Growing up in a minority and non Muslim country, I have always seen my family, relatives and my community taking Ramadan very seriously making sure that they do their very best to achieve the most out of it. On the other hand , the virtues and significance associated with the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah were not taken seriously.. Alhamdulillah, as I grew older and have been given the opportunity to study Islam more, what has became clearer to me is how virtuous and significant those days were.
The significance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah and 10 reasons why all Muslims should take these days seriously:
1. It is mentioned in the Qur’an:
“By the dawn and by the ten nights … ” Surah Al Fajr, Verse 1-2
According to Ibn Kathir, the “the ten nights” refers to the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. This view is also supported by many prominent scholars.
2. It is a sacred month
Allah mentions in the Qur’an that there are 4 sacred months:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.. ” Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 36
The 4 sacred months are: Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab.
3. They are the most superior days to perform good deeds
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).”
4. In it the greatest acts of worship are combined
In this month, one of the pillars or Islam; the Hajj takes place where Muslims from all around the world congregate to worship Allah. Many other deeds are also performed Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) says in Fath al-Bari:
“The most apparent reason for the ten days of Dhul Hijjah being distinguished in excellence is due to the assembly of the greatest acts of worship in this period, i.e. salawat (prayers), siyam (fasting), sadaqah (charity) and the Hajj (pilgrimage). In no other periods do these great deeds combine.”
5. Islam was perfected on the day of ‘Arafah
Allah says:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” Surah Al Maidah, Verse 3
This day was the day of ‘Arafah which falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.
6. Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah expiates sins
Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah is an expiation (of sins) for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. (Reported by Ibn Majah)
7. Fasting one day is equal to one year
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr].” (Tirmidhi)
8. Allah’s name is glorified excessively.
Muslims have been instructed to glorify the name of Allah excessively. Known as Takbeer Tashreeq, we should recite the following after every fardh salaah commencing from the Fajr of the 9th of Dhul Hijah until after Asr of the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa lillaahi’l-hamd (Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, and to Allah belongs praise).
الله أكبر الله أكبر لا إله إلا الله والله أكبر الله أكبر ولله الحمد
9. Udhhiyyah/Qurbani is performed in it
For those who are able to should offer a sacrificial animal on three prescribed days (10th, 11th and 12th Dhul Hijjah).
10. It is when Eid Al Adha is celebrated
In Islam, there are two days of celebration; Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
Let us all try to increase in prayer and the remembrance of Allah on these 10 days and if we’re able to, we should try to fast especially on the day of ‘Arafah (for those of us who are not performing Hajj).