The importance of good deeds in the first Ten Days
of the Month of Dhul Hijja

Performing the good deeds is required from the Muslim individual throughout his life. However, there are certain times in which doing the good deeds is more favorable. These times include the special days designated by Allah (SWT) for the benefit of the Muslims. Allah (SWT) multiplies the reward for the good deeds on those days.

It has been narrated by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)." Then some companions of the Prophet said, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things." (At – tirmeezih, 757).

It is Allah (SWT) who chose those days for the Muslims, and it is He (SWT) who favored them over other days, and made them a special time for worship. These days are so important that Allah (SWT) has sworn by them when he said in the Quran: “By the dawn and the ten nights." (AL Fajr,1).

These ten days come at the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is one of the sacred months. Moreover, the pillar of Pilgrimage (Hajj) takes place during this month.

This great opportunity comes at a time to prepare the pilgrims before they perform the pillar of Hajj, and for the rest of Muslims, it gives them the opportunity to participate with the pilgrims in worship and obedience to Allah (SWT).

The deeds which are most favorable during these ten days:

Increasing remembrance of Allah (SWT). The Prophet (PBUH) said: “In those ten days, increase saying: la ilaha illa-Allah, Allahu-Akbar, and Al-hamdu-lillah." (At- targheeb wat – tarheeb, 2 /191).
Abu Huraira and Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) used to go out to the market place during the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, and they used to make takbir loudly while other Muslims used to repeat after them. (AL – Albani fi Arwah Al ghaleel, 651).

It is recommended to increase recitation of the Quran. If a Muslim recites the entire Quran during these ten days, this would be among the best acts of worship and he will get a great reward for it.

It is also recommended to increase doing the optional acts of worship (An-nawafil). This can include fasting, praying additional prayers, night prayer, and giving money in charity. Sa’id Ibn Jubair used to strive to do good, to the extent that he could not do it anymore.

It is important to increase making supplication to Allah (SWT). The Muslim should insist on asking Allah (SWT) for anything that he wishes for. Allah (SWT) says: “And ask Allah of His Bounty." (An – Nisa,32).

It is important to be good to one’s parents, and to visit one’s relatives and help them if they are in need. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever wishes that Allah (SWT) prolongs his life and increases his provision, then he should be good to his relatives." (Al – Bukhari, 5986).

To struggle against oneself and to resist all kinds of temptations. These ten days are a good opportunity for the Muslim to break any bad habits that he may have and increase his determination to make it a habit to do good deeds and stay away from the bad ones.
Allah (SWT) says: “Whoever does good deeds whether male or female and he is a believer, We will most certainly make him live a happy life, and We will most certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did." (An – Nahl, 97) .

Doing good deeds includes following the commands of Allah (SWT), avoiding the forbidden things, and staying away from the acts of disobedience.

The Muslim Ummah depends on the individual Muslim for positive change and reformation. This requires from the Muslim to have a strong determination, continuous hard work, and a high sense of sacrifice in order to achieve the goals of the Muslim Ummah. The goals that will improve the situation of the Muslims can only be achieved through genuine effort and not through mere talk.

Allah (SWT) says: “Surely Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition." ( Ar – Rad,11 ).

Finally, it is strongly recommended to perform the sunnah of sacrifice, which is a Stressed Sunnah (sunnah Muakkadah). This is considered to be a great act of worship the Muslim follows the example of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in carrying out the commands of Allah (SWT) and for that Allah (SWT) grants a generous reward.
Allah (SWT) says: “Their flesh and their blood does not reach Allah, but the devotion from you reaches Him." (Al – Hajj, 37).

We ask Allah (SWT) to make us from among those who persist on doing the good deeds. And we ask Allah (SWT) to be among those who receive His mercy, forgiveness, approval, and acceptance.

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