Allah Almighty has given special virtue to certain months so that Muslims can be granted the opportunity to perform acts of worship that compensate for shortcomings in other months. Among these special months is Dhul-Hijjah, the month in which the greatest act of worship — Hajj — takes place.

The Significance of the First Ten Days

Allah swears by the dawn and by the ten nights:

“By the dawn, and by the ten nights,”
(Surah Al-Fajr: 1-2)

Scholars interpret these ten nights as the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. The deeds performed during these days are considered superior to those performed on any other day of the year.

Virtues of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days.”
The people asked, “Not even Jihad (striving in the way of Allah)?”
He replied, “Not even Jihad, except that of a man who goes out with his life and wealth and returns with neither.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 969)

This highlights the immense reward of good deeds during these blessed days.

The Virtue of Hajj

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“In it are clear signs, the standing place of Ibrahim; and whoever enters it is safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.”
(Surah Al-Imran: 97)

Performing Hajj during Dhul-Hijjah is obligatory for those who have the means, and it is a highly virtuous act.

The Virtue of Fasting

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah but emphasised the special virtue of fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah):

“I expect from Allah that fasting on the Day of Arafah will expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah: 1730)
(Authentic)

Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) also narrated that:

“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Hellfire than the Day of Arafah. He comes close and proudly presents those people to the angels, asking: ‘What do these people want?’”
(Sahih Muslim: 3288)

The Importance of Sacrifice (Qurbani)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever has the means to sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our prayer area.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah: 3123)
(Hasan)

Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever sees the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah and intends to offer a sacrifice should not cut his hair or nails until he has offered the sacrifice.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i: 4366)
(Authentic)

Recommended Actions During the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

1. Perform obligatory duties (both religious and worldly).

2. Perform Hajj (if able).

3. Offer the sacrifice (Qurbani).

4. Increase voluntary prayers (Nawafil).

5. Read and reflect upon the Qur’an.

6. Engage in frequent remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah.

7. Make abundant supplications (Dua).

8. Give charity (Sadaqah) and zakat.

9. Serve and respect parents.

10. Maintain family ties (Silat ar-Rahim).

11. Enjoin good and forbid evil.

12. Seek forgiveness for sins.

The companions Abu Hurairah and Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) were known to recite Takbeerat loudly in the markets during these days.

Eid — A Gift from Allah

The day of Eid is a special gift from Allah to Muslims. We should strive to celebrate it according to the Shariah and increase in the remembrance of Allah on this blessed day.