Question # 506: 1. Are the 10 nights of Dhul-Hijjah better than the 10 nights of Ramadan? If not, are they better than normal nights? 2. Are deeds done during the day in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah more rewarding than deeds done during the night? Jazak Allahu Khayran

bismi-llahi r-raḥmani r-raḥīm,

Assalamu ‘laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

All praise and thanks are due to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

Dear questioner,

First of all, we implore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake.

Shorter Answer: Most scholars adopt the opinion that the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah are better than the last ten days of Ramadan. However, what holds the last ten days of Ramadan at a higher status is Laylatul Qadr which is better than one thousand months. So, while the last 10 nights of Ramadan are the best nights, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days.

Long Answer: The virtue of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is based on the following revelations:

  • Allah swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) says in the Qur’an: “By the dawn; by the ten nights” (Soorah al-Fajr 89:1-2). Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid, and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Ibn Kathir said: “This is the correct opinion.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer)
  • Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause and came back with nothing.” (Reported by al-Bukhari).
  • ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allah“), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by Ahmad; Ahmad Shakir stated that it is saheeh).

These texts and others indicate that these ten days are better than all the other days of the year, with no exceptions, not even the last ten days of Ramadan. But the last ten nights of Ramadan are better because they include Laylat al-Qadr (“the Night of Power”), which is better than a thousand months. Thus, the various reports may be reconciled. (See Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

(The above reply is based on an answer on the similar topic provided by Islamqa.info)

[Hence,] the importance of these ten days is evident in the Qur’an and in the ahadith of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and most scholars adopt the opinion that these days are better than the last ten days of Ramadan. However, what holds the last ten days of Ramadan at a higher status is Laylatul Qadr which is better than one thousand months. So, while the last 10 nights of Ramadan are the best nights, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days. (‘The Best 10 Days in the World’ by Zehra Hazratji, Mishkah University)

Allahu A’lam (Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows best) and all Perfections belong to Allah, and all mistakes belong to me alone. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) forgive me, Ameen.

Wassalaam