Indeed, the first ten days of Dhuʻl-Hijjah are the most sacred days of the Islamic year.
Pilgrims arrive at Makkah to observe the Fard duty of performing Hajj, while the non-pilgrims make the most of these days by engaging in deeds that pull them even closer to Allah SWT.
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the (first) ten days of Dhul- Hijjah. They said: “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He said: “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, unless a man goes out with himself and his wealth and does not bring anything back.” – [Ibn Majah: 1727]
So, if you’re wondering what good deeds you can observe to gather Allah SWT’s love and blessings during the first ten days of Dhuʻl-Hijjah, you can refer to the following list of actions:
1- Do Dhikr and Make Dua
“And remember Allāh during [specific] numbered days.” – [Al-Baqarah: 203]
2- Fast the First 9 Days
“In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah SWT 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]
3- Especially Fast On the Day of Arafah
The Prophet (SAW) said,
“It (fasting on the Day of Arafah) expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” – [Muslim]
4- Pray Tahajjud
“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace, And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer].” – [Al-Furqan: 63-64]
5- Recite the Qur’an
The Prophet (SAW) said:
“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, ‘laam’ is a letter and ‘meem’ is a letter.” – [Tirmidhi]
6- Give Sadaqah
Abu Hurairah (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“If anyone relieves a Muslim believer from one of the hardships of this worldly life, Allah will relieve him of one of the hardships of the Day of Resurrection. If anyone makes it easy for the one who is indebted to him (while finding it difficult to repay), Allah will make it easy for him in this worldly life and in the Hereafter, and if anyone conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah helps His slave as long as he helps his brother.” – [Related by Muslim]
7- Repent
“And [saying], "Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every doer of favor his favor [i.e., reward]. But if you turn away, then indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a great Day.” – [Surah Hud: 3]
8- Pray For the Departed Souls
Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah, knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for him.” – [Muslim]
May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala accept our good deeds and give us the opportunity to observe Hajj at least once in this lifetime. Ameen.
