the Messenger of Allah said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than those ten days." They said: "O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in Allah Cause?" The Messenger of Allah said: "Not even Jihad in Allah's Cause, unless a man were to out with his self and his wealth and not return from that with anything."
Hadith Reference & Context
This narration is recorded in Jami' at-Tirmidhi, specifically in "The Book on Fasting" as Hadith number 757. It concerns the immense virtue of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Textual Analysis
The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly states that righteous deeds performed during these ten days are more beloved to Allah than those performed at any other time of the year.
The Companions' question about Jihad demonstrates their understanding of Jihad's supreme status, making the Prophet's answer even more emphatic regarding these days' superiority.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam At-Tirmidhi and other scholars explain that this hadith applies to general righteous deeds - including prayer, fasting, charity, dhikr, and Hajj. The exception for Jihad is specifically for the one who goes forth and is martyred, losing his life and wealth completely.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that these ten days complete the sacred months, and good deeds in them are like those performed in the best of places and times.
Practical Application
Muslims should increase in worship during these ten days through additional prayers, fasting (especially the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah), charity, recitation of Quran, and abundant dhikr (particularly Takbir, Tahmid, and Tahlil).
The fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah) expiates the sins of the previous and coming year, making it particularly significant among these ten days.