The month of Dhul- Hijjah is approaching us soon inshaAllah. In this month are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?” He said, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/457).

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah also include the Day of Arafat, on which Allaah perfected His Religion. Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of 2 years.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

It is also Sunnah to say Takbeer (“Allaahu akbar”), Tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”), Tahleel (“La ilaha ill-Allaah”) and Tasbeeh (“Subhaan Allaah”) during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allaah and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allaah, may He be exalted. Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.

It is important for us to use these ten days to come closer to Allah swt through our acts of worship and sincere repentance. We must use this time to correct our mistakes and improve ourselves as Muslims.

These special ten days will pass by us very quickly. It may be beneficial and more productive if we plan ahead. Download this printable “Dhul Hijjah Planner ” where you can write goals on how you would like to spend the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

May Allaah swt help and guide us all. May Allaah help us to benefit from these ten days.