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WHEN ALLAH TA'ALA takes an oath upon some aspect, it is to illustrate the great significance of that aspect in the sight of Allah Ta'ala. Among the various things which Allah Ta'ala has taken an oath upon in the Qur'an is "ten nights" (Surah Al-Fajr). Many mufassireen (commentators) are of the view that this refers to the first ten nights of Zhul-Hijjah. The Ahaadith also mention the virtue of the first ten days of Zhul Hijjah. It is reported in one hadith that no action is more beloved to Allah Ta'ala than the action performed in these ten days, whether it be nafil salaah, zikr, charity, etc. (Sahih Bukhari). REWARD EQUAL TO ONE YEAR In another Hadith it is reported that one fast in these ten days is equivalent to the reward of fasting for one year (the tenth of Zhul-Hijjah is excluded since it is not permissible to fast on the day of Eidul-Adha). Likewise, performing Ibadah in any of these nights earns the reward of ibadah in Lailatul Qadr (Tirmizi). Furthermore, among these ten days is the day of Arafah (9 Zhul-Hijjah). Regarding this day Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: "I have hope in Allah Ta'ala that the fast of the day of Arafah will be an atonement for the (minor) sins of the past and forthcoming year" (Tirmizi). In a narration of Tabrani it is reported that one should in these ten days recite the following excessively: Tasbeeh (Subhanallah), Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), Tahmeed (Al-Hamdulillah) and Takbeer (Allahu Akbar). DEPRIVATION Thus the first ten days and nights of Zhul-Hijjah are extremely virtuous. One should therefore engage oneself in even more ibadah during this time. One should fast on as many of these days as possible. To ignore these virtues and be indifferent to the significance of these days and nights is indeed a great deprivation. It is also a sign of ingratitude to Allah Ta'ala for the great opportunity He has given us to earn tremendously multiplied rewards for little acts of devotion. Hence let us not ignore the gift of Allah Ta'ala. Instead let us take the maximum advantage of this gift. Al-Jamiat Publications