Allah Almighty has blessed the nation of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) with infinitely many opportunities to reap rewards and blessings every day of the year. Just like, the last ten nights of Ramadan are among the most blessed nights of the year, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah i.e., the 12th Islamic calendar month carry special status. As it is the time for the annual Hajj pilgrimage that millions of Muslims perform in the holy city of Makkah with their cheapest hajj packages.
Here are some of the benefits and virtues of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.
Performance of Hajj.
It is the time during which the obligatory Hajj pilgrimage is undertaken by Muslims from across the globe. They gather in Makkah and offer the holy rituals collectively. Hajj days last from the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Fasting.
Fasting during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah on a daily basis is very rewarding for the believers especially on the Day of Arafah. Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) said in a Hadith; (description) fasting the Day of Arafah i.e., 9th of Dhul-Hijjah is an expiation for all the sins of the previous year as well as an expiation for all the sins of the coming year.
Dhikr and Takbir.
Reciting Takbir at this time of the year is a Sunnah of our Holy Prophet (SAWW) especially during the first ten days. Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) said in a Hadith; (description) there are no days on which good deeds are greater and more beloved to Allah Almighty than on these ten days, so recite much Tahleel, Takbir and Tahmeed.
Make Sincere Repentance.
It’s human nature to make mistakes but to be able to repent of these sins is a great blessing of Allah Almighty for a believer. The act of sincere repentance is very beloved to Allah Almighty. Therefore, one must make sincere repentance during these days and especially stand in prayers during the night. Being regretful of your sins; resolving to never return to disobedience and firmly adhering to the path which Allah loves is something everyone must intend for.
Perform as many good deeds as you can.
If you are not able to be on the hajj pilgrimage, there are plenty of other ways you can utilize to earn the rewards during these blessed days. Therefore, increase the performance of good deeds; acts of charity, helping someone, and even the smallest acts of kindness are much appreciated by Allah Almighty. Every good deed that is done with honest intentions of pleasing Allah Almighty will bring you closer to Him.
Celebration of Eid-al-Adha.
Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Adha on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah in remembrance of the great Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). They Slaughter an animal; goat/sheep, cow, camel and distribute its meat among the needy, their relatives as well as keep for themselves.
This is a brief description of the importance of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah to consider.
