The Blessed 10 Days of Zulhijjah

Assalamualaikum and hello! :) 

As we are now in the blessed month of Zulhijjah, we just want to share some of the good deeds to be done in this holy month. This is an extracted article of ProductiveMuslim.com. 

Allah the Most High & Exalted says: “By the Dawn; By the ten nights” [Surah Al-Fajr:1-2]

The following are recommended acts to do during the blessed 10 days and nights of Dhul Hijjah.

1. Fasting the 9 days of Dhul Hijjah
It is recommended to fast on the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, especially on the 9th which is the blessed day of Arafah. Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) encouraged us to do righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah; and indeed fasting is one of the best of deeds. Almighty Allah says, “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.”’ [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Note: The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is the day of Eid ul Adha and it is prohibited to fast on this day.

Forgiveness for 2 years of sins (minor sins) for fasting on the day of Arafah: Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari (may Allāh be pleased with him) narrated, ”The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah (the 9th of the month of Dhul Hijjah). He replied, “Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.” He was also asked about fasting on the day of Ashura (the 10th of the month of Muharram). He replied, “Fasting on the day of Ashura is an expiation for the preceding year.” The Messenger of Allah () was also asked about fasting on Monday, and he replied, “This is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was sent (with the Message of Islam) and the day on which I received revelation.” [Muslim]

** the 9th (Arafah) will be on Monday, 14th Oct 2013, and the 'Eid will be on Tuesday, 15th Oct 2013.

2. Reciting tasbeeh, tahmeed, tahleel and takbeer abundantly
It is Sunnah to recite takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), tahleel (Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), and tasbeeh (SubhanAllah) during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. These words should be recited abundantly in the masajid, homes, streets and in every place where it is permissible to remember and glorify Allah.

“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (reward of Hajj in the Hereafter and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice).” [Surah Al-Haj:28]

3. Offering the Qurbani (sacrifice of a livestock animal)
“It is not their meat, nor their blood, that reaches Allah, It is their piety that reaches Allah.” [Surah Al-Haj:37]

4. Doing more good deeds than usual
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (Dhul Hijjah).” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Therefore we should increase the amount of good deeds we do in order to take advantage of this blessed time where good deeds are increased significantly.

- Reciting the Quran abudantly
- Showing exemplary character
- Giving much in charity
- Respecting and honouring our parents
- Doing many nawafil (superogatory) prayers
- Salaatul Duhaa
- Two raka’ahs sunnah after entering the masjid
- Tahiyyatul wudhu
- Tahajjud prayer
- Increase in glorification & remembrance of Allah
- Making much dua
- Making life changes

May Allah enable us to make the best of these blessed days and nights and make it a means of our success in this world and in the Hereafter. Ameen.