Virtues Of The First 10 Days Of “Dhul-Hijja”!
All praises & thanks be to ALLAH (سبحانه وتعالى). The Lord of the Aa’lameen.
As’Salaamu Alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh,
The Prophet صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ said:
“There is no deed that is better in the sight of ALLAH (سبحانه وتعالى) or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of Al-Adha”. It was asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” The Prophet صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ replied, “Not even Jihad for the sake of ALLAH (سبحانه وتعالى), unless a man goes out himself for Jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.”
[Narrated by Al-Bukhari]
ALLAH (سبحانه وتعالى) blessed the nation of Muhammad صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ with opportunities to reap rewards and blessings every day of the year. The last ten nights of Ramadan (the month of fasting) are among the most blessed nights of the year; in particular Laylatul-Qadr (the night of power) is extremely sacred. Similarly, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja (the 12th Islamic calendar month) carry special status during the blessed month of “Pilgrimage.” The above Hadith of the Prophet صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ spells out the importance of these ten days in the sight of ALLAH (سبحانه وتعالى) and the amplified reward for all good deeds during this blessed season.
Just like the last ten nights of Ramadan are the best ten nights out of the year, these first ten days of Dhul-Hijja are the best days of the year and the most beloved to ALLAH (سبحانه وتعالى) as they combine acts of worship in a way unlike any other time.
So, the questions we should be asking ourselves are, “How do we make the most of this season of blessings?”, “What deeds can I perform to attain His pleasure?”. The following are some examples of the acts of worship that will help us gain His pleasure In Shaa Allah.
1. Perform Hajj (Pilgrimage)
2. Fast all nine days and especially on the ‘Day of Arafah’
3. Perform Dhikr and Takbeer
4. Stand the Night in Prayer
5. Make Sincere Repentance
6. Return to Book of Allah (The Quran)
7. Increase in doing ALL good deeds
8. Slaughter an animal and distribute the meat (Sacrifice)
9. Attend Eid prayers
10. Thank ALLAH (سبحانه وتعالى)
Alhamdulillah, there is much to be gained in these coming days. So make the most of this perfect opportunity offered by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days. Hasten to do good deeds and appreciate this blessing and make the most of it.
“And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (death).”
[Al-Hijr 15:99]
And ALLAH (سبحانه وتعالى) knows best.
O ALLAH (سبحانه وتعالى) indeed I ask You for beneficial knowledge, and a good Halal provision, and actions which are accepted.
O ALLAH (سبحانه وتعالى) benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me that which will benefit me, and grant me knowledge which will benefit me.
O our Lord give us good in this Duniyaa, and good in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the fire.
Ya ALLAH (سبحانه وتعالى)! Clean our hearts from mischievous acts, Purify our souls from hypocricy, Guide our ways to the right path, Perfect our deeds from showing off, Make firm our feets on Your Deen, Forgive us our sins before death, Ease our tasks and Grant us Jannatul Firdausi in the Hereafter.
Allah Humma Aameen.
Da’wah ALLAH (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)
