Dhul-HijjahThe Best Deeds in the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the greatest seasons of worship. Righteous deeds in them are more beloved to Allah than deeds in other days of the year. A Muslim should enter these days with an attentive heart, a sincere intention, and a practical plan that helps him make the most of them.
"There are no days in which deeds are better than in these days."
مَا العَمَلُ فِي أَيَّامٍ أَفْضَلَ مِنْهَا فِي هَذِهِ.
They said: Not even jihad? He said:
"Not even jihad, except a man who goes out risking himself and his wealth and returns with nothing."
وَلَا الجِهَادُ، إِلَّا رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ يُخَاطِرُ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ، فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ بِشَيْءٍ.
Narrated by Al-Bukhari.
1Sincere Repentance
The first thing a Muslim should begin with in the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is sincere repentance, because sins deprive a servant of the blessing of obedience and weigh down the heart from hastening to good.
"And repent to Allah all together, O believers, so that you may succeed." [An-Nur: 31]
{وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَا المُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ} [النور: 31].
Sincere repentance means leaving the sin, regretting it, resolving not to return to it, and returning rights to their owners if the sin involves the rights of people.
2Preserving the Obligatory Deeds
The greatest righteous deed is to perform what Allah has obligated. Making the most of Dhul-Hijjah is not by doing many voluntary deeds while neglecting obligations. Rather, a Muslim begins by preserving prayer on time, honoring parents, fulfilling rights, and leaving prohibitions.
"My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him."
وَمَا تَقَرَّبَ إِلَيَّ عَبْدِي بِشَيْءٍ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا افْتَرَضْتُ عَلَيْهِ.
Narrated by Al-Bukhari.
3Abundant Dhikr and Takbir
Dhikr is among the greatest deeds in these days, especially takbir, tahlil, and tahmid.
"...and mention the name of Allah during known days over what He has provided for them of grazing livestock..." [Al-Hajj: 28]
{لِيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ، وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِنْ بَهِيمَةِ الأَنْعَامِ، فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا البَائِسَ الفَقِيرَ} [الحج: 28].
A well-known form of takbir is:
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god worthy of worship except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise is for Allah.
الله أكبر، الله أكبر، لا إله إلا الله، والله أكبر، الله أكبر، ولله الحمد.
A Muslim says takbir in his home, on his way, at work, and among his family, and teaches this great symbol to his children.
4Fasting
Fasting falls under the general meaning of righteous deeds. It is recommended for a Muslim to fast whatever he can of the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, and the greatest of them is fasting the Day of Arafah for the non-pilgrim.
"It expiates the previous year and the coming year."
يُكَفِّرُ السَّنَةَ المَاضِيَةَ وَالبَاقِيَةَ.
Narrated by Muslim regarding the virtue of fasting Arafah. As for the tenth day, it is Eid, and fasting it is forbidden.
5Reciting the Qur'an
The Qur'an is the best form of remembrance. One of the greatest ways to fill these days is to have a daily portion of recitation and reflection, even if it is small but consistent.
It is fitting to recite with the intention of rectifying the heart, and to ask Allah to make the Qur'an the spring of the heart and the light of the chest.
6Charity and Goodness
Charity is among the righteous deeds beloved to Allah. It includes money, feeding others, fulfilling the needs of the needy, relieving distress, and showing kindness to relatives, neighbors, and the poor.
Part of understanding these days well is not limiting good to one act of worship, but opening multiple doors of obedience.
7Du'a
Du'a is a great act of worship, and its importance is even greater during virtuous times, especially the Day of Arafah. A Muslim should supplicate for himself, his parents, his family, and the Muslims, asking Allah for guidance, firmness, forgiveness, and acceptance.
8Honoring Parents and Maintaining Family Ties
Honoring parents and maintaining family ties are among the noblest deeds. A Muslim should be keen on them during the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah through kind words, visits, checking in, fulfilling needs, and removing grudges.
9Leaving Sins
Making the most of the season is not only by doing acts of obedience; it is also by leaving sins. Among the greatest things that help the heart obey Allah are guarding the tongue, lowering the gaze, leaving backbiting, and staying away from quarrels.
10Udhiyah for Whoever Is Able
Udhiyah is one of the symbols of Islam on the Day of Nahr and the Days of Tashriq, and it is a great act of nearness for whoever is able. Whoever intends to offer an udhiyah should refrain from cutting his hair and nails once the ten days begin until he slaughters his sacrifice.
"When the ten days begin, and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, he should not touch any of his hair or skin."
إِذَا دَخَلَتِ العَشْرُ، وَأَرَادَ أَحَدُكُمْ أَنْ يُضَحِّيَ، فَلَا يَمَسَّ مِنْ شَعَرِهِ وَبَشَرِهِ شَيْئًا.
Narrated by Muslim.
FAQWhat is the best deed in the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah?
The best beginning is fulfilling obligations and repenting from sins, then increasing in righteous deeds such as dhikr, takbir, fasting, charity, and Qur'an recitation.
FAQIs takbir better or Qur'an recitation?
Both are great acts of worship. The Qur'an is the best remembrance in general, while takbir is a visible symbol specific to these days. The most complete approach is to combine both.
FAQMust all nine days be fasted?
No. It is not required, but it is recommended for whoever is able. The most emphasized is fasting the Day of Arafah for the non-pilgrim.
FAQWhat should someone do if busy or sick?
He should do what he can: preserve the obligations, increase dhikr, give charity, make du'a, and recite what is easy of the Qur'an. Allah's grace is vast, and Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
ConclusionConclusion
The best deeds in the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah include every righteous deed Allah loves. The greatest of them are repentance, preserving obligations, abundant dhikr, fasting, charity, and reciting the Qur'an. Whoever is sincere with Allah in these days, Allah opens doors of good for him that benefit his religion and worldly life.
