10 Best Days of the Year

Do you know in the sight of Allah not all times, period or days are equal? There are time of day like last quarter of night most loved by Allah that He has placed immense blessings for those who seek His pleasure on that time. Similarly, month of Ramadan is the most blessed month among all. Ever pondered why some days or times are preferred over others? This is indeed great blessing of Allah on us. Like we get reward of thousand months on the Night of Laylatul Qadr and sins of 2 years are expiated by fasting on 9^th of Dhul Hajj.  These times and days demand extra goodness from us to cover up for other days when we are busy in our lives and do not prioritize seeking Allah’s pleasure.

Do you know which are the most blessed 10 days of whole year? Even more blessed than the days of Ramadan? It is first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. Most of us are unaware of the importance of these days let alone making efforts to maximize our good deeds. These 10 days are so blessed that we should utilize them to the best of our potential and try to increase our good deeds to seek pleasure of Allah. These days are an opportunity to make up for our sins and work on our shortcomings to remove them and strive to do better. These days indicate the natural process of ‘growth’ among humans. Striving for better than before. Importance of these days can be understood by following words of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him);

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “There is no deed that is better in the sight of Allah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of Al-Adha”. It was asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for Jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by Al-Bukhari

How to make best use of these 10 days?

• Increase Dhikr: Glorifying Allah on these 10 days excessively is recommended. Takbeer (“Allaahu Akbar”), Tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”), Tahleel (“La ilaaha illallaah”) and Tasbeeh (“Subhaanallaah”) are some of the Dhikr which are indicated by the life of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). These Adhkar are suggested especially after Fardh Namaz and at all times out loud to encourage other fellow Muslims as well, and to glorify Allah as He must be glorified.

 “…And mention the name of Allah on known [i.e., specific] days…” [Qur’an 22: 28]

• Increase good deeds: Even little acts of kindness are glorified in the sight of Allah for these 10 days. No deed should be considered small which is done by the pure intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure.

“So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it; and whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it.“[Al-Zalzalah 99:7-8]

• Pray Extra Voluntary Prayers: in these 10 days try to perfect your Namaz by following the rights of it i.e. reciting slowly and with concentrations, offering prayer on proper times etc. Moreover offer voluntary prayers and avail all the times like ishrak, tahajjud etc. to pray special nawafil.
• Spend In The Way Of Allah: Increase spending the way of Allah in these days.
• Fasting: It is Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) to fast on 9^th of Dhul Hijjah;

“Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah (ninth Dhul-Hijja) is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year.” (Muslim)

• Repent From Previous Sins: True repentance means being guilty and willing to leave previous sins for the sake of Allah with the commitment of never repeating them again. Allah is most forgiving and merciful. Seek His repentance in these days and never fall back.

“But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful.” [Al-Qasas 28:67]

• Increase Recitation of Quran: Try to recite Quran more often in these 10 days. Also, make efforts to understand and reflect upon the meaning of Quran.
• Sacrifice The Animal: To commemorate Sunnah of Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) sacrifice animal on the 10^th of Dhul Hijjah.

Ibn Umar said: “The Prophet peace be up on him, pbuh lived in Madeenah for ten years and every year he slaughtered an animal.” (Ahmad-Saheeh by al-Albaani)

• Pray the Eid prayer: Offering Eid prayer is another Sunnah of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) which is mandatory for all Muslims, men and women.
• Appreciate Blessings Of Allah: Being contented, thankful and appreciating blessings of Allah is another form of prayer which is most liked by Allah. At least, in these days try to reflect on the blessings of Allah and be thankful.

Other than these try to show best of your attitude, make your intentions clear, do good to others without expecting any good in return. There is so much to do in these 10 days that we should not take them for granted. Try to utilize these days to the best of your potential and make most out of these days.