The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
You have heard Ramadan is the best time for worship, right? Wrong. The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are even better. More beloved to Allah. More rewarding. More powerful. Most Muslims sleep on these days. They miss out on massive blessings. They treat them like any other week. Let’s fix that. This guide will explain what makes these days special and how you can win big with Allah.
🕋 What Are the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah?
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the most sacred days of the Islamic calendar. Allah swears by them in the Qur’an:
“By the dawn. And [by] the ten nights.”
— Qur’an 89:1-2
These days include:
- The start of Hajj (8th Dhul Hijjah)
- The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)
- Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah)
Even if you are not going to Hajj, these days are your chance to stack rewards.
💎 Why Are These 10 Days So Important?
1. Allah Loves Deeds Done in These Days
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
— Sahih Bukhari
That means every prayer, every fast, every charity is multiplied.
2. The Day of Arafah Is the Best Day of the Year
On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, Allah perfected Islam:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you.”
— Qur’an 5:3
Fasting on this day wipes out sins from the past and the coming year. That is a 2-for-1 deal you do not want to miss.
3. Hajj Happens Now
Millions gather for the Hajj during these days. Even if you’re not there, you can still share blessings by fasting, praying, and giving.
First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah – A Time for Worship and Good Deeds
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most spiritually rewarding days in the Islamic calendar. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Bukhari)
These blessed days are a golden opportunity to increase in worship, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and earn immense rewards. Below are some of the key actions to focus on during these days:
نماز (Prayer)
Prayer is the foundation of our faith. During the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah:
- Perform your five daily prayers on time.
- Add extra voluntary prayers such as Tahajjud, Duha, and Ishraq.
- Pray with focus, humility, and presence of heart.
ذکر (Dhikr)
Engage your tongue and heart in the remembrance of Allah through:
- SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)
- Alhamdulillah (All praise is for Allah)
- Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)
- La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah)
Dhikr softens the heart, brings peace, and increases blessings in your day.
دعا (Du’a)
Dhul Hijjah is an excellent time to make heartfelt du’as:
- Ask for forgiveness, guidance, and success in this life and the next.
- Make du’a for yourself, your family, the Ummah, and all of humanity.
- Du’a is your connection with Allah, so speak to Him with sincerity.
روزہ (Fasting)
Fasting during the first nine days is a highly rewarding Sunnah, especially on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah):
- The Prophet ﷺ said that fasting on Arafah expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.
- Even one day of fasting brings immense reward and spiritual cleansing.
صدقہ (Sadaqah)
Charity multiplies during these blessed days. You can:
- Donate to those in need – orphans, the poor, the sick.
- Feed others, support a cause, or even smile – for every good deed counts.
- Allah loves those who care for His creation.
نیک اعمال (Good Deeds)
Use these days to increase in all kinds of good actions:
- Help a neighbor, visit the sick, reconcile with someone, or be kind to animals.
- Practice patience, speak kindly, and make others feel valued.
- Small acts done with sincerity hold great value.
تہجد (Tahajjud)
Wake up before Fajr and offer Tahajjud – the night prayer:
- It’s a special time when Allah responds to our du’as.
- Ask Allah for what your heart truly desires in this peaceful, quiet time.
- It strengthens your soul and brings spiritual clarity.
قرآن کی تلاوت (Recitation of Qur’an)
Reconnect with the Qur’an in these days:
- Read it daily, even if it’s just a few verses.
- Reflect on the meanings and try to implement them in your life.
- Each letter you read brings a reward, so take advantage of this blessed time.
اختتامیہ (Conclusion)
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are a rare and beautiful chance to increase in worship and draw nearer to Allah. Let’s make the most of them by:
- Praying consistently
- Remembering Allah often
- Making sincere du’as
- Fasting (especially on Arafah)
- Giving generously in charity
- Doing as many good deeds as we can
May Allah accept all of our efforts during these sacred days and shower us with mercy, blessings, and forgiveness. Ameen.
🐑 What Is Qurbani and Why Does It Matter?
On the 10th day, Eid al-Adha, Muslims perform Qurbani sacrificing an animal to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion.
The meat is shared:
- 1/3 for you
- 1/3 for family and friends
- 1/3 for the poor and needy
It is a powerful act of worship and charity.
📊 Quick Recap: What to Do Each Day
Day | Action Plan |
1-8 | Fast, pray, give, and remember Allah |
9 | Fast Arafah, make lots of dua |
10 | Eid prayer, perform Qurbani, celebrate |
❓ FAQ: Common Questions About Dhul Hijjah
Q: Can I fast only on the Day of Arafah?
A: Yes. Fasting on the 9th is highly recommended. If you can not fast all 9 days, at least do this one.
Q: Is Qurbani mandatory?
A: It is wajib (obligatory) for those who can afford it. If you have the means, don’t skip it.
Q: Can I give Qurbani online?
A: Absolutely. Many trusted organizations facilitate this.
Conclusions
These 10 days are a gift. A chance to reset. To earn massive rewards. To get closer to Allah. Do not let them slip by. Plan your days. Set goals. And most importantly, take action.