10 days of Dhul Hijjah
10 days of Dhul Hijjah: Allah (SWT) has bestowed certain virtues on certain days and months in the twelve months of the year for worship. The reward of worship in these days is also multiplied by many times more than the reward of worship of ordinary days, and also the distinction of gaining nearness to God.
There are four certain months in a year which are superior to the other months in terms of grandeur and literature. Which is mentioned in this verse of the Holy Qur’an as:
اِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُوۡرِ عِنۡدَ اللّٰهِ اثۡنَا عَشَرَ شَهۡرًا فِىۡ كِتٰبِ اللّٰهِ يَوۡمَ خَلَقَ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرۡضَ مِنۡهَاۤ اَرۡبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ؕ ذٰ لِكَ الدِّيۡنُ الۡقَيِّمُ ۙ فَلَا تَظۡلِمُوۡا فِيۡهِنَّ اَنۡفُسَكُمۡ ؕ وَقَاتِلُوا الۡمُشۡرِكِيۡنَ كَآفَّةً كَمَا يُقَاتِلُوۡنَكُمۡ كَآفَّةً ؕ وَاعۡلَمُوۡۤا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ مَعَ الۡمُتَّقِيۡنَ ۞
“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s Record1 since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way.
So do not wrong one another during these months. And together fight the polytheists as they fight against you together. And know that Allah is with those mindful ˹of Him”. (Surah Tauba: 36)
The four sacred months are:
- The month of Rajab
- The month of Dhul Qaeda
- The month of Dhul Hijjah
- And the month of Muharram.
In these four months, the reward of every act of worship is greater, and whoever commits a sin in these months, his punishment will also be multiplied by many times.
Whoever worships in these auspicious months, he has the strength and courage to worship in the remaining months as well. In the same way, if a person tries to save himself from sins and evil deeds during these months, it becomes easier for him to avoid these evils during the remaining months of the year. So not taking advantage of these months is a great loss.
Then even in these four months, Dhul Hijjah is superior to the rest of the months in terms of greatness. Then even in Dhul Hijjah, the first ten days have a lot of virtue. Great acts of worship like Hajj take place in these days and sacrifice also takes place in these days which is one of the important worships of Islam.
In these ten days the reward of good deeds is greatly increased. The reward of worshiping at night and fasting during the day is much greater than the reward of worshiping and fasting during the rest of the days of the year.
Hazrat Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him) said:
“There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah?”
He (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him) replied, “Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it.” (Riyad as-Salihin 1249)
See to what degree the virtue of these days have been reached. The only degree above that is that a person should lay down his life and property in the way of Allah otherwise any Good deeds cannot be equal to good deeds of these ten days.
The virtues of dhul hijjah (Day of Arafat)
The virtues of the ten days of Dhul Hijjah have been mentioned and are blessed in its place, but even in these ten days, the virtue of the day of Arafat, that is, the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, has increased even more.
It is narrated by Hazrat Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari (R.A) that, ‘The Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafat (the 9th of the month of Dhul Hijjah).
He replied, “Fasting on the day of Arafat is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.” (Bulugh al-Maram: hadith 700)
The sins mentioned in this hadith refers to minor sins, because major sins are not forgiven without repentance. And the second possibility is that sins include minor and major sins.
But atonement for next year’s sins does not mean that all who commit sins are forgiven, but it does mean that the blessings of this fast will enable one to avoid sins during next year.
This virtue of fasting on the day of ‘Arafat is for those who are not performing Hajj this year. Because the pilgrims have to stay in ‘Arafat and to perform some other tiring deeds on that day, so it is difficult for them to do well by fasting.
Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him) forbade the pilgrims to fast on the day of arafat.
To avoid sins on the day of Arafat:
Just as fasting is a very important act of worship for the sake of nearness to God and for the sake of pleasing Allah.
And its importance increases a lot on the day of Arafat. In the same way, sin is the cause of God’s wrath in all circumstances, but in view of the sanctity of this blessed day on the day of ‘Arafah, it is especially important to avoid sins.
Thus, in this blessed month, the virtue of fasting, prayers, tasbeehat, wazaif, etc., is doubled.
And their reward is greatly increased, but two things have such a glorious glory as if they have become a symbol and identity of this month. And one of them is the great act of Hajj and the other is the sacrificial worship.
10 days of Dhul Hijjah:
Allah Almighty has sworn in the Holy Qur’an for the ten nights of Dhul Hijjah.
The Almighty Allah says:
وَالْفَجْرِ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ
By the dawn and the ten nights (surah Al-Fajr: 1-2)
This shows that the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah have special significance in Islam. The most important part of Hajj, staying in Arafah is performed in these ten days, which is the day of receiving the special grace of Allah Almighty.
After Ramadan, these days are the best opportunity to achieve success in the hereafter. Therefore, worship Allah as much as possible, remember Allah, fast and offer sacrifices as much as you can.
When 10 days of dhul Hijjah 2021 will start?
Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month in the Muslim year is expected to begin on or around July 10 or 11, subject to a confirmed observation of the first faint crescent around the edge of the new moon.
The month includes two key events – the Hajj pilgrimage and the second Eid, known as Eid ul Adha.
Once the start of the month is determined, then the dates of Eid al Adha and the Hajj can be worked out. It’s expected that Eid al Adha will be on or around July 20.
Dates can vary among different countries and religious communities depending which moon sighting news they follow.
