It is the Mercy of Allah towards us that He made some months, days, nights, places and even some people better and superior than others. The month and specially the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among these days, which Allah has made them better. While the rewards of righteous deeds performed in these days are multiplied many times.
This season of worship encourages us to do all sorts of righteous deeds, to shun evil acts and to amend all our faults and shortcomings. This period of time and its superiority makes us to struggle in worshipping Allah sincerely. This is the opportunity to gain a huge share of such rewards both in this world and in the Hereafter.
As a Muslim, it is our duty to remind our family, relatives and friends of the great virtues of these days. There are many virtues of the first ten days of this month, the followings are some:
The virtues of these days mentioned in the Holy Quran, Allah says:
“By the dawn; by the ten nights (i.e. the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah) and by the even and the odd.” (Al-Fajr 89:1-3)
Abdullah Ibn Abbas, Abdullah Ibn Az-Zubair, Mujahid and others have said: “This refers the ten days of Dhul Hijjah.” Imam Ibn Kathir said: “This is the correct view.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir 8/413) Swearing of Allah and taking oath by these days, are the indication of great virtues of them.
Abdullah Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them both) narrated the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“There are no days in which the righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days (the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).” The companions (May Allah be pleased with them) asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in Allah’s Cause?” He said: “Not even Jihad in Allah’s Cause. Except for a man who goes out, himself and his wealth, and does not return with any of that.” (Abu Dawud 2438)
Abdullah Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them both) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“There are no days in which the good deeds are greater or more beloved by Allah than these ten days (the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah), therefore praise and glorify Allah abundantly in these days.” (Musnad Ahmad 5446)
These verses and ahadith indicate the great virtues of these days. There is no doubt that these days are better than any other days in the Islamic Calendar, except the last ten days of Ramadan.
The last ten days and nights of Ramadan are better, due to Lailalt-ul-Qadr (The Night of Power), which is better than a thousand months.
After the clear evidences and authentic Ahadith no one can deny the virtues of these days. The Prophet (PBUH), himself testified that these days are the greatest and best days of the year. He (PBUH) urged and encouraged us to do the righteous good deeds and that is because of the multiple reward that we may receive. It is the season and opportunity to strive hard in doing all kinds of good deeds and gain the great reward from Allah.
May Allah enable us to strive hard in doing good deeds and benefit us from this opportunity! Ameen
