Things to do in the first ten days of Dhu al Hijjah

Hajj and Umrah:

The best thing that one can do during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah is performing a Hajj or Umrah. As per the Islamic doctrine, Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is also said, “An approved Hajj fetches no less remuneration than Paradise.”

Keep Fast on the 9 Days of Dhul Hijjah particularly on Holiest days in Islam, Day of Arafah:

Fasting is a process that cleans your soul and makes you ready for Taqwa. There are three levels of Fasting that are abstention from drink and food, abstention from sins, and abstention from bad thoughts. Among these three levels, the first level is physical whereas the rest two levels require a deeper conscience. Keeping fast on the 9 Days of Dhul Hijjah mainly on Day of Arafah grants you an immense blessing.

Give Zakat:

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), always gives great importance to the Zakat that is charity done with good intention. In Islam, charity is considered the third pillar. This charity will not only assists the affluent people to attain Taqwa but also helps the poor one to secure their daily needs. Charity is a selfless work; it allows a man to become selfless and follow the path of Allah.

Do Dhikr (Takbeer, Tahleel, and Tahmeed):

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd.

 “Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest and all praises are for Allah only.”

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), recommends humankind to recite Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahleel (Laa ilaaha illa Allah), Tahmeed (Alhamdu Lillaah) and Tasbeeh (Subhan Allah) on the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah. These four recitations all together called as Dhikr. Every Muslim should perform this Dhikr abundantly in streets, homes, mosques or any other place where it is allowed to remember and glorify Allah (SWT).

An Animal Qurbani and Distribute the Meat:

 Performing a Qurbani of cattle is the ‘Sunnah’ as per the Islamic tradition it comes from the ages of Prophet Ibrahim peace be upon him (PBUH). This Qurbani is the way to get closer with Almighty Allah; it is an opportunity to show our devotion towards him. In Islam, it is mandatory for every capable Muslim to offer a Qurbani on the 10th, 11th and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah.

 “It is not their meat, nor their blood, that reaches Allah; it is their piety that reaches Allah.”

[Surah Al-Haj:37]