The Unmatched Virtue of the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah: A Complete Guide

1. Significance in the Holy Quran

The status of these ten days is so elevated that Allah (SWT) took an oath by them. In Islamic jurisprudence, when Allah swears by something, it signifies its immense importance and sanctity.

• The Divine Oath: In Surah Al-Fajr (89:1–2), Allah says: “By the dawn; and [by] ten nights.” Major commentators such as Ibn ʿAbbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, and Mujahid have confirmed that these “ten nights” refer to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).
• The “Known Days”: In Surah Al-Hajj (22:28), the Quran commands believers to “mention the name of Allah on known days.” According to the Sahaba, these “known days” are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
• Completion of Religion: The final verse of the Quran concerning the perfection of faith — “This day I have perfected for you your religion” (Surah Al-Maʾidah 5:3) — was revealed on the Day of Arafah (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah), the pinnacle of these ten days.

2. Excellence in the Prophetic Traditions (Hadith)

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explicitly categorized these days as the most beloved time for performing righteous deeds.

• Greater than Jihad: Ibn ʿAbbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The companions asked, “Not even Jihad in the path of Allah?” He replied, “Not even Jihad, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth and returns with neither” (Sahih Bukhari 969).
• The Best Days in the World: In another narration, the Prophet (PBUH) stated: “The best days in the world are the ten days [of Dhul Hijjah]” (Sahih al-Jamiʿ 1133).

3. The Era of the Righteous Caliphates (Al-Khulafa al-Rashidun)

The Righteous Caliphs did not merely treat these days as a ritualistic period; they used them to revive the public’s spiritual consciousness.

• ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab (RA) and the Echo of Takbeer: During his caliphate, ʿUmar (RA) would stay in his tent at Mina during the Hajj days and recite the Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) so loudly that the people in the mosque and the marketplace would hear him. They would join in, and it is recorded that the entire valley of Mina would “shake with the sound of Takbeer” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-ʿIdayn).
• Abu Bakr (RA) and the First Hajj: In 9 A.H., before the Prophet’s Farewell Pilgrimage, Abu Bakr (RA) was appointed to lead the first official Hajj. He established the administrative and spiritual foundations of Dhul Hijjah, ensuring the sanctity of the Kaaba was restored by banning pagan rituals.
• The Practice of the Markets: Abdullah ibn ʿUmar and Abu Hurairah (both close companions during the Rashidun era) used to go into the marketplaces specifically during these ten days. They had no intention of buying or selling; they went only to recite the Takbeer loudly so that people would be reminded to do the same (Bukhari). This teaches us that these days are for making the remembrance of Allah dominant in our public lives.

4. Spiritual Checklist: How to Maximize These Days

To follow the Sunnah and the path of the Righteous Caliphs, prioritize these actions:

1. Fasting the First Nine Days: It is highly recommended to fast the first nine days, particularly the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah). The Prophet (PBUH) said fasting on Arafah “expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year” (Sahih Muslim 1162).
2. Abundant Dhikr: Recite Tahleel (La ilaha ill-Allah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) constantly.
3. Qurbani (Sacrifice): Perform the Udhiyah (sacrifice) on the 10th day to commemorate the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
4. Sadaqah (Charity): Since every deed is multiplied, giving charity during this time carries a weight unlike any other month.
5. Repentance (Istighfar): Use these days to return to Allah and leave behind bad habits.

Conclusion

The month of Dhul Hijjah is a season of mercy. From the Divine oaths in the Quran to the booming Takbeers of ʿUmar (RA) in the valleys of Mina, history confirms that these ten days are the spiritual peak of the Islamic year. Whether you are performing Hajj or staying at home, do not let these “best days of the world” pass without a transformation of the heart.

References

• Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 969, 971)
• Sahih Muslim (Hadith 1162, 1310)
• Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Commentary on Surah Al-Fajr and Surah Al-Hajj)
• Musnad Ahmad (Hadith 5446)
• Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (Vol. 2, p. 462)