What to do in the 10 days of dhul Hijjah?
It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him) said:
ما من ايام احب الی الله ان يتعبدله فيها من عشر ذی الحجة، يعدل صيام کل يوم منها بصيام سنة وقيام کل ليلة منها بقيام ليلة القدر
“There are no days in this world during which worship is more beloved to Allah, Glorious is He, than the (first) ten days (of Dhul Hijjah). Fasting one of these days is equivalent to fasting for one year, and one night of them is equal to Lailatul-Qadr.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1728).
As we enter the first 10 days of this blessed month, our hearts and prayers are with those undertaking the holy pilgrimage of Hajj during these days.
The first ten nights of the month of Dhul Hijjah have been given the treasure of greatness and virtue that each night is equal to Layla tul Qadr of Ramadan. Just as the blessings of Ramadan were wrapped up and placed in Eid ul Fitr and this day was set as a day of happiness.
It is narrated by Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A) that the Prophet(Peace and blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said: “There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshipped in them than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, fasting every day of them is the equivalent of fasting a year, and standing every night of them (in prayer) is the equivalent of standing on the Night of Qadr.” (Jami at-Tirmidhi: 758)
Similarly at the end of these ten nights, Allah Almighty made the day of Eid-ul-Adha, a memorable day in the form of a day of joy and happiness. This day is commonly known as the Eid of Sacrifice.
The following are the virtues which are mentioned in the Noble Quran and Hadith which have to be performed in these ten days of Dhul Hijjah:
Remembrance of Allah (SWAT):
Allah Almighty has specially mentioned in the Holy Qur’an to mention Himself in these ten days. The Almighty Allah says:
وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ
“And pronounce the Name of Allah on appointed days” (Surah Al-Hajj 28)
According to the Companions and the narrators and commentators, these days refer to the ten days of Dhu al Hijjah. Try to utilize the times of acceptance to supplicate and ask of Allah.
Fasting in 9 days of Dhul Hijjah:
Fast the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, especially the 9th day which is the day of Arafat. Fasting on that day expiates 2 years’ worth of sin.
It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, because fasting is one of the best of deeds. In a hadith Qudsi, Allah says: “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” [Bukhari, 1805]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon Him) said: “There is no day in which worship is more pleasing to Alaah than the tenth of Dhul Hijjah. Because the fast of each day of the tenth of Dhul Hijjah is equal to the fast of one year.
Increase in Nawafil Prayers:
Pray five times a day. Also try to pray Tahajjud, ishraq and Awwabin prayers. Pray every night even if it’s 2 units before you sleep. The best of night prayer is that which is after you sleep in the last 3rd of the night.
Read the Noble Quran:
Try to recite the Noble Quran frequently and memorize new surahs as much as possible. Reading 4 Juz a day will allow one completion of the Qur’an by Eid. Read or listen to the translation and tafseer of the Holy Quran. Convey the message of the Qur’an to others.
Do not cut hair, nails, etc.:
If a person intends to make a sacrifice and the month of Dhul Hijjah begins, he should not cut his nails, hair, etc. until he makes a sacrifice.
It is narrated from Hazrat Umm Salamah (R.A) that the Prophet of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him) said:
“When the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah) begin, and one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove anything from his hair or skin.” (Sunan Ibn Majah: 3149)
Takbeer, Tahmeed and Tahleel:
Takbirs Especially reciting Takbeerat Tashreeq on fixed days. Increase in saying SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah wa La ilaha illlah wAllahuakbar while commuting, while waiting and any open opportunity.
Avoid sins. Follow the sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) on the day of Eid. Meet the dear relatives and try to help the needy people around you. Participate in the teaching and preaching of Islam.
- Takbeer
الله أكبر
- Tahmeed
الحمد لله
- Tahleel
لا إله إلا الله
The season for glorifying God:
Hazrat Ibn Umar and Hazrat Abu Hurayrah(R.A) used to go to the bazaar in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and recite takbeers to draw people’s attention to takbeers and people used to recite takbeers with them.
Dua for 10 days of dhul hijjah
Below are a number of Duas that you can make or use as a model to make your own set of supplications during these blessed days.
- Oh Allah, please forgive me for all of the bad that I’ve done. You are so Merciful and kind, please forgive me, and help me stay away from all that’s wrong. It’s so hard for me, and I’m so weak but You are the Strong. Please increase me in sincerity.
- Oh Allah, please forgive our collective sins, and guide us away from repeating our mistakes.
- Oh Allah, please make my family stronger on the path of struggle as You made the family of Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, stronger.
- Ya Allah relieve the world of the COVID pandemic, heal those who are sick, protect those who are not, and end it as soon as possible.
- Ya Razzaq (the name of Allah which means “The Provider”), You provide for all of us in the best way. Please provide for those who have lost jobs or are struggling financially because of the pandemic.
Quran Sheikh Courses
How to learn Quran Online
If you can’t read Quran and need learning Quran with Tajweed, you can learn Noorani Qaida Course first where you will be able to read Quran or any Arabic words, then Quran Reading Course Online this course will provide you a good exercise how can read properly the Noble Quran and learn all Quran signs. with Tajweed Course online you will Recite al Quran with Tajweed very well insha Allah.
If you need to book a Hifz online course, the Best Arab teachers will teach you you can memorize al Quran with easy and fast ways and become a Hafiz insha Allah the you can join Ijazah online course and get Ijazah Certificate from Arab Sheikh
