Virtues of zhul hijjah
The month of **Dhu al-Hijjah** is one of the sacred months in Islam and among the most virtuous in the sight of Allah. It contains tremendous days with numerous virtues, including:
### 1. **The First Ten Days**
Allah says:
**"By the dawn, and by the ten nights."**
(Quran: 89:1-2)
Many scholars interpret the **"ten nights"** as the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah—highly blessed days in which righteous deeds are highly encouraged.
### 2. **The Best Days of the Year**
The Prophet ﷺ said:
**"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."**
(Meaning the first ten of Dhu al-Hijjah.)
The companions asked, *"Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?"*
He replied, **"Not even jihad, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth and returns with nothing."** (Bukhari)
### 3. **The Day of Arafah (9th Dhu al-Hijjah)**
- **The greatest day of the year**—the Prophet ﷺ said:
**"There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than on the Day of Arafah."**
(Muslim)
- **Fasting on this day expiates sins for two years** (the past and coming year).
- It is a day of immense forgiveness and salvation from Hellfire.
### 4. **The Day of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha, 10th Dhu al-Hijjah)**
- **The best day in the sight of Allah**—the Prophet ﷺ said:
**"The greatest day in the sight of Allah is the Day of Sacrifice, then the Day of Rest (11th Dhu al-Hijjah)."** (Abu Dawud)
- It is the day of **Eid al-Adha**, when pilgrims complete their Hajj rituals.
### 5. **The Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, 13th Dhu al-Hijjah)**
- Days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah—the Prophet ﷺ said:
**"The Days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of Allah."** (Muslim)
### 6. **Hajj (Pilgrimage in Dhu al-Hijjah)**
- Hajj is **one of the pillars of Islam** and a great obligation. Allah says:
**"And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who can afford the journey."** (Quran 3:97)
- Whoever performs Hajj without obscenity or sin **returns as sinless as a newborn baby** (with all sins forgiven).
### **Recommended Acts in the First Ten Days**
1. **Takbeer, Tahleel, and Tahmeed** (glorifying Allah openly in homes and markets).
2. **Fasting** (especially on the Day of Arafah for non-pilgrims).
3. **Sacrifice (Udhiyah)** (a highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ).
4. **Increasing charity and good deeds**.
5. **Performing Hajj or Umrah** for those who are able.
These days are a **golden opportunity** for forgiveness and elevation in rank, so seize them with righteous deeds.
📌 **O Allah, allow us to witness the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah and grant us accepted good deeds in them.**
