The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (ذو الحجة) are among the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar. Allah has given them a special status due to their spiritual opportunities and acts of worship. Here are some of their virtues and significance, as found in the Qur’an and Sunnah:
🌟 1. Allah Swears by Them
In Surah Al-Fajr, Allah says:
وَالْفَجْرِ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ
“By the dawn and by the ten nights.”
(Surah Al-Fajr 89:1-2)
Many scholars (like Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, and others) interpret these “ten nights” as the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which highlights their immense virtue.
🌟 2. Good Deeds Are Most Beloved During These Days
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
The people asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?”
He said:
“Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except for a man who went out with his life and wealth and did not return with either.”
(Bukhari, Hadith 969)
✔️ This includes fasting, praying, charity, dhikr, Qur’an recitation, etc.
🌟 3. Fasting, Especially on the Day of Arafah
Fasting on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah (the Day of Arafah) has immense reward.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Muslim, Hadith 1162)
🌟 4. The Day of Arafah Is a Day of Forgiveness and Du’a
It is the greatest day of Hajj and a time when Allah forgives and showers mercy on His servants.
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.”
(Muslim)
🌟 5. The Performance of Hajj and Udhiyah (Qurbani)
These days include the rites of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, and the act of sacrifice (Udhiyah) on the 10th (Eid al-Adha).
🌟 6. Eid al-Adha – The Greatest Eid
The 10th day is Eid al-Adha, a day of celebration, sacrifice, and prayer, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion.
🌟 7. Takbeer, Tahleel, Tahmeed
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged saying:
- Takbeer (Allahu Akbar)
- Tahleel (La ilaha illallah)
- Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah)
frequently during these days.
“Increase in these ten days saying: ‘Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Alhamdulillah.'”
(Musnad Ahmad)
💡 Conclusion
These ten days are a golden opportunity to draw closer to Allah, perform more good deeds, and earn immense rewards. Whether you are performing Hajj or not, ensure that you maximize your worship during these blessed days.
