating in acts of worship during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ testified that these first ten days hold special significance for devotion. The following hadith sums up the importance of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah:
"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than those ten days." They said: "O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in Allah's Cause?" The Messenger of Allah said: "Not even Jihad in Allah's Cause, unless a man were to go out with his self and his wealth and not return from that with anything."
[Sahih Muslim]
Our religion, Islam, was completed in the month of Dhul-Hijjah. This verse was revealed on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, on the Day of Arafah. Some scholars believe it was the last verse of the Qur'an to be revealed. Allah سبحانه وتعالى said in the Qur'an:
"…This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…."
[Surah Al-Maida, Ayah 3]
The Day of Arafah is special for Muslims. It happens during the Hajj pilgrimage, on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrims gather in Arafah, near Mecca, to stand together and pray. It's a time for closeness to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, asking for forgiveness, and making heartfelt supplications. Even if we're not on Hajj, fasting on this day is recommended. Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates sins from the previous year and the upcoming year. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Fasting on the Day of 'Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates for the sins of the year before and the year after."
[Sahih Muslim]
During the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims offer sacrifices. This tradition comes from the remarkable sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim علیہ السلام was ready to make when Allah سبحانه وتعالى commanded him to sacrifice his son, Ismail علیہ السلام. At the last moment, Allah سبحانه وتعالى spared Ismail and provided a ram as a substitute for the sacrifice.
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best because all the major acts of Ibadah take place during these ten days. The major acts of Ibadah that occur during these days are the following:
People are fasting in the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, especially on the Day of Arafah. Our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to fast during these days except on the day of Eid Ul Adha. These actions bring us closer to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and spread kindness and positivity in our communities.
Hajj is the ultimate act of worship for us Muslims to seek forgiveness from Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and cleanse our souls. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj also takes place during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. The Hajj pilgrimage starts on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, lasting for five or six days based on the moon sighting. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"...but a Hajj which is accepted will receive no less a reward than Paradise."
[Sahih Muslim]
During Hajj, Muslims repeatedly say "Labaik Allahumma Labaik" to show their belief in one God. This simple phrase is important because it reminds us that Allah is the only one we worship. It's like a big declaration of our faith, bringing all Muslims together in unity and reminding us of our main purpose-to follow and worship Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).
On the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims perform Qurbani by sacrificing animals like sheep, goats, cows, or camels, following Prophet Ibrahim's example as a way to show obedience to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).
During the special days of Dhul-Hijjah, people perform acts of charity, which is one reason these days are the best. It's like planting seeds of kindness that grow into blessings for everyone. Muslims share what they have with those in need, following the teachings of Islam. This helps both the giver and the receiver, showing compassion and unity in our community, just as Allah سبحانه وتعالى and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us.
During the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, especially on the Day of 'Arafah, people continuously read the Qur'an and remember Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) by practicing Dhikr. It's like hitting the reset button for your soul and getting a fresh start. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter."
[At-Tirmidhi]
We value the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah because they are exceptional and full of blessings. As Muslims worldwide, we join in sacrificing animals on Eid-ul-Adha to show our faith and obedience to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, even if we're not on the Hajj. So, when we celebrate Eid-ul-Adha and make the sacrifice, let's remember what it's all about-our faith, doing what Allah says, and showing kindness to others. It's a significant way of bringing us together as Muslims and worshipping Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
