Dhul Hijjah 2022: Your Checklist for the Best 10 Days
- By: GIM Foundation
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[Bukhari]The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more loved to Allah (SWT) than these [first] 10 days.”
Alhamdulillah we’ve reached the best 10 days of the entire year, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.
Dhul Hijjah is the last month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month in which Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca to complete Hajj or pilgrimage. Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, an obligation every able Muslim must carry out at least once in their lifetime.
The blessings of Hajj are countless, but for many of us who are unable to make the pilgrimage this year, there are many opportunities for us to maximise our time and gain immense rewards during this blessed time.
We’ve put together a list of ways you can get closer to Allah (SWT) in the next 10 days.
1. Intention
Let’s start this holy month by making a sincere intention to attain closeness to Allah (SWT). When we carry out every act with a sincere intention, it realigns us with our purpose (to please God) and forms the basis of our success in this life and the next.
2. Fasting
It is Sunnah to fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, as it is one of the best deeds. In Hadith Qudsi, Allah says,
[Bukhari]‘All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it’.
If you can’t fast the whole first nine days, then do your best to at least fast on the day of Arafah. Just as Laylatul Qadr is considered the best night of the year, the Day of Arafah is considered the best day of the year.
The Day of Arafah is considered so special because it is the day on which pilgrims gather at Mount Arafah in sincere devotion, supplicating to Allah (SWT) and asking for His mercy.
The Day of Arafah is so significant that one hadith mentions that ‘Hajj is Arafah’ [Abu Dawud]. It is also the day on which Allah (SWT) revealed this powerful verse (ayah):
[Qur’an 5:3]“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
So fasting on this blessed day is highly encouraged. In fact, the Prophet (PBUH) said,
[Muslim]‘It (fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah) expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.’
3. Recite Qur’an
Reading the Qur’an is one of the best forms of worship, and an act that can earn you abundant blessings, especially on the best 10 days of the year.
So, during these days, use your time wisely and schedule a portion of your time each day to recite the Qur’an. Go one step further and allocate time to read tafsir (exegesis) of the verses you have just recited, and gain a deeper understanding of the Qur’an. Nurture a deeper connection with the Qur’an and Allah (SWT), and excel in these blessed days! “When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates for they are blessed. If they are not found, let him break it with water for it is pure.”
4. Give Qurban
One of the greatest acts of worship during this blessed month is to give Qurban (Udhiya). It is a sacred act that commemorates the incredible sacrifice our beloved Prophet Ibraham (AS) was willing to make in complete submission to Allah (SWT).
Give your Qurban with GIM Foundation and give a family in need the gift of nutritious, fresh meat this Eid.
5. Increase Dhikr
Many of us have busy schedules, and can get caught up in everyday life – work, studies, kids, home and family life. Dhikr is one simple yet effective way you can closeness to Allah (SWT) and increase barakah in every aspect of your life. Set aside a few minutes every day to recite ‘Allahu Akbar, ‘Alhamdulillah’ and ‘Subhan Allah’ throughout the day and watch the blessings pour in, insha’Allah!
6. Be kind
TirmidhiThe Prophet (PBUH) said, “Nothing will be heavier on the Day of Resurrection in the Scale of the believer than good manners. Allah hates one who utters foul or coarse language.”
7. Give Sadaqah and Zakat
Make the most of this sacred time and donate your Sadaqah (voluntary charity). Remember when you give for the sake of Allah (SWT), He will give to you. In fact, in the Qur’an, Allah says:
[Qur’an 2:261]“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.”
These 10 days are the perfect time to fulfill your Zakat obligations, if you haven’t already done so. Zakat, one of the pillars in Islam, is a form of obligatory charity for every able Muslim who has the minimum amount of wealth (nisab).
