AlAzhar Islamic Research Academy

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are a season of worship that brings many benefits. They are an opportunity for a person to correct their faults and make up for any shortcomings or anything that one might have missed. Clarifying the merit of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, the Prophet (pbuh) stated that they are among the greatest days of this worldly life. He also showed that righteous deeds during them are better than on other days. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days” (Referring to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah). The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihād in the cause of Allah?” He (pbuh) replied, “Not even Jihād in the cause of Allah, unless a man goes out with his soul and wealth and returns with neither” [Narrated by al-Buḥary]. This ḥadīth indicates the virtue of every righteous deed, whether fasting, Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), prayer, charity, or any other act of devotion as all such acts are included in righteous deeds.

ˁAishah (May Allah be pleased with her) Said: Whenever Allah's Messenger (PBUH) went to bed, he would blow into his hands while reciting the Muˁauwidhāt (the Protective Surahs, i.e. Al-Falaq 113 and An-Nās 114) and then wipe his body with his hands. (Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhari)

Allah swears by the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and swearing by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allah says: “By the dawn; by the ten nights” {(وَٱلۡفَجۡرِ ۝ وَلَیَالٍ عَشۡرࣲ)} (Quran, 89:1-2). Ibn Katheer, may Allah have mercy on him, said “The ten nights refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, as stated by Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid and others of the earlier and later scholars.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer). Ibn Katheer also deemed this opinion correct.

The awareness convoy for the season, launched by Al-Azhar Islamic Research Academy ( ), continues its efforts at airports and seaports to provide educational and dawah guidance and support for pilgrims of the Sacred House of Allah before their departure to the Holy Lands.
Al-Azhar male and female preachers are keen to answer pilgrims’ questions, explain the rulings and rituals of Hajj, and provide the necessary guidance and instructions, helping to prepare the to perform Hajj in the proper manner.