The Grand Mufti of the Kingdom advises Muslims to take advantage of the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and President of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta, advised all Muslims worldwide to strive diligently in worship during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. This advice serves as a reminder of the importance of these blessed days, which are among the greatest religious seasons, during which rewards are multiplied and divine blessings abound. Every sensible Muslim should seize this opportunity to perform various acts of obedience and devotion.
The status of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah in Islamic law
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah hold a special place in Islamic history and religious consciousness. These are the days that God Almighty swore by in His Holy Book, saying: “By the dawn, and by the ten nights” (Quran 89:1-2), clearly indicating their honor and great significance. During these blessed days, the highest meanings of monotheism and submission to God are embodied, as they encompass the pillars of worship: prayer, fasting, charity, and Hajj—a combination not found at any other time of the year. The noble Prophetic traditions indicate that righteous deeds performed during these days are most beloved to God. Imam Bukhari, in his Sahih, narrated on the authority of Ibn Abbas (may God be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to God than these days,” meaning the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. They asked: “O Messenger of God, not even jihad in the way of God?” He replied: “Not even jihad in the way of God, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth and does not return with anything.” This profound religious context makes these days a golden opportunity to renew one's covenant with God.
Performing many good deeds and recommended acts of worship
In his address, His Eminence emphasized that Muslims should increase their good deeds, diligently performing their obligatory duties on time and avoiding sins and wrongdoings. He explained that these days are a blessed season bestowed by God upon His servants, citing the verse: “And mention the name of Allah on appointed days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals.” The majority of scholars agree that these appointed days refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. His Eminence further explained the importance of performing voluntary acts of worship after fulfilling obligatory duties, such as prayer, charity, and fasting. He stressed the necessity of frequently remembering God, in accordance with the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: “So increase in them the glorification, praise, and magnification of God.” He also urged those not performing Hajj to fast on the Day of Arafah, citing the hadith of Abu Qatada (may God be pleased with him) that the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah and he replied: “It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” He added an important legal reminder for those intending to offer a sacrifice: they are not permitted to cut their hair, nails, or skin from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah until they slaughter their sacrificial animal, following the pure Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
The spiritual and social impact of the Hajj season and blessed days
The blessings of these days are not limited to the individual; their positive impact extends to the entire Muslim Ummah at the local, regional, and international levels. During these days, the hearts of millions of Muslims turn towards Mecca, strengthening the values of unity, cohesion, and social solidarity among the members of the Ummah. The directives issued by the religious leadership in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reflect the Kingdom's leading and pivotal role in guiding and directing Muslims worldwide and providing exceptional care for the pilgrims. This moderate religious discourse contributes to spreading the values of tolerance and peace and deepens sound religious understanding. In concluding his directives, His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom prayed to God Almighty to grant everyone success in obeying and pleasing Him, to protect the country and its leaders, and to perpetuate the blessings of security and safety upon all Muslim lands.
