The first 10 days of Zulhijjah are the best 10 days of the Islamic year. The significance of these 10 days cannot be understated.
Just imagine, all our good deeds having maximised rewards!
In these ten days, we’re presented with the chance of redeeming ourselves in the eyes of Allah S.W.T. For those of us who are unable to perform Hajj, these 10 days unlock golden opportunities for us to gain immense blessings and rewards.
The Prophet S.A.W. said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah S.W.T. than these [first] 10 days [of Dhul Hijjah].” (Bukhari)
Below, we’ve listed what you can do to make the most of these sacred days:
1. Increase your remembrance of Allah S.W.T.
In these 10 days, keep Allah S.W.T. in your heart with everything that you do. Dzikir and the proclamation of the greatness of Allah S.W.T. is a pious act of worship, representing your love for Him.
Tahleel: Laa ilaha ill-Allah - There is no God but Allah (SWT)
Takbeer: Allahu Akbar - Allah (SWT) is the Greatest
Tahmeed: Alhamdulillah - All Praises be to Allah (SWT)
Tasbeeh: Subhanallah - Glory be to Allah (SWT)
Every single day, take the time to talk to Allah S.W.T. and grow closer to Him by making dua for yourself, your loved ones and the Ummah.
Let’s learn to have conversations with our Creator through dua, not just when we are facing hardships, but even when we are happy.
2. Fasting
The act of fasting on these 10 days is beloved to Allah S.W.T - especially on 9th Zulhijjah, which is the day of Arafat. Fasting on this day means that our sins from the previous and coming year will be expiated, insyaAllah.
Abu Qatadah reported that: The Messenger of Allah S.A.W. was asked about the observance of fasting on the day of Arafah. He said “it expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year”. (Muslim)
One way to multiply your rewards is by combining your intention of good deeds! On top of making the intention to fast for the first nine days of Zulhijjah, aim to follow the Sunnah of the Beloved Prophet S.A.W. when fasting on the first Monday and Thursday of Zulhijjah.
It is reported that “The Prophet S.A.W. used to fast on the first nine days of Zulhijjah, the day of Ashura, three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays.” (Abu Dawood).
3. Grow closer to the Quran
Did you know that reading just a single letter from the book of Allah S.W.T. will receive the reward of a good deed? As Muslims, we earn great rewards for reciting the Al-Quran.
Despite the blessings, many of us are guilty of spending our time not reading the Quran. But in these 10 sacred days, we can start cultivating a beautiful relationship with the book of Allah S.W.T. that will translate to a better habit of reading the Quran, even beyond Zulhijjah.
When you read the Quran, read the translated version and take time to understand and appreciate the words of Allah S.W.T. for us, the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.
Our Beloved Messenger S.A.W. said: “Whoever reads a letter from the book of Allah S.W.T. will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by 10. I am not saying that Alif, Laam, Meem is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter, and “meem” is a letter.” (Tirmidhi)
On other days, we are told that reading from the Quran will have a reward that is multiplied by 10. Could you then imagine the rewards for reading the holy book during these 10 precious days?
4. Give charity
These 10 days are an amazing time to give charity, with the rewards of your sadaqah being maximised and amplified, insyaAllah.
When you give to the needy, you are also giving them hope, joy and comfort - beyond the financial aid.
Most importantly, give for the sake of Allah S.W.T.
Another reason to give is that it is our duty, as Muslims, to show the less fortunate in our Ummah that they are still in our prayers, love and care. Even if you give a sum that you believe is not much, Allah S.W.T. will bless you in ways you’d never imagine, while our orphans and the needy will benefit from your kindness.