Abdullah Ibn Masood (May Allah be pleased with them) reported : The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah?” He (PBUH) replied, “Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it.”
[Al-Bukhari].
روى عبد الله بن مسعود -رضي الله عنه- عن رسول الله -صلّى الله عليه وسلّم- فقال: (ما مِن أيَّامٍ العمَلُ الصَّالحُ فيهنَّ أحبُّ إلى اللَّهِ مِن هذهِ الأيَّامِ العَشر، فقالوا يا رسولَ اللَّهِ ولا الجِهادُ في سبيلِ اللَّهِ؟ فقالَ رسولُ اللَّهِ -صلَّى اللَّهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ-: ولا الجِهادُ في سبيلِ اللَّهِ؛ إلَّا رجلٌ خرجَ بنفسِهِ ومالِهِ، فلم يرجِعْ من ذلِكَ بشيءٍ).
Virtues of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah :
1. Sacredness of Time :
- The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are mentioned in the Quran and Hadith as days of great importance. Allah swears by these days in Surah Al-Fajr (89:1-2), highlighting their significance.
In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful
1. By the dawn;
2. By the ten nights (i.e. the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah)
- These days are a time when good deeds are more beloved to Allah than at any other time of the year.
2. Opportunities for Worship :
- Fasting : It is highly recommended to fast during the first nine days, especially on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah), which expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
- Prayer and Supplication : Increased prayer, supplication, and remembrance of Allah are encouraged. Muslims often engage in additional acts of worship, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
3. Hajj and the Day of Arafah :
- For those performing Hajj, the rituals and prayers during these days are of immense importance, culminating in the standing at Arafah, which is a day of profound spiritual significance.
- The Day of Arafah is a day of forgiveness and mercy. Even for those not performing Hajj, fasting and supplicating on this day hold great rewards.
4. Sacrifice and Charity :
- Eid al-Adha, which falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. Muslims around the world observe this day by offering a sacrificial animal and distributing the meat to the needy, fostering a sense of community and charity.
