All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the master of the prophets and messengers, his family, his companions, and all those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.

O Allah, send Your blessings, peace, and mercy upon our master, leader, and beloved Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and all his companions.

The Most Virtuous Days

Dear respected ones! The Creator of the universe has bestowed endless blessings, mercy, and favors upon His creation. Along with worldly provisions, He has also guided us toward righteousness and designated certain times for us to accumulate abundant good deeds for the Hereafter. Among these blessed times is the month of Dhul-Hijjah, which is filled with immense blessings. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are especially virtuous and exalted. Allah the Almighty has honored these days with great blessings, as mentioned in the Quran:

“By the dawn, and by the ten nights.” (Surah Al-Fajr 89:1-2)

The scholars of Tafsir explain that “the dawn” refers to the Fajr prayer, a time when the angels of night and day gather, or it signifies the true dawn when all creation glorifies Allah. The “ten nights” refer to the first ten days and nights of Dhul-Hijjah, during which the rites of Hajj are performed. Thus, these days are of immense virtue and greatness, and we should strive to perform righteous deeds abundantly during them so that they may become a means of forgiveness and mercy for us.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The best days of this world are the (first) ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi)

Special Virtues of the Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Dear brothers and sisters! Among the virtues of these ten days is the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah), the day when Allah perfected the religion of Islam and completed His favor upon the believers. It is also the day when Allah frees countless people from the Fire. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.” (Sahih Muslim)

Therefore, every Muslim should value these days and strive to earn as much reward as possible.

Another great virtue is the Day of Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul-Hijjah), a day of happiness, obedience to Allah and His Messenger, and immense blessings. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“The greatest day in the sight of Allah is the Day of Sacrifice (10th Dhul-Hijjah).” (Sunan Abi Dawud)

On this day, Muslims express gratitude to Allah through sacrifice, prayer, and charity. It is a day of immense forgiveness, especially for those who performed Hajj or engaged in worship during these ten days.

How to Benefit from the Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah?

Beloved brothers in Islam! Righteous deeds performed in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are highly beloved to Allah and His Messenger, and their reward is immense. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of these days. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)

The term “righteous deeds” encompasses all acts of worship that bring a person closer to Allah, including obligatory and voluntary acts. A Hadith Qudsi states:

“My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him. And My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts until I love him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

In another hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“No deed is purer in the sight of Allah or greater in reward than a good deed done during the ten days of sacrifice.” (Musnad Ahmad)

Therefore, every Muslim should seize this opportunity and engage in abundant worship, remembrance of Allah, fasting, charity, and other righteous acts.

Preserving Prayer: A Means of Divine Proximity

Dear respected ones! Prayer is the pillar of religion and the second most important pillar of Islam. It holds a unique status among all acts of worship. Allah has commanded us to guard our prayers, especially the middle prayer (Asr), as mentioned in the Quran:

“Guard your prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah in devotion.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:238)

Fasting on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah: A Means of Divine Closeness

Fasting during these blessed days, especially on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah), is highly recommended. Umm al-Mu’minin Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) reported:

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the Day of Ashura, three days every month, and every Monday and Thursday.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)

Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years. Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim)

Charity, Supplication, and Remembrance of Allah

Beloved elders and friends! It is highly recommended to increase charity during these blessed days, as it is proof of one’s faith and a means of attaining Allah’s pleasure. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Charity is proof (of one’s faith).” (Sahih Muslim)

Additionally, one should sincerely supplicate to Allah, as He says:

“Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” (Surah Ghafir 40:60)

Moreover, one should engage abundantly in the remembrance of Allah, especially with Tasbeeh (Subhanallah), Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“There are no days greater in the sight of Allah, and no deeds more beloved to Him than those done in these ten days. So, increase in Tahleel, Takbeer, and Tahmeed.” (Musnad Ahmad)

One should remember Allah at all times—morning and evening, while walking or sitting, in health or sickness, at home or traveling. This remembrance leads to the forgiveness of sins.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is obligatory upon all Muslims to act upon Islamic teachings to the best of their ability—reciting the Quran, attending religious gatherings, maintaining good relations with family and neighbors, and bringing happiness to fellow Muslims. These are among the most beloved deeds to Allah, especially during these blessed days.

O Allah! Grant us the ability to worship You abundantly during these blessed days, purify our hearts and actions, and enable us to live according to the Quran and Sunnah. Bestow upon us the love and obedience of Your beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions. Grant us Your continuous blessings, protect us, and grant us goodness in this world and the Hereafter. O Allah, forgive Sheikh Zayed and other leaders of the UAE, protect Sheikh Khalifa and all rulers, and grant them success in what pleases You. Bless the entire Muslim Ummah. Ameen, O Lord of the worlds!

May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon the best of creation, our master, Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.