This excerpt is taken from Sheikh Farooq Rafi Sahib's book Qurbani, Aqiqa, and Ashra Zil-Hijjah.
The month of Dhu al-Hijjah holds distinguished importance in Islamic history, and due to certain characteristics, its significance is greater than other months. Please observe:
① The Month of Sanctity:
Dhul-Hijjah is a sacred month. In this regard, respecting it, avoiding mutual fighting and quarrels, and even if the enemy is not aggressive, not initiating war against them during the sacred months is not permissible. Allah Almighty says:
﴿إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ وَقَاتِلُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ كَافَّةً كَمَا يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ كَافَّةً ۚ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الْمُتَّقِينَ﴾
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the Book of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them, and fight the polytheists all together as they fight you all together. And know that Allah is with the righteous."
Reference: At-Tawbah: 36
This verse is evidence that four months are sacred. The explanation of these months is given in this hadith.
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
إن الزمان قد استدار كهيئته يوم خلق الله السماوات والأرض السنة اثنا عشر شهرا منها أربعة حرم ثلاث متواليات ذو القعدة وذو الحجة والمحرم ورجب مضر الذى بين جمادى وشعبان
"The time has come full circle to the same order as it was on the day Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred. Three months are Dhul-Qi'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram consecutively, and the fourth month is Rajab, which is between Jumada al-Akhirah and Sha'ban."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 4662
② The Month of Hajj:
Dhu al-Hijjah is also preferred in this regard because it is the month of Hajj, and the sacred duty of Hajj for Muslims is performed in this month. Muslims from all over the world head towards Makkah to perform Hajj.
③ The First Ten Days of Dhu al-Hijjah:
The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah hold special significance, and the rewards for obligatory and voluntary acts of worship and good deeds performed during these days are superior and greater than those performed on other days. The evidences are as follows:
① The command of Allah Almighty is:
﴿وَالْفَجْرِ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ ﴾
“By the dawn, and by the ten nights.”
Reference: Al-Fajr: 1-2
According to most commentators, the ten nights here refer to the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, whose further virtue is mentioned in this hadith.
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
ما العمل فى أيام العشر أفضل منها فى هذه، قالوا: ولا الجهاد فى سبيل الله؟ قال: ولا الجهاد إلا رجل خرج يخاطر بنفسه وماله فلم يرجع بشيء
“There is no deed more virtuous than the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah.” The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked: “Not even Jihad in the way of Allah?” He (peace be upon him) replied: “Not even Jihad, except for the person who goes out risking his life and wealth and does not return with anything.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 969.
Benefits:
① It has been established that the reward for deeds performed in the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah is greater than the deeds performed on other days. Therefore, during these days, one should increase worship, voluntary prayers, voluntary fasting, and recitations of remembrance.
② However, a mujahid who takes up arms and life to fight against the enemies of religion for the dominance of Islam and sacrifices his body, wealth, and soul in the path of jihad, his action is equal to or superior to the deeds performed in the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah.
