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Making the Most of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah: A Call to Sincere Devotion

Dhul Hijjah is one of the four sacred months in Islam. It marks the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. This precious and honoured month is widely known for the annual pilgrimage, Hajj. It is otherwise known as "major pilgrimage to the Holy site (Makkah)" while Umrah is known as "Lesser pilgrimage (lesser Hajj)" which can be performed at any time of the Hijrah calendar.

The first ten days of this glorious month are considered highly blessed. In fact, the first 10 days of this month are regarded as the best of the Islamic calendar. This is evident in one of the declarations of the Prophet (S.A.W) that: "No good deeds done on any other days are more beloved to Allah than the righteous acts performed during these ten days."

There are a lot of benefits that this precious month brings to the muslim Ummah. It is a period that provides an opportunity for believers to strengthen their relationship with Allah through worship and sincere devotion. One of the major happenings in these ten days is the "Day of Arafah," which is considered one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. As the Hujjaj (pilgrims) climb this mountain of A'rafah, muslims in other parts of the world are encouraged to fast, give charity, supplicate to Allah, and engage in acts of Ibadah, amongst others. Muslims are encouraged to maximise these ten days through prayers, fasting, charity and remembrance of Allah, with special intensity on the earlier stated "Day of 'Arafah."

Reflections can also be done on the origin of the events in this month, which are dated to the life of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It teaches the lesson of complete submission to Allah, as shown when he was willing to obey Allah's command even in the most difficult trials. His willingness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), reflects the highest level of faith, trust, and obedience in Allah's decree. The replacement of Ismail (AS) with a ram highlights Allah's mercy and the acceptance of sincere intention over physical sacrifice. Overall, his story serves as a reminder that sincere faith is proven through action, sacrifice and unwavering trust in Allah. These elements are now evident in the fact that muslims from different parts of the world now converge on the Holy site to fulfill these rites.

As these blessed ten days unfold, muslims are reminded that this is a short but highly blessed period that should not be taken lightly. It is a time for renewed intention, increased worship, and sincere efforts to draw closer to Allah through good deeds and repentance. The true success of these days lies in sincerity and consistency. Those who embrace them with a focused heart are more likely to gain lasting spiritual benefits that extend beyond the ten days themselves.