How can we make use of the 10 blessed days of Dhul Hijjah?

“By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights.” (89:1-2

The blessed month of dhul hijjah is upon us. This is the final month in the Islamic calendar. It is the month were Muslims from around the globe congregate in Makkah for the annual hajj pilgrimage, often referred to as a’ journey of a lifetime’. The virtues of hajj are immense, however for the many of us who are unable to make the pilgrimage, there are a plethora of opportunities for us to maximise our time during these 10 blessed days, opportunities that allow us excel in our ibadah and seek from the blessings of this period.

We have compiled a list of acts we can take part in that will allow us to get closer to Allah during these blessed days.

1). Intention

Before starting an act, make sure you set your intention to one with the goal of pleasing Allah. This is a powerful tip in allowing us to always center ourselves and reflect upon our actions and what we are hope to achieve.

The Prophet (sallalahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The intention of a Muslim is better than his action”. (Bukhari).

2). Fasting

One of the ways to reap the rewards of this month, is by virtue of fasting the first 9 days of dhul hijjah.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), as narrated in the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him): “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah then these ten days – i.e., ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah).”

Fasting is shield and protection and we should endeavour to fast during this period. In a hadith qudsi, Allah says: “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” [Bukhari, 1805]

3). Sadaqah

Increase in your giving of sadaqah (voluntary charity) during these blessed days. Remember when you give, Allah will give to you. Charity never decreases your wealth. In the Quran, Allah says:

“The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allaah, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allaah gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allaah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower. (2:261)

4). Give Qurbani

One of the greatest acts of worship in this month is to give Qurbani (Udhiyah). It is virtuous act to commemorate the example of our father Ibrahim (as) in his obedience and submission to Allah.

Pay your Qurbani with confidence through Human Appeal this year and give a desperate family the precious gift of nutritious, fresh meat.

5) Preserve family relationships.

During this period we should try our best to extend ourselves and enjoin the ties of kinship, this will not only strengthen our ties, it will allow us to seek the pleasure of Allah and perform an act of worship that is crucial in our faith.

The Prophet (sallalahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The person who perfectly maintains the ties of kinship is not the one who does it because he gets recompensed by his relatives (for being kind and good to them), but the one who truly maintains the bonds of kinship is the one who persists in doing so even though the latter has severed the ties of kinship with him“. [Al-Bukhari].

6) Du’a.

Make it goal to make as much du’a during these 10 blessed days. Try to make du’a after each of your 5 daily prayers. It is also very important to make a lot of du’a on the day of Arafah.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of du’aa’ is du’aa’ on the day of ‘Arafah, and the best that I and the Prophets before me said is ‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer (There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the dominion, to Him be praise, and He has power over all things).” (Tirmidhi)

7) Be Kind.

The Prophet (sallalahu alayhi wa sallam) 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." (Tirmidhi).

8) Guide others to virtue.

The Prophet (sallalahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action”. (Muslim).

Encourage others to do good in this month, it could as simple as asking others to share this article so many others can benefit, inshallah.

9). Perform Dhikr

Nourish your tongue with the remembrance of Allah. When you have a few minutes, recite ‘Allahu Akbar, ‘Alhamdulillah’ and ‘Subhan Allah’ throughout the day and the blessings will pour in, inshallah.

10). Read Quran

Use your time wisely and set a portion of time to recite some Quran, and contemplate on the verses you have read. Excel during these blessed days by building a stronger relationship with the Quran.

11). Give your Zakat

Many Muslims choose Dhul Hijjah as the time when they make their annual payment on the wealth they have accumulated. Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and a requirement for anyone of sound mind who has reached puberty and owns the nisab (minimum) level of wealth.

Donate today and make the most of these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah.

May Allah allow us all to make the most of these 10 blessed days and may Allah accept our ibadah and the ibadah of the hujjaj, Aameen.