10 Days, Countless Blessings: The Beauty of Dhul Hijjah

Unlocking the Blessings of the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah hold a unique and powerful significance in Islam. These days are considered the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar, even more honored than the last 10 nights of Ramadan. For every Muslim seeking spiritual growth and divine reward, the importance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah cannot be overstated. These days provide unmatched opportunities to earn Allah’s mercy, blessings, and forgiveness.

Allah Himself swears by these days in the Qur’an:
“By the dawn, and by the ten nights…” (Surah Al-Fajr, 89:1-2).
The Mufassireen (Qur’anic commentators) agree that these “ten nights” refer to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The fact that Allah takes an oath by them shows their elevated status and sacredness.

Why Are These Days So Special?

These first ten days are full of divine mercy and opportunities for worship. What makes them even more distinct is that all five pillars of Islam can be fulfilled during this time:

• Shahadah (Declaration of Faith): Reaffirming one’s belief is always meritorious.
• Salah (Prayer): Obligatory and voluntary prayers during this time are highly rewarded.
• Sawm (Fasting): Especially on the Day of Arafah, fasting expiates sins of the past and coming year.
• Zakah (Charity): Generous giving is encouraged, with rewards multiplied.
• Hajj (Pilgrimage): Hajj, a pillar of Islam, is performed only during these days.

Best Practices During the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

To truly embrace the spirit of these days, Muslims are encouraged to increase in good deeds, worship, and remembrance. Here’s what every believer should focus on:

• Prayer and Dhikr: Engage in regular prayers, night prayers (Tahajjud), and increase in saying Subhanalladhi, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar.
• Charity and Kindness: These days are a golden time to give in charity, sponsor an orphan, help the needy, and forgive others.
• Qurbani (Sacrifice): Performing the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) by sacrificing an animal is a crucial act of worship during this time.

Why Fast These 10 Days

Fasting during the initial ten days of Dhul Hijjah is a highly virtuous act that brings immense spiritual benefits. Although it is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged due to the elevated status of these days in the Islamic tradition. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted that no righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than those performed during this period. Among these acts, fasting holds a special place, as it fosters qualities like discipline, patience, and sincerity.

The most significant day for fasting is the Day of Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, about which the Prophet stated that it wipes away the sins of both the previous and upcoming year (Muslim). Even fasting on the days leading up to Arafah is immensely rewarding.

For those not undertaking the pilgrimage, these fasts provide a way to spiritually align with the sacred moments of Hajj. Choosing to abstain from food and drink during these days is not only an expression of devotion but also a means to earn great rewards and Allah’s mercy. Every fast observed during this period serves as a spiritual shield and a step toward greater closeness to Allah, making it a valuable practice for any committed Muslim.

Key Highlights of the Sacred Days

To better understand the importance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, here are some bullet points highlighting their spiritual power:

• Allah swears by these days in the Qur’an, signifying their importance.
• The Day of Arafah, the pinnacle of Hajj, falls within these ten days.
• Deeds are more beloved to Allah during this period than at any other time.
• It is the only time all five pillars of Islam can be observed collectively.
• The reward of fasting and prayer during these days is multiplied immensely.

Elevating Your Soul Through These Days

These days offer a perfect opportunity to renew one’s relationship with Allah. Just as Ramadan revives our spiritual discipline, Dhul Hijjah allows us to show our devotion through extra effort. Whether one can go for Hajj or not, every Muslim can attain immense rewards simply by increasing acts of worship, doing well, and being sincere.

Muslims should plan for these blessed days just as they do for Ramadan. Create a daily schedule for prayer, Quran recitation, charity, and reflection. The effort you make will not go unnoticed by Allah.

Embrace the Days with Prayer and Purpose

At DeenWay Academy, we encourage the Muslim community to prepare for Dhul Hijjah as a season of reflection, renewal, and reward. Through our workshops and programs, we aim to help individuals make the most of this blessed time, even if they’re not performing Hajj.

Final Thoughts

The importance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah lies in their divine virtue and the immense opportunity they offer for spiritual elevation. By honouring these days through worship, fasting, and good deeds, we can attain blessings far beyond our imagination. May Allah allow us all to witness these days and benefit from their mercy?