Ḥadīth
Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “No good deeds are better than those done in the first ten days of Dhul–Hijjah.” Some companions (رضي الله عنهم) asked, “Not even Jihad in the way of Allah?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Not even Jihad in the way of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth at risk and returns with nothing.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 969
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Bukhari.
Commentary
The Prophet (ﷺ) highlights that good deeds in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are superior to those performed throughout the rest of the year. The Companions (رضي الله عنهم) asked the Prophet (ﷺ) whether Jihad in the cause of Allah outside these ten days is better than the good deeds done during them, given that Jihad is considered one of the most virtuous acts. The Prophet (ﷺ) replied that good deeds in these days are better than Jihad on other days, except for a man who engages in Jihad, risking his life and wealth for Allah’s cause, and loses both – this is superior to good deeds in these blessed days.
Benefits from the Ḥadīth
The Hadith highlights the merit of good deeds in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. A Muslim should seize these days to perform numerous pious acts, including remembrance of Allah, reciting the Qur’an, proclaiming Allah’s greatness and oneness, offering prayers, giving charity, fasting, and engaging in all righteous deeds.
End quote from Encyclopedia of Translated Prophetic Hadiths [hadeethenc.com].
May Allah ﷻ accept from us.
Aameen!
The Enduring Good Deeds 