Virtues of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

Dhikr and Remembering Allah during these Days

We have already learned that the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of the year for righteous deeds. We have learned that even small acts of worship carry massive reward. Today, we turn our attention to the heart of these days – the very worship that Allah Himself commanded specifically for this time: dhikr, the remembrance of Allah.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

وَيَذْكُرُوا۟ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ فِىٓ أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَـٰتٍ

“And mention the name of Allah on known days” (Surah Al-Hajj 22: 28). The vast majority of classical scholars confirm that “the known days” refers to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. This is not a general recommendation. It is a divine instruction. Allah is telling us explicitly: In these days, remember Me. And not just silently in your heart – but verbally, openly, abundantly.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allah than these ten days. So increase in them the tahleel (La ilaha illa Allah), the takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and the tahmeed (Alhamdulillah)” (Ahmad and others). Notice the word “increase” – meaning what you normally do is not enough. These days require more. More remembrance, more glorification, more gratitude.

The Four Pillars of Dhikr: Takbeer, Tahmeed, Tahleel, and Tasbeeh

Let us begin by understanding the four phrases that should fill our tongues and hearts during these blessed days.

1. Allahu Akbar (Takbeer) – Allah is the Greatest

This is the most comprehensive declaration of Allah’s greatness. When you say “Allahu Akbar”, you are affirming that Allah is greater than everything – greater than your problems, greater than your fears, greater than your desires, greater than anything you can imagine or measure.

The deeper meaning: When you say “Allahu Akbar”, you are shrinking your ego and expanding your awareness of Allah. You are saying: Whatever I am facing, Allah is greater. Whatever I have achieved, Allah is greater. Whatever I have lost, Allah is greater. This phrase reorders your entire worldview.

2. Alhamdulillah (Tahmeed) – All praise belongs to Allah

“Alhamdulillah” is not simply “thank You, Allah.” It is a comprehensive declaration that all praise – in every language, from every creature, for every blessing – belongs to Allah alone. You are not just expressing gratitude. You are affirming that Allah is worthy of all praise, regardless of your circumstances.

3. La ilaha illa Allah (Tahleel) – There is no god but Allah

This is the greatest statement ever uttered. It is the foundation of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best dhikr is La ilaha illa Allah” (Tirmidhi). It is the key to Jannah. It is the word that distinguishes belief from disbelief.

But what does it truly mean? “La ilaha” – There is nothing worthy of worship. “Illallah” – Except Allah. You are negating all false gods – money, status, fame, desires, fear of people, attachment to anything other than Allah – and affirming that only Allah deserves your ultimate devotion, love, fear, hope, and trust.

4. SubhanAllah (Tasbeeh) – Glory be to Allah

“SubhanAllah” declares that Allah is absolutely perfect and free from any defect, weakness, or imperfection. You are saying: Allah is not like His creation. He does not sleep, does not forget, does not tire, does not die, does not oppress, does not make mistakes. He is above everything unworthy of His majesty.

Reviving the Sunnah of Reciting Takbeer Openly

One of the most beautiful practices that has been lost in many communities is the open, vocal recitation of takbeer from the first day of Dhul Hijjah until the 13th day. The Prophet ﷺ and his companions would walk through the markets, streets, and gatherings saying “Allahu Akbar” aloud. It was a public declaration of faith. It created an atmosphere of worship.

Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) would recite takbeer loudly in his tent in Mina, and the people in the mosque would hear him and also begin reciting. This was not considered showing off. It was reviving a sunnah.

In many Muslim societies today, the takbeer is only heard on the morning of Eid. The days before Eid – the actual days of virtue and preparation – are silent. We have lost the sacred sound of these ten days.

How Dhikr Softens the Heart

Now let us address the deeper purpose of all this remembrance. Dhikr is not merely a mechanical repetition of words. Allah says: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28). Rest. Peace. Tranquillity. That is the direct effect of dhikr on the human heart.

Have you noticed how your heart becomes hard? You scroll through bad news and feel nothing. You see suffering and scroll past. You hear the Qur’an and feel no shiver. You pray but your mind is elsewhere. This is hardness of the heart – a dangerous spiritual disease that Allah warns about in the Qur’an.

The ten days of Dhul Hijjah are a spiritual boot camp for the heart. Ten days of intensive dhikr can soften a year’s worth of hardness. Do not waste this opportunity.