THE VIRTUES OF THE FIRST TEN DAYS OF DHUL-HIJJAH
In Surah Fajr Allah Ta’ala takes an oath on “THE TEN NIGHTS”
The commentators maintain that these are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. This shows how holy and sacred this period is; and the following Ahadeeth underscore this sacredness:
1. Hazrat Abu Huraira narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “There are no days more dearer to Allah, in which to perform His Ibadat, than the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. The fast of one of those days is equivalent to one year’s fasting; and the ibadat of one night during this period is equal to the ibadat of Laylatul-Qadr.”(Ibni Maja, Tirmizi)
2. Regarding the day of Arafah (9th Dhul- Hijjah), the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam is reported to have said: “Whoever fasts on the day of Arafah will be granted forgiveness for sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Targeeb 111/2)
3. In a Hadeeth narrated by Imam Baihaqi the following appears: “Fasting of the day of Arafah is equal in reward of one thousand fast.” (Targeeb 112/2)
4. Regarding the nights of Eid, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “Whosoever shall spend the nights of the two Eids (Fitr and Adh-ha) in Ibadat, that person’s heart shall not perish on the day all hearts shall perish (i.e. the day of Qiyamat).”
May Allah grant all Muslims the opportunity to offer Qurbani for His sake, and to perform much worship during these great days, Aameen.