Once, while speaking to his companions, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah).”
The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad (striving) in the cause of Allah?” He replied, “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, except for a man who goes out risking himself and his wealth for the sake of Allah and returns with nothing.”
– Sahih al-Bukhari
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are a magnificent opportunity to gain closeness to Allah! Regarding these ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, Allah says in the Qur’an, in Surah Al-Fajr:
وَالْفَجْرِ } * \text{ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ}
“By the dawn! And by the ten nights!”
– Surah Al-Fajr: 1, 2
The Creator Himself swears an oath by these nights, highlighting their immense sanctity and honor. Scholars such as Ibn Abbas (RA), Imam Ibn Kathir (Rah), Ibn Zubayr (Rah), and Mujahid (Rah) state, based on evidence, that the “ten nights” mentioned here refer precisely to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
– Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Allah also says:
لِّيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ
“That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals…”
– Surah Al-Hajj: 28
Explaining this verse, Ibn Abbas (RA) said: “The ‘known days’ are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.”
– Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Increasing Remand (Dhikr) and Takbeer
Regarding these first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days. So during this time, increase your Tahlil (La ilaha illallah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).”
– Musnad Ahmad
The two companions, Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) and Abu Hurairah (RA), used to go out to the marketplaces during the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah reciting the Takbeer aloud, and the people would recite it along with them upon hearing them.
– Sahih al-Bukhari
Umar (RA) used to recite the Takbeer aloud in his tent at Mina. When the people in the mosque and the marketplaces heard him, they would also recite the Takbeer, until the entire valley of Mina resonated with the sound.
Ibn Umar (RA) used to recite the Takbeer at Mina after every prayer, on his bed, in his tent, in his gatherings, and during all those days.
– Sahih al-Bukhari
The Greatness of the Day of Arafah
Therefore, through the aforementioned Qur’an verses, Hadiths, and the explanations of the companions and scholars, it is clear that the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah hold supreme virtue. Observing the Sunnah fast on the Day of Arafah (the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah) is a beautiful practice taught to us by the Prophet (PBUH).
Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees more servants from the Fire than the Day of Arafah. He draws near and expresses His pride to the angels, asking, ‘What do these people want?'”
– Sahih Muslim
Ibn Hajar (Rah) states:
“The reason behind the distinction of the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is because all the major fundamental acts of worship—Prayer, Fasting, Charity (Sadaqah), and Hajj—converge together within this period.”
May Allah grant us the privilege of performing righteous deeds during these blessed first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and may He bestow His closeness upon us!
