Virtues of the first 10 days of Zilhajj
Allaah swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is
indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning): “By the dawn; by the ten nights” [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Ibn
'Abbaas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid and others of the earlier and later
generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.
The Prophet (pbuh) testified that these are the best days of this world, as
we have already quoted above from saheeh ahaadeeth.
The Prophet (pbuh) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh
(“Subhan-Allaah”), Tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”) and Takbeer (“Allaahu
akbar”) during this time.
Abdullaah ibn 'Umar reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “There are no
days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more
beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal
of Tahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allaah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by
Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).
These ten days include Yawm 'Arafaah (the Day of 'Arafaah), on which Allaah
perfected His Religion. Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two
years.
These days also include Yawm al-Nahar (the Day of Sacrifice), the greatest
day of the entire year and the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of
worship in a way unlike any other day.
These ten days include the days of sacrifice and of Hajj.