Virtues of Dhul Hijjah- Things to do in 1st 10 Days of Zil Hajj

The month of the Dhul Hijjah is one of the most important months in Islam. This is the month of Eid al-Adha and the month of Hajj. Dhul Hajj is the last month of Islamic calendar which reminds us of the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and His son Hazrat Ismail (AS). In this holy month, Muslims go to Saudi Arabia for performing Hajj and also celebrate Eid al-Adha by sacrificing animals for the sake of Allah Almighty. With the start of this holy month, Muslims from all over the world embarked on a journey of a lifetime that is for Hajj.

Those who can’t go for Hajj can do some special deeds in the first 10 days of Dhul Hajj. These 10 days are the best in the whole year, and it’s so important that we take advantage of them if we are not able to perform pilgrimage this time. We have no guarantee that we’ll live to see the next Dhul Hajj so make the most of the days while performing some special deeds. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “There is no deed that is better in the sight of Allah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of Al-Adha”. It was asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah unless a man goes out himself for Jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” (Bukhari)

Below mentioned are some acts of worship that one should perform in the first blessed 10 days of Dhul Hajj surely, they will help to gain the pleasure of Almighty Allah.

• Perform Hajj and Umrah: No doubt, the best thing one can do on these blessed days is to perform Umrah and Hajj. Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that: “The Prophet (SAW) was asked which deed is best. He said, “Belief in Allah and His Messenger.” He was asked, then what? He said, “Jihaad for the sake of Allah.” He was asked, then what? He said, “An accepted Hajj.” (Muslim)
• Fasting: The first nine days of Dhul Hajj are a really good time to fast. We should try to fast on all nine days up until the day of Eid al-Adha as fasting on the day of Eid is not permitted. If one should not fast in all nine days fast on the ninth day of Dhul Hajj, because the Prophet (SAW) recommended us to do good deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds one could do. “The Prophet (PBUH) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul Hajj, on the day of `Ashurah, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.” (An-Nisa’i)
• Give Charity: There are extra blessings in this holy month of Dhul Hajj so, take this opportunity and give charity. It does not matter how much we are going to donate always remember that whoever gives in the cause of Allah, He multiplies it when He returns it to you. Use this month to get into the habit of giving charity, no matter how small it is.
• Recite Tahleel, Takbeer, and Tahmeed: It is Sunnah to recite Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) and Tahleel (Laa Ilaaha ill-Allah) during the first blessed ten days of Dhul Hajj. These words should be recited abundantly in the Masjid, homes, streets and every place where it is permissible to remember Allah Almighty. In Holy Quran Allah Almighty says: “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).” (Quran, 22:28)
• Recite Quran: Many of us don’t quite understand the significance of Dhul Hajj and Eid al Adha. If someone wants to know about the significance of this holy occasion should return to the source of our knowledge that is the Holy Quran. Read the story of Ibrahim (AS) and remind yourself of his sacrifice. Try to understand the importance of his sacrifice to better understand why we sacrifice animals and what the significance of this Eid is.
• Perform the Sacrifice: One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allah Almighty during these blessed ten days is offering a sacrifice of an animal. Sacrificing an animal revives the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He (AS) was ready to give up everything for the sake of Allah Almighty and submitted unconditionally to Allah’s commands by even offering his beloved son as a sacrifice. In hadith, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “When anyone of you intends to sacrifice the animal and enter in the month of Dhul Hajj, he should not get his hair cut or nails pared till he has offered his sacrifice.” (Muslim)
• Make sincere Repentance: Allah loves those who repent to Him with complete submission. In these blessed 10 days of Dhul Hajj return to Allah by giving up all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes. Be regretful of your sins and disobedience and resolve to never return to sin and to firmly adhere to the path which Allah loves.
• Perform all good deeds: If one is not able to perform Hajj this year then he/she should perform every possible good deed during these blessed days of Dhul Hajj. Every act that is done with sincerity for the pleasure of Allah Almighty will bring you closer to Him.
• Forgive Others: Allah is the most forgiving and He (SWT) is not the only one who can forgive. We also should forgive other for the sake of Almighty Allah. Begin the New Year with a fresh start and a clean heart by forgiving those who did wrong with you. Allah loves those who forgive, so forgive others.