Virtues of the 1st 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah: Maximizing Your Spiritual Rewards represent a profound seasonal opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and the accumulation of divine favor. While the month of Ramadan is often viewed as the peak of the Islamic year, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah hold a unique status that many scholars argue surpasses even the days of Ramadan in merit. This sacred window is not merely a countdown to the Eid al-Adha celebration or the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage; it is a period described by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the best days of the world. For the believer, these days offer a chance to reset their intentions, purify their hearts, and engage in acts of worship that carry more weight than at any other time of the year. Understanding the theological and practical significance of this period is essential for anyone seeking to live a life of conscious submission and to draw closer to the Creator during these blessed moments.
The primary evidence for the Virtues of the 1st 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah is found within the Majestic Quran. In Surah Al-Fajr, Allah the Almighty swears by these days, declaring, “By the dawn, and by the ten nights.” The vast majority of Quranic commentators, including the renowned Ibn Abbas and Ibn Kathir, affirm that these “ten nights” refer specifically to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. In the Islamic tradition, when Allah swears by a portion of His creation, it serves as a divine testament to the greatness and sanctity of that specific time or object. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj, Allah commands the believers to “remember the name of Allah during known days.” These “known days” are identified as this specific opening decagon of the final month of the Islamic calendar. By highlighting these days in the Final Revelation, Allah is signaling to humanity that this is a time for heightened awareness, intense remembrance, and dedicated service.
The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provides further clarity on why these days are so beloved to Allah. In a famous Hadith recorded by Imam Al-Bukhari, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” When the companions asked if even Jihad in the cause of Allah was not equal to them, he replied that it was not, except in the case of a man who went out with his life and his wealth and returned with neither. This statement is revolutionary in its scope. it suggests that a simple act of charity, a moment of Dhikr, or a day of fasting during this period can carry a spiritual reward that outweighs some of the most physically demanding acts of worship performed outside of this timeframe. The Virtues of the 1st 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah thus create an accessible path to spiritual excellence for everyone, regardless of their physical or financial circumstances.
One might ask why this specific period holds such immense weight. The scholars of Islam, such as Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, explain that the greatness of these ten days stems from the convergence of the primary pillars of Islam within them. It is only during this time that Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), Sadaqah (charity), and Hajj (pilgrimage) all meet. While Hajj is restricted to those physically and financially able to travel to Makkah, the spiritual atmosphere of the pilgrimage extends to the entire global Ummah. Even those who are not standing on the plains of Arafat can partake in the blessings by aligning their hearts with the spirit of sacrifice and devotion that characterizes the season. This universality is a manifestation of Allah’s mercy, ensuring that no believer is deprived of the opportunity to earn a high rank in the Hereafter.
A central pillar of the Virtues of the 1st 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah is the act of fasting, particularly on the 9th day, which is the Day of Arafah. For those not performing Hajj, fasting on this day is highly encouraged. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year. This immense reward for a single day of fasting is a clear indication of the sanctity of the time. It is a day of forgiveness, a day where Allah descends to the lowest heaven and expresses pride in His servants to the angels. By abstaining from food and drink, the believer demonstrates their self-control and their yearning for Allah’s pleasure, mirroring the ascetic state of the pilgrims in Ihram.
In addition to fasting, the increased remembrance of Allah, or Dhikr, is a mandated practice during these days. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed his followers to increase their recitation of Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) during this time. The traditional practice of the Sahaba was to proclaim the Takbeer loudly in the marketplaces and streets, not merely as a ritual, but as a public declaration of Allah’s supremacy. In the modern era, this serves as a powerful antidote to the secularization of our daily lives. By filling our tongues with the praise of Allah, we reclaim our mental and vocal spaces from the distractions of the world. This constant Dhikr acts as a spiritual polish for the heart, removing the rust of heedlessness and preparing the soul for the grand celebration of Eid.
Repentance, or Tawbah, is another essential element to consider when discussing the Virtues of the 1st 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah. Because these days are so holy, they are the ideal time to turn back to Allah with sincerity. Every righteous deed is magnified, and similarly, the weight of our sins can be felt more acutely during sacred times. The believer should use this period to review their character, settle their debts, and ask for forgiveness from those they may have wronged. A sincere Tawbah during these ten days can serve as a catalyst for permanent life change. It is as if the spiritual gates are wide open, inviting the wayward soul to return to the path of guidance and light.
Charity and sacrifice are the outward manifestations of the inner devotion cultivated during this period. The act of Udhiyah (Qurbani), or sacrificing an animal for the sake of Allah, is the culmination of these ten days. This practice commemorates the absolute submission of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his son Isma’eel. It is a physical demonstration that nothing is more beloved to us than Allah’s command. Beyond the ritual sacrifice, general Sadaqah is highly virtuous. Feeding the poor, supporting orphans, and contributing to the welfare of the community during these days carry a weight that is multiplied. In a world of growing inequality, the Virtues of the 1st 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah encourage a spirit of communal sharing and empathy, ensuring that the joy of the season reaches every household.
The psychological impact of observing these days cannot be overlooked. In our fast-paced society, many people suffer from spiritual burnout and a sense of disconnection. The structure provided by these ten days—the fasting, the specific prayers, and the community focus—provides a sense of purpose and belonging. It reminds the believer that they are part of a historical and global narrative of faith. This sense of “Sacred Time” helps to regulate the human psyche, providing a rhythmic cycle of exertion and reward that keeps the spirit healthy. By intentionally setting aside these days for higher pursuits, we train our minds to prioritize the eternal over the ephemeral.
Furthermore, these days serve as a preparation for the rest of the year. Just as Ramadan acts as a school for the soul, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah act as a refresher course. The habits formed during this time—early morning prayers, consistent Dhikr, and a softened heart toward the needy—should ideally persist long after the days have passed. The hallmark of an accepted season of worship is that the individual emerges better than they were before. If one has truly engaged with the Virtues of the 1st 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah, their character will reflect the humility of Arafat and the generosity of the sacrifice in their daily dealings.
In conclusion, the Virtues of the 1st 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah offer an unparalleled opportunity for the believer to achieve spiritual heights that are otherwise difficult to reach. Grounded in the absolute proofs of the Quran and the Sunnah, this period is a gift from the Divine, designed to help us overcome our shortcomings and realize our potential as servants of Allah. Whether through the silence of fasting, the thunderous Takbeer of the Eid morning, or the quiet charity given in secret, every moment of these ten days is a chance to earn Allah’s love. As we approach this sacred time each year, let us not be among the heedless who let it pass like any other week. Instead, let us be the digital shepherds of our own souls, guarding our time, intensifying our worship, and moving toward our Creator with hearts full of hope and hands busy with good works. The best days of the world are upon us; let us ensure we are at our best to receive them.
By Musa A. Mosiudi
