The Best Ten Days

The Best Ten Days

The best ten days

To make the intention and prepare for Hajj can be a lifetime process and with the post covid changes to the hajj booking system, there is no doubt that many Muslims will be left disheartened this year. But Allah swt is most merciful and Alhumdulillah we have all been given another great opportunity for huge rewards from our Lord and creator.

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best days of the year, just as the last ten nights of Ramadan are the best ten nights out of the year. These days are most beloved to Allah as they combine acts of worship in a way unlike any other time – a great opportunity to maximise our rewards especially during these unprecedented times.

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: No good deeds are better than what is done in these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The companions said, “Not even jihad in the way of Allah?” The Prophet said: Not even jihad in the way of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth at risk and he returns with nothing. - Bukhari

Allah swears an oath by the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, which indicates their importance for us. Whenever Allah swears by something in the Quran, it is meant to draw our attention to its greatness.

Allah said: وَالْفَجْرِ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ By the dawn and the ten nights… (Quran 89:1-2)

Ibn Abbas commented on this verse, saying:

“Indeed, the ten nights by which Allah swore an oath are the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah.

Source: Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī 89:2

Recommended acts of worship

It is recommended that we increase our supplications, remembrance, and acts of charity during these first ten days, especially the 9th day which is the day of Arafah, as well as the day of Eid al-Adha and the following three days after it.

Remembrance

It is Sunnah to recite takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), tahleel (Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), and tasbeeh (SubhanAllah) during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.  These words should be recited regularly and abundantly.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: 

“There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allah than on these ten days, so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (saying Alhamdu Lillaah).” (Ahmad -Saheeh)

Fasting

Fasting is recommended in these days. The Prophet (pbuh) said,

“One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship in the Lailatul-Qadr”

(Tirmidhi)

The Prophet (pbuh) used to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah and he said:

“Fasting the Day of Arafah (ninth Dhul-Hijjah) is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year.”

(Muslim)

The day of Arafah

Supplicate on the day of Arafah. ‘Amr ibn Shu’ayb reported: The Prophet, (Pbuh), said:

The best of supplications is the supplication on the day of Arafah and the best which I and the Prophets before me have said (is):
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٍ
Laa ilaaha ill-allaahu, waḥdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‛alaa kulli shay’in qadeer
None has the right to be worshiped except Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and all praise and He is over all things omnipotent. (At-Tirmidhi)

Qurbani

Offer your Qurbani. Qurbani is a religious sacrifice of an animal on the days of Eid-ul-Adha as an offering to Allah (swt). Every year during this month, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of Allah (swt). The Prophet (pbuh) performed this rite and Muslims today continue to follow his example.

Connect with the Quran

Recite the Quran, ponder and reflect over the verses. Understand its message and implement the guidance within it.

“This is the Book in which there is no doubt, containing guidance for those who are mindful of God.” (Quran 2:2)

Charity

Giving in sadaqah is loved by Allah and multiplied in reward during these days. Every act that is done with sincerity for the pleasure of Allah swt will bring you closer to Him, so give daily even if its a small amount. 

Good Deeds

We should aim to increase in all the deeds that are pleasing to Allah swt: Showing good character, respecting our parents, praying nawafil prayers, making dua, standing up in the night prayer.

“So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it; and whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it.“ (Quran 99:7-8)

Alhumdulillah, there is much to be gained in these days. May Allah swt accept it from us.

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The Prophet (Pbuh) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small.