The best days are here, so let’s dive into the ocean of blessings!

The month of Dhul-Hijjah is quite a vibrant one for the residents of K.S.A. We’ve been blessed to witness the beauty of this massive congregation right in front of us while for many, it is merely a dream. Apart from the blessed Hajis having to perform the rituals of Hajj, this month is a blessing dawning upon all of us.

Now that the month has waved at us, it is our duty to make the most out of the blessed first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah- the best days of the year! The blessings during these days are so massive that one can barely hold their excitement!

Here are a few deeds that you can do to have the finest 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah!

1. Fast

Fasting is the most recommended act that you can do during these ten days. While as adults, you may manage to fast somehow, it is quite crucial for your kids to know about this rewarding act too.

So, why not give these days a bit of Ramadan vibe?

Get those lanterns out, decorate and encourage your children to join you too. Let them know how rewarding this can be. Fasting on the day of Arafah erases the sins of the past and the coming year.

One way to get them into the act is by using positive reinforcement- get them gifts for these nine days, and if they complete their fast or recite Quran or do any good deed for the day, shower them with those gifts. This way, they know that rewards are not just massive up there, but it can come in tiny forms here too!

2. Dhikr

Remembering Allah, sticking to good deeds and forbidding evil are the most crucial acts we must hold onto during these days. Hence, along with your family, make a list of all the adhkar that you can do. Let your kids be creative, make a scrap book along with them. Write out simple adhkar with colors and glitters, and ensure that they keep repeating it when idle thoughts and devices keep calling them. Let Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulilah) and Tahleel (La ilaaha ill-Allah) be the priorities!

When you blend colors, fun and our faith, nothing could go wrong! Be it flash cards, colored papers, drawings or recording, let their creativity play!

3. Have a Story Night

Even if some of us know about Prophet Abraham’s (Peace be upon him) great sacrifice and story, not many remember it in the long-term. Especially, if you’ve got little munchkins running around the house, the story behind it would be great for a story night!

So rise to the occasion and start reading the story of Abraham (p.b.u.h) and get to know about his massive sacrifice. If you’d like to be the funny maniac, then go ahead and make the story lovable for your kids. If you’re hesitant about being the storyteller, then rely upon authentic animated videos made for children to do the job. While they’re at it, watch along with them and make it a blessed and fun night!

4. Charity

It can never be stressed enough- but teaching children to give is the best thing you can do as a parent. In these ten days, you’ll be rewarded massively for everything you do, so why not give? Even if you don’t have much, it’s alright, every little thing counts.

Let your children know about charity, ask them to make a charity box or get them a cute piggy, lionie, foxy, or whatever bank (they’ve all sorts, so…). Give them a Riyal or more every day, and ask them to collect it all safely. On the day of Eid-al-Adha, ask your kids to give whatever they’ve got in there to a needy person. That smile they see on the needy person’s face, or that prayer will warm up their hearts boundlessly!

5. Seek Forgiveness and Count the Blessings! 

These are the days that are best for repentance. While fasting already cleanses our hearts, seeking forgiveness for all the sins which we accumulate knowingly and unknowingly is exactly what we must do.
While repenting is one of the elements of prayer (and yes, let your kids know about the importance of repentance too); being thankful is another beautiful element. Make a list of all the things you and your family are grateful for and praise Allah endlessly for all that you have. This will teach your kids that little things count, and to count the blessings at all times!