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Every year, as the days of Hajj arrive, millions of Muslims turn their hearts to Makkah. Whether we are physically there or not, these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah offer an opportunity unlike any other.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."
(Sahih Bukhari, 969)
These words should make us pause. Out of the entire Islamic year, these are the days Allah loves most-not because of what we think they symbolize, but because He Himself has chosen them for immense blessing.
Dhul Hijjah is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur'an:
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve... of them, four are sacred."
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)
During these months, sin is weightier, and so is obedience. But within Dhul Hijjah, the first ten days stand out-not just because of Hajj, but because they carry the essence of all five pillars of Islam:
Faith (Shahadah) through constant remembrance and devotion.
Prayer (Salah) offered with more focus and intensity.
Charity (Zakah and Sadaqah) flowing freely.
Fasting (Sawm), especially on the Day of Arafah.
Pilgrimage (Hajj) being performed in Makkah.
No other time of the year combines all these sacred elements. Even those who aren't performing Hajj are still invited to participate in the spiritual atmosphere of these days.
Let's look at the practical steps the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions taught us to make the most of these precious moments.
For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah holds a powerful reward:
"Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year."
(Sahih Muslim, 1162)
That's two years of forgiveness-for one fast. Fasting any of the first nine days is also recommended, but Arafah is singled out for its immense merit.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"So increase in them your declaration of the oneness of Allah (tahleel), your exaltation of Him (takbeer), and your praise of Him (tahmeed)."
(Musnad Ahmad)
The companions used to recite takbeer out loud in public spaces during these days. Simple, consistent dhikr-"Allahu Akbar," "Alhamdulillah," "La ilaha illAllah,"-can transform our hearts and uplift our days.
This is a time to deepen our connection through prayer:
Be more present in each rak'ah.
Add extra sunnah or nafl prayers.
Use sujood to ask for Allah's forgiveness and closeness.
Even small improvements in our prayer can lead to major spiritual growth during these blessed days.
Make time daily to open the Qur'an, even if only for a few verses. Read with reflection, understanding, and the intention to act on what you learn. The Qur'an is light, and these days are a time to invite more light into your life.
Charity during these days is multiplied in reward. And it doesn't need to be large:
A small donation online.
Buying a meal for someone.
Helping a neighbor or a relative.
"Never will you attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love."
(Surah Aal 'Imran, 3:92)
This is the sunnah of our father Ibrahim (peace be upon him), whose story is honored throughout Hajj and Eid al-Adha. If you are financially able, offering a sacrifice is one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate obedience and love for Allah.
"It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your taqwa that reaches Him."
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37)
You don't need to be in Makkah to be close to Allah.
You don't need a perfect environment or ideal conditions.
Whether you're a parent juggling work and children, a student preparing for exams, someone grieving, healing, or just trying to reconnect with faith-these days are for you.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah..."-so every sincere act you do now, no matter how small, is magnified in the sight of Allah.
In a world full of noise, these ten days are a divine pause. A chance to:
Forgive someone.
Start a new habit.
Reflect on where you are with Allah-and where you want to be.
"And when My servant asks you concerning Me-indeed, I am near."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186)
He is near. Always.
Let these ten days be your opportunity to turn back, start fresh, and build habits that bring light into your life long after Dhul Hijjah has passed.
As the pilgrims stand in Arafah, we too can raise our hands from wherever we are and ask:
For forgiveness.
For guidance.
For our hearts to be filled with love and sincerity.
Let your days be full of remembrance, and your nights be full of hope.
Make this Dhul Hijjah count.
May Allah accept your efforts, multiply your deeds, and draw you closer to Him during these beloved days.
The Spirituality of Hajj: Conclusion
