The First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah: Significance in Quran & Authentic Hadith
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah hold immense significance in Islam, as emphasized by the Quran and authentic Hadith. These days are considered among the most sacred and virtuous times of the year, even surpassing the days of Ramadan in certain aspects.
1. Evidence from the Quran
Allah swears by these ten nights in Surah Al-Fajr:
"By the dawn, and by the ten nights..."
(Quran 89:1-2)
Many scholars, including Ibn Abbas, Ibn Kathir, and others, interpret these "ten nights" as the first ten nights of Dhul-Hijjah, highlighting their importance.
2. Evidence from Authentic Hadith
The Prophet (ï·º) explicitly stated the superiority of these days:
"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 969)
"The best days in this world are the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah)."
(Musnad Ahmad 5446, authenticated by Al-Albani)
3. Virtues of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah
- Greater than the days of Ramadan: While the last ten nights of Ramadan are superior for Laylatul-Qadr, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are better overall for good deeds.
- Includes the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah): Fasting on this day expiates sins for two years.
"Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past and coming year."
(Sahih Muslim 1162)
- Includes Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul-Hijjah): The greatest day of the year for Allah.
"The greatest day in the sight of Allah is the Day of Sacrifice (10th Dhul-Hijjah)."
(Sunan Abi Dawud 1765, Sahih)
4. Recommended Deeds in These Ten Days
- Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), Tahleel (La ilaha illa Allah):
The Prophet (ï·º) said: "Increase in Tahleel, Takbeer, and Tahmeed during these days." (Musnad Ahmad 5446) - Fasting (especially the Day of Arafah for non-pilgrims).
- Hajj (the major pilgrimage).
- Qurbani (Sacrifice on Eid al-Adha).
- Increased Prayer, Quran Recitation, Charity, and Good Deeds.
Conclusion
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are a golden opportunity for Muslims to seek Allah’s pleasure through worship, sacrifice, and remembrance. They are a time for repentance, gratitude, and drawing closer to Allah.
Hajj is Better than Jihad: Authentic Hadith
There is an authentic Hadith where the Prophet (ï·º) explicitly stated that performing Hajj in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is better than Jihad in the way of Allah, except for a person who goes out for Jihad with his life and wealth and does not return with either.
Hadith in Question:
Narrated by Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه):
A man asked the Prophet (ï·º):
"O Messenger of Allah, which deed is best?"
He replied:
"Belief in Allah and His Messenger."
The man asked:
"Then what?"
He said:
"Jihad in the way of Allah."
The man asked again:
"Then what?"
The Prophet (ï·º) replied:
"Hajj Mabrur (an accepted Hajj)."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1519, Sahih Muslim 83)
Explanation of Superiority Over Jihad:
- Hajj Mabrur is the best deed after Iman and Jihad – but in another narration, the Prophet (ï·º) clarified that Hajj in these sacred days is even better than Jihad, except for the highest form of Jihad (where a martyr dies and does not return).
- Ibn Umar (رضي الله عنه) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ï·º) said:
"There is no day greater in the sight of Allah and in which good deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah), so increase in Tahleel (La ilaha illa Allah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah)."(Musnad Ahmad 5446, authenticated by Al-Albani)
- Aisha (رضي الله عنها) narrated:
I said, "O Messenger of Allah, we see that Jihad is the best deed, so shouldn't we strive in Jihad?"
He replied:
"But the best Jihad is Hajj Mabrur (an accepted Hajj)."(Sahih al-Bukhari 1520)
Why is Hajj in These Days Better Than Jihad?
- Hajj combines multiple acts of worship (Tawheed, sacrifice, prayer, patience, and unity of Muslims).
- It is performed in the most sacred days (first ten of Dhul-Hijjah).
- It erases sins completely if accepted (Hajj Mabrur).
- Jihad is obligatory only at certain times, while Hajj (once in a lifetime) is a unique act of devotion.
Exception: The Highest Level of Jihad
The only case where Jihad surpasses Hajj is when a Muslim fights in Jihad and is martyred (does not return with life or wealth).
Conclusion
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah—especially for those performing Hajj—are so virtuous that righteous deeds, including Hajj, are considered better than Jihad, except for the highest form of martyrdom.