Virtues of first ten days of Dhul Hijjah

It is said that the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the most auspicious in the Islamic year. We are given the opportunity to redeem ourselves in the eyes of Allah (SWT) through them. Due to the pandemic, some of us will not be able to perform Hajj this year. However, the 10 days give us immense opportunities to gain blessings and rewards. Doing good deeds with the love of Allah (SWT), as well as repenting of our wrongdoings and asking for forgiveness, is the key to this.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah (SWT) than these first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.” [Bukhari]

We cannot underestimate the significance of these 10 days, as every good deed we carry out has maximum rewards. Getting into the habit of good practices not only helps us improve our status in Allah’s eyes, but it also means that as Muslims we can continue to improve. Giving up bad habits such as smoking and backbiting, praying for yourself and the entire unity, and always showing kindness and humility are just a few of the ways to demonstrate these traits. In addition, it is recommended that you be attentive to your prayers, give to charity, and perform the Qurbani in time for Eid al-Adha.

Whether atoning for bad deeds or enjoying the rewards of good deeds, Allah’s mercy lies in the many chances he gives us. In this way, Allah (SWT) manifested the beauty of Islam for us during these 10 days on Arafah day.

Fasting during ten days of Dhul Hijjah

Our best chance to be forgiven by Allah (SWT) is by repenting on these 10 blessed days. This is the best 10 days to fast for Allah (SWT), particularly on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, which is the day of Arafat, due to the fact that our sins from the previous and the coming year will be expiated if we fast. Muslims consider this practice to be a Sunnah and highly recommend it.

Abu Qatadah reported that: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about the observance of fasting on the day of Arafah. He said “it expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year”. [Muslim]

Your rewards can be increased if you combine your intentions of good deeds. Especially fast on the first Monday of Dhul Hijjah and on two Thursdays of Dhul Hijjah in order to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).

The Prophet (SAW) fasted on the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, the day of Ashura, three days a month, the first Monday of the month, and two Thursdays. [Abu Dawood].

The first Monday in July will be the second day of Dhul-Hijjah (July 12) and a Thursday falling within those days will be the fifth day of Dhul-Hijjah (July 15). Don’t forget to fast on the 12th day of Dhul-Hijjah (July 22) on the second Thursday, too.

Increase Prayers

Muhammad (SAW) said: “There are no days that are greater before Allah (SWT) and in which His devotion is greater than these 10 days, so mention a lot of Tahleel, Takbeer, and Tahmeed to Him.” [Ahmad]

• Tahleel: Laa ilaha ill-Allah – There is no God but Allah (SWT)
• Takbeer: Allahu Akbar – Allah (SWT) is the Greatest
• Tahmeed: Alhamdulillah – All Praises be to Allah (SWT)

It is also recommended to recite Tasbeeh.

• Tasbeeh: Subhanallah – Glory be to Allah (SWT)

Make sure you remember Allah (SWT) as often as possible during these ten days, and keep him in your heart in all your actions. Reminding Allah (SWT) is a holy act of worship, and proclaiming the excellent attributes of Allah (SWT) signifies your love for Him and His love for you.

Increase recitation in Dhul Hijjah

Qur’an recitation offers great rewards to Muslim believers. Reading a single letter from the book of Allah (SWT) is considered a good deed (Hasanah). In the Qur’an, the Prophet (SAW) said: “Read the Qur’an, for verily it will act as an intercessor for its companions on the Day of Standing.” [Muslim]

In these 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, cultivate a beautiful relationship with the book of Allah (SWT). Read the translated version and take the time to understand and appreciate Allah’s (SWT’s) words. Qur’an reading will lead to success in this life and the hereafter, and these 10 days are a great time for us to read and adore the verses of the Qur’an which were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

As well, make dua for yourself and the Ummah to be closer to Allah (SWT). Whether in good times or in hardship, you should talk to your creator Allah (SWT) through dua.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever wishes that Allah (SWT) would respond to him during hardship and grief, then let him supplicate plentifully when at ease.” [Tirmidhi]

This is the time when Allah (SWT) is most pleased by our deeds and we will be rewarded for them. We’re told that even on other days, reading from the holy book of Allah (SWT) will yield a reward multiplied by 10, so imagine the rewards we’ll get by reading from the holy book during these ten days.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whoever reads the book of Allah (SWT) will be rewarded. A ten-fold increase will be applied to the reward. Rather than saying Alif, Laam, and Meem is a letter, I am saying that Alif, Laam, and Meem are letters. [Tirmidhi]

Offer Qurbani

Allah (SWT) loves these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah the most since Ibrahim (AS) was asked to sacrifice his own son as proof of his devotion to Him (SWT). The beauty of Qurbani is that it represents letting go of your worldly attachments as Ibrahim (AS) did, and your sacrifice means that Allah (SWT) will always return your love by giving you mercy and rewarding your piety.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “For every hair of the Qurbani, you will receive a reward from Allah (SWT).” (Tirmidhi)

In addition to giving you immense rewards for your Qurbani, it is more than just a sacrifice for food. A gift for thousands of orphans and widows who do not have access to meat. In the current year of ongoing Coronavirus outbreaks, reaching impoverished communities on this occasion is more important than ever to celebrate our love of Allah (SWT) and His unconditional love for us. During these ten days of Dhul Hijjah, share the joy of Eid with the orphans and widows. Please donate your Qurbani.

Also Read: Feeding hungry people during Ramadan

Qurbani for those in need

The ten blessed days of Ramadan are the most beloved of Allah (SWT) and are the best time to donate charity since your Sadaqah or Zakat will be rewarded more than you could ever imagine. On the day of judgement in the hereafter, your charity will also help you.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity.” [Tirmidhi]

Donate to the poor today and give hope, joy, and comfort to our orphans and widows. Your good deeds will aid you on resurrection day if you give for the Sake of Allah (SWT). As part of your duty, you must also show care and love to our less fortunate members of our ummah.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” [Muslim]

We believe that giving to the poor and needy will never decrease your real wealth, which is your iman. By giving to the poor and needy, you will become rich in wisdom and iman.

Minhaj Welfare Foundation is initiating its largest Help Feed Qurbani appeal. Donate your Qurbani with MWF and share the blessings of EID with poor and needy families in impoverished countries.