The importance of the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is especially because Islam was completed during this time. It is the only period of the Islamic Calendar that encourages and allows for every great act of worship including Hajj, Prayers, Fasting, and Sacrifice. A Muslim should strive to gain rewards by performing these acts of worship together with reciting Quran, giving charity, etc.
What is Dhul-Hijjah?
Dhul-Hijjah is the final month of the Islamic calendar which is the month of the Holy Pilgrimage. It is the most sacred month after Ramadan for Muslims as believers are given a second chance to repent and attain Allah’s pleasure.
In Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims witness the day of Arafah, Hajj, and Eid ul Adha. These events occur during the first ten days of the month hence these are the most blessed days of the year.
Significance of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah in the light of the Quran and Hadith
The importance of the 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah is highlighted in various verses of the Quran as well as the Ahadith.
In Surah, Fajr Allah s.w.t takes an oath and swears by the ten nights of Dhul Hijjah.
Allah s.w.t says:
\”By the dawn; By the ten nights,\” (Al Fajr 89:1-2).
This reflects the importance of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah in the sight of Allah s.w.t.
On the importance of the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, Prophet Muhammad S.A.W said,
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”(Sahih Al Bukhari)
What makes these days so important?
Our religion Islam was completed and perfected on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, Day of Arafat, following which this verse was revealed:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Al -Maidah 5:3)
Day of Arafah is on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. On this day, all the pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat to perform the most essential part of Hajj i.e. Wuqoof- e -Arafat.
Sunnah of Ibrahim (A.S) is performed on the days of 10, 11, and 12 of Dhul-Hijjah. Muslims all over the world perform the sacrifice of an animal in remembrance of the sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim A.S and Prophet Ismail A.S.
Hajj is performed during these blessed days which is the greatest act of worship. Allah says in Quran:
“And pilgrimage to the house is a duty upon mankind owed to Allah for whoever can find a way there” (Surah Al-Imran: 3:97)
Obligatory Actions during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah:
There are some obligatory actions to be performed during Dhul-Hijjah. These include:
Hajj is the fifth and an important pillar of Islam and it is obligatory (fardh) upon every sane Muslim who can afford it. Hajj can only be performed in the month of Dhul Hijjah from the 8th to 13th.
Sacrifice is obligatory upon every sane Muslim who is not traveling and is capable of doing so (meaning that he has wealth equal to nisab). It is due on any of the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. Muslims from all over the world sacrifice an animal in remembrance of the sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim a.s.
Takbir ut tashriq is obligatory upon every Muslim. One recites this from the Fajr of the 9th Dhul-Hijjah till the Asr prayer of the 13th Dhul-Hijjah. It is done after every fard prayer in the following words:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illallahu, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahilhamd.
(There is no god but Allah and Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.)
Suggested Actions for the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah:
Dhul-Hijjah fasting is one of the best acts of worship that a man can do to gain the benefits of Dhul-Hijjah. It is not for those Muslims who are performing Hajj. Fasting is highly recommended, especially on the 9th day which is the day of Arafah.
According to a hadith, fasting on this day eradicates the minor sins committed during the past two years.
“Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.” (Muslim)
Recitation of Quran in these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah. A Muslim should try to recite as much Quran together with the aim of building a good connection with Allah Ta’ala. This is done by understanding it and implementing the message of the Quran in daily life.
Giving charity for Allah s.w.t is a highly rewarding act as Allah mentions it as Qarz -e-Hasna, a beautiful loan to Allah s.w.t.
In the Quran Allah says,
“If you lend to Allah a good loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. For Allah is Most Appreciative, Most Forbearing.” [Surah At-Taghabun:1]
Dhikr helps one attain maximum benefits of Dhul-Hijjah by doing dhikr. Dhikr is the remembrance of Allah s.w.t. It is especially encouraged during these blessed days as it significantly increases the rewards of our deeds.
Increase in supererogatory prayers (nawafil) Nawafil prayers are optional prayers that draw a person closer to Allah, assisting them to attain better success in both worlds.
Involve in Good deeds: The Prophet ṣallallāhu \’alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (Dhul Hijjah).” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
Therefore we should exercise more good deeds to take full benefit of Dhul-Hijjah.
Sincere repentance: It is mentioned in the Quran that Allah loves those who repent.
\”Indeed Allah loves those who are constantly repentant\” (Al Baqarah, 2:222)
Make a lot of Dua: Allah says in the Quran,
“ When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me.” (Al Baqarah:186 )
During these blessed days and nights, Muslims are encouraged to make the dua of the Prophet, especially on the day of Arafat 9th, and make the most of these blessed days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah?
On the 10th of Dhul hijjah, Eid ul Adha is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It is commemorated by Muslims sacrificing animals, following in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim a.s.
What should we do on the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?
We must engage ourselves in righteous deeds, like fasting, doing charity, reciting Quran, dhikr, etc.
Why is Dhul-Hijjah so important?
Dhul-Hijjah holds significance in the Islamic calendar because it is the only month in which all the greatest acts of worship (like Hajj, fasting, and sacrifice) can be performed.
What are the virtues of the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?
There are many virtues associated with these days. For instance, Allah swears by these days in the Quran, that rewards are multiplied, and the greatest acts of worship – Hajj, sacrifice, and fasting – are performed.
