The Reward For Good Deeds During The First Ten Days Of Dhul Hijjah
The good deeds carried out during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the most beloved to Allah Ta’ala, to the extent that it is superior to Jihaad. Also, the month of Dhul Hijjah is from amongst the four sacred months of the year that enjoy superiority over the other months. These days should therefore be spent in the worship of Allah Ta’ala.
Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alahi Wasallam said: “There aren’t any days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allah Ta’ala than in these days.” (referring to these ten days). The Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum asked, “O Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam! Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He replied: “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, except that person who leaves (his home) with his self and his wealth and does not return with any of it (i.e. he spends all his wealth in Jihaad and he passes away as a martyr).” (Bukhari)
Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said: “There aren’t any days which are greater in the sight of Allah Ta’ala, nor are good deeds more beloved to Allah Ta’ala in any days than these ten days. Therefore, engage in abundant Tasbeeh (recitation of Subhanallah), Tahmeed (recitation of Alhamdulillah), Tahleel (recitation of La Ilaha Illallah) and Takbeer (recitation of Allahu Akbar) in them.”
Imaam Baihaqi Rahimahullah relates the above with the following exception: “Therefore engage in abundant Tahleel (recitation of La Ilaha Illallah), Takbeer, (recitation of Allahu Akbar) and remembrance of Allah Ta’ala. Fasting in anyone of these days is equivalent to fasting for a year, and a good deed carried out in these days is multiplied 700 times.” (At-Tabrani)
Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said: “There are no days that Allah Ta’ala loves more to be worshipped therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting in each of those days is equivalent to fasting for a year. Standing in Salaah in each of these nights is equivalent to standing in Salaah on the night of Qadr.” (Tirmidhi)
Anas bin Malik Radiallahu Anhu narrates: “It used to be said with regard to the ten days of Dhul Hijjah that each day is equivalent to 1000 days and that the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) is equal to 10 000 days.” (Baihaqi)
May Allah Ta’ala bless us with the opportunity of fasting, spending the nights in Ibaadah, and reciting third Kalimah excessively during these days. The fourth Kalimah should be recited on the ninth of Dhul Hujjah, which is the day of Arafah. For fasting on the day of Arafah, one receives the reward of fasting for one year and two years of his (minor) sins are forgiven.