“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days (first ten days of Dhul- Hijjah).” Ibn Majah
Even better than Ramadan?
10 ways to make the most of these 10 days
1. Intention
There’s nothing more powerful than intention to elevate your worship and rewards.
“Indeed actions are by their intentions.” – Bukhari/Muslim
To supercharge your intentions, stack them. Have multiple intentions for the same deed. For example: to follow the sunnah of the prophet (saw); to get closer to Allah (swt); to set a good example for your family; etc.
2. Intention
Dhikr is like a secret weapon in your box of deeds. A little goes a long way and it’s easy. You can do it anywhere and there’s so much variety. Here’s a super simple one to add.
“There are two statements that are light on the tongue and heavy on the scales: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi subhanAllahil adheem.” – Bukhari/Muslim
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ، سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ العَظِيم
So while you’re waiting, sitting around, cooking or doing something else that doesn’t require your complete focus: add some dhikr.
3. Start a good habit
Habits are super important in our daily lives. The right habit can really boost our productivity in the long run. Pick one habit that you want to add to your daily routine and commit to it in these ten days. In sha Allah it’ll become a part of your day going forward too!
4. Get rid of a bad habit
Just as important as starting good habits, is getting rid of some bad ones. Identify and commit to phasing out one habit that you find unproductive in your life.
5. Charity/Sadaqah
Charity is one of the most beneficial acts of worship you can do for others. This year, try picking a cause that you haven’t considered giving to before.
You can donate to provide quality education to schools in Pakistan, or give Sadaqah to where most needed.
6. Fasting especially on Arafah
Fasting is an act of great reward, especially fasting on the day of arafah.
“Fasting on this day is a forgiveness for two years. The sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” – Hadith
7. Qurbani/Udhiyah
Of course, this is the time to take care of your Qurbani / Udhiya. Whether you’re going to a farm to make your own sacrifice or paying someone to do it for you, make sure you’ve made all the arrangements.
8. Get kids/family involved by doing 10 charitable acts for each of the ten days
Make a list of 10 good deeds to do together as a family and do one each day. These can include things like cleaning up a local park, or even calling up relatives to see how they’re doing.
9. Reach out to neighbours
Eid is a great time to spread the cheer and share food and treats with your neighbours. Bake some cookies or buy some treats, keep it simple so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
10. Dua
Dua is the essence of worship. When we turn to Allah (swt) with our needs and desires, we recognize that He is indeed the One who is in control, the One who is the source of everything. Make a list of your top duas and make them daily.
These are just some of the many ways you can make the most of these ten best days. No matter how much or how little you do, the most important part is to seek Allah through your actions.