The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is a beautiful time of year for Muslims. It marks the beginning of the Hajj season and offers us all a chance to seek out virtuous deeds. For some, it can even be seen as a second chance outside the month of Ramadan. A chance to not only develop their own well-being but also to multiply their rewards through Allah’s infinite blessing. 

Even for those not performing the Hajj pilgrimage this year, there is still so much to capitalize on both spiritually and mentally. 

Ibn Abbas narrated in a famous hadith that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than those (ten) days” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 757]

Everyone reading this gets it: time flies- and living a modern lifestyle may find many struggling with a multitude of responsibilities and distractions. Even in the midst of all the chaos, we should find the time and strength to simply take a step back and reorient ourselves. To refocus on our ultimate mission, and to allow ourselves to walk along the straight path. Sometimes, it might take the smallest of steps- and the most effortless of virtuous actions. 

So, here are just a couple simple ways to make the most of these virtuous days. Effortlessly.

   1. The Recitation of Adhkar (Remembrance of Allah)

      Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahlil, takbir and tahmid during them.” (Ahmad)

Allah also commands us in the Noble Quran:

“Remember Allah in the appointed days” (Al-Baqarah: 203)

Our remembrance of Allah physically manifests itself in both our actions and our words. When we recite tahlil (“La ilaha illallah”), takbir (“Allahu Akbar”), and tahmid (“Alhamdulillah”), we verbally express with our tongues the faith that resides in our hearts. Both pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike are thus encouraged to reaffirm their sound belief in the truth through recitation and remembrance. 

One good way to start is to firmly make recitation of the following a daily habit:

“Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd.”

Translation: “Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise.

Remembrance is simple, but can go a long way.

   2. Sadaqah with Every Purchase

      With the onset of Islamically-oriented FinTech and rounding platforms such as BlessingUP, giving Sadaqah is such a simple endeavor that nearly anyone can partake in it. The BlessingUP platform allows its users to become more consistent donors through automated roundups. All you have to do is sign up, pick a non-profit to take your sadaqah, and you’re all set! While donations may feel burdensome to some, consumer psychologists suggest that regular microdonations being attached to each and every card purchase can play a major role in relieving the “perceived pain of donating.” 

Moreover, regular charity through sadaqah is a prophetic practice that has roots in the Quran, and additionally serves as a means to get closer to Allah.

“However, among the nomadic Arabs are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and consider what they donate as a means of coming closer to Allah and ˹receiving˺ the prayers of the Messenger. It will certainly bring them closer. Allah will admit them into His mercy. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Surah Tawbah: 99]

By the grace of Allah, we are blessed with the opportunity to engage regularly in such deeds. Even if it takes these seemingly small steps, we should all strive to contribute to something bigger during the blessed days of the year. 

Now, how’s that for effortless giving?

May Allah bring ease to our righteous efforts, and allow us to expand on our deeds during these ten days.

Related:

• Fundraising Difficulty? Try Automated Roundups
• How Do I Add Qurbani Donations to My Donation Page?