The Prophet (peace be upon him) made clear to us what earns us an unusually great reward. However, we must always remember that God is bountiful with His reward, provided that the action is purely dedicated to earn His pleasure. We must realize that even if we choose the time when reward is greater and do some recommended good deed, but we intend it only to show off, or we boast about what we do, then no such reward will be coming our way. A good action must always be done for God’s sake and to earn His acceptance.
One very important occasion to earmark for our good deeds is the first 10 days of the month of the Dhul-Hijjah. These culminate with the day when the pilgrims perform their most important duty of pilgrimage, i.e. the attendance at Arafat on Dhul-Hijjah 9. The day that follows is that of the Eid of Sacrifice. Ibn Abbas quotes the Prophet as saying: “Good deeds are never better than in these 10 days”. They asked him: “Not even jihad?” He said: “Not even jihad, except for a person who goes out on jihad, laying down his life and money, making no return.” (Related by Al-Bukhari)
This hadith makes the importance of these 10 days very clear. Such occasions are provided by God so that a person who has lost many occasions over many years, or slackened about doing his duties for a considerable time, can offset his omission by increasing his dedication and worship on such occasions. People also may compete for God’s greater reward.
The phraseology of this hadith makes clear that to volunteer additional worship of any Islamic type is recommended in these days, and earns greater reward than at other times. So, we may easily fast during the day on the first nine days of the month, and we may offer night worship at night. Such voluntary worship is certain to earn multiple reward. Likewise, charitable donations are strongly recommended. Thus, any good action, even lending a helping hand to a neighbor or to someone in need of help is better rewarded if done in these 10 days.
The Prophet’s companions asked about jihad, referring especially to fighting for God’s cause. The Prophet confirmed that jihad in these days also earns greater reward than jihad at other times, except for the case of one who goes on jihad at any time, lays down his life and puts in his wealth and goes for battle. He falls a martyr and all his money is spent to help the jihad cause. Such a person earns the ultimate reward.
Perhaps we should say finally that good deeds are better rewarded in these 10 days because they represent a time when all types of Islamic worship are practiced in them: prayer, fasting, zakat and the pilgrimage. Moreover, they include the day of attendance at Arafat, which is a remarkable day, when the pilgrims fulfill the main duty of their pilgrimage.
