Spiritual Virtues of The first ten days of Zul-Hijjah.

 

This article discusses the significance and the spiritual virtues of the first ten days of Zul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, emphasizing the special status these days hold in the eyes of Allah and the importance of worship during this time. Below is a summary and breakdown of the points raised in the article:

1. Significance of the Ten Days of Zul-Hijjah:

• The first ten days of Zul-Hijjah are considered among the most virtuous days of the year for acts of worship. Allah Himself mentions in the Qur’an:
• "And they remember the name of Allah on known days, over what He has provided for them from the livestock." (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:28). These days are designated for worship, acts of remembrance, and gratitude to Allah.

2. Allah’s Oath on These Days:

• In Surah Al-Fajr (89:1-2), Allah swears by the dawn and the ten nights, which are interpreted by scholars like Ibn Kathir to refer to the first ten days of Zul-Hijjah. This is further reinforced by Hadiths which state that these ten days are the most virtuous.

3. Virtue of the First Ten Days:

• These days are marked by the recitation of the Takbir ("Allahu Akbar") and the Tahmid ("Alhamdulillah") by the believers. According to a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) stated:
  • "There are no days more beloved to Allah for righteous deeds than the first ten days of Zul-Hijjah. Therefore, increase your declaration of the Takbir, Tahmid, and Tahlil during these days." (Sahih Al-Jami, Hadith No. 3805).

4. Fasting on the Day of Arafah:

• Fasting on the Day of Arafah (the 9th day of Zul-Hijjah) is particularly meritorious. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) stated:
  • "Fasting on the Day of Arafah atones for the sins of the past year and the coming year." (Sahih Muslim).
• This makes the fast on Arafah one of the most rewarding acts during this period.

5. Zul-Hijjah and Completion of the Religion:

• The month of Zul-Hijjah is the culmination of the Islamic ritual cycle. The Prophet’s final sermon was delivered during the days of Hajj, and in Surah Al-Ma’idah, Allah mentions that He has perfected the religion for Muslims, with the completion signified by the acts of worship performed during this month.

6. The Best Days for Good Deeds:

• The first ten days of Zul-Hijjah are described as the best days of the year for performing good deeds. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said:
  • “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." (Sahih Al-Jami, Hadith No. 1133).
• Acts of worship such as charity, prayer, and remembrance of Allah are highly encouraged during this period.

7. Reason for the Special Virtue of These Days:

• Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (R.H) explained that the reason these days are so virtuous is that Allah has prescribed acts of worship with immense reward during them, such as the Hajj pilgrimage, fasting, and making sacrifices. All these acts can only be performed during these ten days.

8. Importance of Charity, Hajj, and Umrah:

• The first ten days are also significant for performing Hajj and Umrah. The pilgrimage (Hajj) is one of the five pillars of Islam and the most significant act of worship during this time. Sacrifices (Qurbani) are made during Eid al-Adha, another essential act of worship.

9. Sacrifice (Qurbani) During These Days:

• During these days, the act of slaughtering an animal (Qurbani) to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) to sacrifice his son Isma'il in obedience to Allah is performed. This act symbolizes submission to Allah’s will.

10. Laylat al-Qadr and Additional Acts of Worship:

• Though not mentioned directly in the context of Zul-Hijjah, the article emphasizes that other acts of worship such as extra prayers (Nafl Salat) and seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) are highly recommended during these blessed days.

Conclusion:

• The article concludes by encouraging Muslims to take full advantage of the blessings of the first ten days of Zul-Hijjah. Believers are urged to engage in acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, remembrance of Allah, charity, and sacrifice. The ultimate goal is to gain Allah's pleasure and mercy.

• The prayer at the end reads:

  • "O Allah, grant us good in this world and the Hereafter and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."

Final Thought:

• The first ten days of Zul-Hijjah are indeed the most sacred and spiritually uplifting days of the year. It is an opportunity for Muslims to engage in worship, purification of the soul, and seeking closeness to Allah through acts of devotion.

(And Allah knows best).