Virtues of the First 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah: A Time of Great Blessings and Rewards

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the most blessed and significant days in the Islamic calendar. These days hold special importance, as they are a time of heightened worship, reflection, and closeness to Allah. The Quran and Hadith highlight their exceptional status, urging Muslims to engage in righteous deeds, fasting, prayer, charity, and remembrance of Allah (Dhikr). These ten days are a time to purify the soul and seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

وَفَجْرٍ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ
Translation: “By the dawn and by the ten nights.”
(Surah Al-Fajr, 89:1-2)

The “ten nights” refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and this verse emphasizes their significance. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also spoke highly of these days, stating:

مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهِنَّ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ العَشْرِ
Translation: “There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

These days present a unique opportunity to earn rewards and strengthen one’s connection with Allah, urging Muslims to seize the moment and increase their devotion.

The Significance of Dhul-Hijjah in Islam

Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. It holds a special place in the lives of Muslims due to its association with the pilgrimage (Hajj), which is one of the five pillars of Islam. The first ten days of this month are particularly significant, as they mark the beginning of the Hajj season and are days of immense spiritual opportunity. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

وَذُكُورُ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْدُودَاتٍ
Translation: “And mention the name of Allah on known days.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:203)

The “known days” referred to in this verse are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. These days are a time of reflection, gratitude, and worship, allowing Muslims to seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.

The Virtue of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

The Quranic Reference to the First Ten Days

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah hold immense significance in the Quran. In Surah Al-Fajr, Allah swears an oath by the ten nights, which scholars interpret as a reference to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah:

وَالْفَجْرِ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ
Translation: “By the dawn and by the ten nights.”
(Surah Al-Fajr, 89:1-2)

The “ten nights” in this verse are understood by the majority of scholars to refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, highlighting their importance in the eyes of Allah. These days are considered to be among the most sacred of the year, and their significance is further emphasized by the numerous Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Prophet’s (PBUH) Statements on the Virtue of the First Ten Days

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spoke highly of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, encouraging his followers to increase their worship and good deeds during this period. One of the most famous Hadiths on the virtue of these days is narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA), who reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said:

مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهِنَّ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ العَشْرِ
Translation: “There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This Hadith clearly indicates that the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the most virtuous days of the year in terms of good deeds. Therefore, Muslims should take advantage of these days by engaging in acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, charity, and remembrance of Allah (Dhikr).

The Reward of Fasting on the First Nine Days

Although fasting is not obligatory during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, it is a highly recommended act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged fasting during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, as it is a means of drawing closer to Allah and gaining immense rewards. A narration from Hafsa (RA) states:

كانَ رَسولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ يَصُومُ التَّسْعَةَ الأَيَّامِ الأُوَلِ مِن ذِي الحِجَّةِ
Translation: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)

Fasting on these days serves as a means of purification and devotion to Allah. It is a time to reflect on the blessings of the month, repent for past mistakes, and renew one’s commitment to worship. Additionally, fasting on the Day of Arafah (the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah) is especially virtuous. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ وَالسَّنَةَ الَّتِي بَعْدَهُ
Translation: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah is an expiation for the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Sahih Muslim)

The Day of Arafah holds particular significance as it is the day when the Hajj pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafah, and it is a day when Allah frees many from the Hellfire.

The Importance of Worship and Good Deeds During These Days

Prayers and Acts of Worship

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are an excellent opportunity to increase acts of worship. One of the most important acts of worship during this time is prayer (Salat). Muslims should strive to maintain the five daily prayers with sincerity and devotion. Additionally, it is encouraged to perform extra prayers, such as the Tahajjud (night prayer), which carries great reward.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“إِنَّ لِرَبِّكُمْ فِي أَيَّامٍ مِّنْ دَهْرِكُمْ لَنَفَحَاتٍ فَتَعَرَّضُوا لَهَا”
Translation: “Indeed, for your Lord there are moments of grace in some of your days, so expose yourselves to them.”
(Sunan al-Darimi)

This Hadith encourages believers to take advantage of special moments, like the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, to engage in acts of worship and earn Allah’s mercy.

Charity and Good Deeds

Another key aspect of these blessed days is engaging in acts of charity (Sadaqah). Giving to those in need is a way to purify wealth, earn reward, and gain Allah’s mercy. During the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims should seek opportunities to give generously and support those who are less fortunate.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“لَا تَحْقِرَنَّ مِنَ الْمَعْرُوفِ شَيْئًا وَلَوْ أَنْ تَلْقَىٰ أَخَاكَ بِوَجْهِ طَلْقٍ”
Translation: “Do not belittle any good deed, even if it is just meeting your brother with a cheerful face.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Every act of kindness and charity during these days is magnified in reward, and even the smallest good deed can have a profound impact on a person’s life and on their relationship with Allah.

The Hajj Pilgrimage and Its Connection to the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

While not all Muslims are able to perform Hajj, the pilgrimage is one of the key acts of worship during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is obligatory for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it. The significance of Hajj is mentioned in the Quran:

وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ
Translation: “And proclaim to the people the Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every distant pass.”
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:27)

The days of Hajj, particularly the 8th, 9th, and 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, are among the most sacred days in Islam. For those who are unable to perform Hajj, the first ten days are still an opportunity to draw closer to Allah through fasting, prayer, and good deeds.

Conclusion: Maximizing Virtues of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah

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