The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah have great significance in the Islamic calendar and are most loved by Muslims worldwide. They are called the “best days of the year“. They provide us the opportunities for spiritual growth, reflection, and worship. During this holy period, Muslims do various acts of worship, such as fasting, prayer, charity, and hajj, to get closer to Allah Almighty and ask for mercy and blessings from Him (SWT).
These days are so sacred that Allah (SWT) swears an oath by them in Surah Al-Fajr – (Verse 1-2):
Understanding the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah
The significance of these days can be traced back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It was during this period that the Prophet (saw) performed his Farewell Hajj. This Hujjat al-Wada left behind a legacy of guidance for the Muslim Ummah. We, as Muslims, need to follow his Seerah with more acts of worship, repentance, and supplication for forgiveness.
The first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah also represent the completion of Hajj (pilgrimage) to the holy city of Makkah. During Hajj, millions of Muslims across every part of the world come to perform their sacred duty. These days are also very special for people who cannot perform Hajj. They can engage in other activities of worship to get closer to Allah (SWT) and benefit from Allah Almigthy’s blessings.
In this article, we will explore the power and importance of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. We will look at the various acts of ‘ibadah, both obligatory and voluntary, that make this period special. Additionally, we will discuss the blessings associated with these acts of worship.
The spiritual significance of the first ten days
As we mentioned earlier, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah hold immense spiritual significance for Muslims. It is a time when the doors of mercy and forgiveness are wide open. Thus, we can easily seize this opportunity to draw ourselves closer to Allah (SWT).
Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah Almighty 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 (saw) replied,
Sunan Abi Dawud – 2438“Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except a man who goes out (in the path of Allah) with his life and property, and does not return with any of them.
During these ten days, Muslims are encouraged to increase the Dhikr of Allah (SWT), engage in acts of worship, and seek His forgiveness. It is a time for self-reflection, ibadah, and repentance. With this, we can purify our hearts and seek His blessings and mercy.
Acts of worship during the first ten days
During the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims have the opportunity to engage in various acts of worship. These can include fasting, prayer, charity, and pilgrimage. Each of these acts carries its own significance and reward, providing a range of opportunities for spiritual growth.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah
One of the most significant acts of worship during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is fasting on the Day of Arafah. The Day of Arafah falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah. This year, it is expected to fall on Saturday 15th June 2024. On this day, Hajj pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafah to seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah (SWT).
Fasting on the Day of Arafah holds a special place in Islam, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates (removes) the sins of the past year and the coming year.”
Sahih Muslim
This act of worship allows Muslims to join in the spiritual journey of the Hajj pilgrims, seeking forgiveness and purification.
For a deeper understanding of one of the key steps during Hajj, I recommend reading our blog “The Day of Arafat – A Moment of Mercy for All Muslims.” This blog discusses the significance of the Day of Arafat, where pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafa and engage in the ritual of Wuquf, standing in prayer and supplication from noon until sunset. It also covers how pilgrims combine Dhuhr and Asr prayers to focus more on supplication and the spiritual essence of the day.
The importance of Hajj during this period
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah mark the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is an obligatory act of worship for those who are physically and financially able. The pilgrimage itself holds immense spiritual significance, as it is a journey of devotion, reflection, and submission to Allah (SWT).
Related: The Historical Significance of Hajj in Islam: A Spiritual Journey
While not everyone can perform Hajj, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah hold great importance for those who cannot participate in the pilgrimage. Muslims are encouraged to engage in other acts of worship, such as increased prayer, supplication, and remembrance of Allah (SWT). By doing so, they can benefit from the blessings and rewards associated with this sacred period.
Charity and generosity during the first ten days
Another significant act of worship during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is engaging in acts of charity and sadaqah. Islam places great emphasis on helping those in need and sharing wealth with needy people. Muslims are encouraged to give in charity during this period, as it is a means of purifying wealth and seeking Allah’s (SWT) blessings.
Charity can take many forms, from donating money to providing food, clothing, and shelter to those less fortunate. By engaging in acts of charity during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims can not only make a positive impact on the lives of others but also purify their own souls and seek the reward of Allah (SWT).
Seeking forgiveness and repentance
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah serve as a time for Muslims to seek forgiveness and repentance. It is a period of self-reflection, where we are encouraged to assess our actions, seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings, and strive to improve ourselves. By acknowledging our mistakes and seeking Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness, we can purify our hearts and strengthen our relationship with Allah (SWT).
Repentance is a vital aspect of Islam, as it allows individuals to turn away from their sins and seek Allah’s (SWT) mercy. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah provide a perfect opportunity for Muslims to engage in sincere repentance and seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
Did you know that saying “Astaghfirullah” can bring powerful benefits to your life? Keep reading to discover the concept of Tawbah and how the act of sincere Istighfar can change your life!
Increasing remembrance and prayers
During the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims are encouraged to increase their remembrance of Allah (SWT) and engage in additional prayers. This can be achieved through various acts of worship, such as recitation of the Quran, supplication, and engaging in voluntary prayers.
By increasing their remembrance of Allah (SWT), Muslims can strengthen their connection with Him and seek His blessings and guidance. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah provide a unique opportunity for Muslims to deepen their spirituality and draw closer to Allah (SWT) through increased prayer and remembrance.
Conclusion: Making the most of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah
We have seen that the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah hold great power and importance in the Islamic calendar. They provide a sacred period for Muslims to engage in acts of worship, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah (SWT). By fasting, engaging in prayer, charity, and remembrance, Muslims can make the most of these blessed days and reap the rewards and blessings that come with them.
During this period, we need to reflect on our actions, seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, and try our best to improve ourselves. By following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and engaging in acts of worship, Muslims can make the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah a transformative and spiritually fulfilling experience. May Allah (SWT) bless us all and grant us the ability to make the most of these blessed days.
