The Virtues of the First 10 Days of Dzulhijjah and Prescribed Acts
By Syaikh Abdullah bin Abdurrahman Al-Jibrin
All praise is due solely to Allah, peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.
Narrated by Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, from Ibnu ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them, that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days, meaning: the ten days of Dzulhijjah.” They asked, “Not even jihad in the way of Allah?” He replied, “Not even jihad in the way of Allah, except for the one who goes out (for jihad) with his life and wealth, and does not return with anything.”
Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, reported from Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “There are no days greater and more beloved to Allah for deeds than these ten days (Dzulhijjah). Therefore, during this time, increase the recitation of tahlil, takbir, and tahmid.”
PRESCRIBED ACTS:
1) Performing the Hajj and Umrah
This is the most significant deed, based on various authentic hadiths that demonstrate its virtues, among them: the statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him: “From one Umrah to another is an expiation for the sins committed in between, and the reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing but paradise.”
2) Fasting During These Days or Some of Them, Especially on the Day of Arafah
There is no doubt that fasting is one of the best deeds and what Allah has chosen for Himself. It is mentioned in a hadith Qudsi: “Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it. He has left his desires, food, and drink for My sake.”
Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “A servant does not fast a day in the path of Allah except that Allah distances his face from the fire due to fasting on this day for seventy years.” [Hadits Muttafaqun ‘Alaih].
Reported by Imam Muslim from Abu Qatadah, may Allah have mercy on him, that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Fasting on the day of Arafah expecting reward from Allah erases the sins of the year before and after.”
3) Takbir and Dhikr During These Days
As Allah Ta’ala says: “…and mention the name of Allah on known days…” [Al-Hajj/22:28]. The scholars of tafsir say it refers to the ten days of Dzulhijjah. Therefore, scholars encourage increasing dhikr during these days, based on the hadith narrated by Ibnu Umar, may Allah be pleased with them.
Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, reported that Ibnu Umar and Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with them, would go to the market during these ten days chanting the takbir, and people would repeat the takbir with them. And Ishaq, may Allah have mercy on him, reported from the jurists and tabiin that during these days one should say: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa Ilaha Ilallah, wa-Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil Hamdu” (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no deity but Allah, Allah is Greatest, Allah is the Greatest and to Allah belongs all praise).
It is encouraged to chant takbir loudly in places like markets, houses, streets, and mosques. As Allah says: “…and proclaim the greatness of Allah for having guided you…” [Al-Baqarah/2:185].
However, joint chanting of takbir is not permissible according to the Sunnah, as the Salaf did not practice this. Each person should chant takbir individually, unless for the purpose of teaching.
4) Repentance and Turning Away from All Sins and Misdeeds
So that you may receive forgiveness and mercy. Sin is the cause of separation and expulsion from Allah, while obedience brings closeness and love to Allah.
It is mentioned in a hadith from Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Allah becomes jealous when a believer does what He has forbidden.”
5) Increasing Righteous Deeds
Including supererogatory acts of worship like prayer, charity, jihad, reciting the Qur’an, enjoining good and forbidding wrong, etc. These acts during these days are multiplied in reward. Even less significant acts performed on these days become more significant and beloved to Allah than significant acts done on other days, even jihad that is considered highly significant, except for jihad by someone who does not return with their wealth and life.
6) Prescribed General and Specific Takbir
Including unrestricted takbir at any time, day or night until the ‘Eid prayer, and the specific takbir after obligatory congregational prayers; for non-pilgrims starting from Fajr of Arafah Day, and for pilgrims from the Dhuhr of the Day of Sacrifice until Asr of the Tashriq days.
7) Sacrificing on the Day of Sacrifice and the Tashriq Days
This is the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), when Allah redeemed his son with a great sacrifice. It is reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, sacrificed two rams and mentioned the name of Allah, saying, “In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”
8) Refrain from Cutting Hair and Nails for Those Intending to Sacrifice
Narrated by Muslim and others from Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “When the new moon of Dzul Hijjah appears and one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, he should stop trimming hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice.”
9) Perform the ‘Eid al-Adha Prayer and Listen to the Sermon
Every Muslim should understand the wisdom behind the legislation of this festival. It is a day of gratitude and good deeds and should not be a day of arrogance or disobedience like engaging in inappropriate activities.
10) Participate in Acts of Obedience, Remembrance, and Gratitude
Muslims should fill these days with acts of obedience, remembrance, and gratitude to Allah, execute all obligations, and avoid prohibitions, seeking Allah’s grace and pleasure.
May Allah grant us success and guide us to the straight path. Peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all companions.