In the Islamic calendar, certain months hold a special place due to their unique virtues in the sight of Allah SWT. Among these months, there are specific days and nights that are deemed exceptionally powerful and significant. For instance, Ramadan is considered the holiest month of the year, with the last 10 days being particularly important. Similarly, Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, contains days of immense spiritual significance, especially the first 10 days.
These first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are distinguished for their spiritual opportunities and the mercy of Allah that they bring. Engaging in worship, performing good deeds, and making sincere supplications (duas) during this period is highly encouraged.
Allah emphasizes the significance of the importance of the first 10 days. In Surah Al-Fajr, Allah says:
"By the dawn, And [by] the ten nights," (Quran 89:1-2).
Early scholars, including Ibn 'Abbas (RA), have interpreted these "ten nights" as the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The importance of these days is further underscored in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
The Prophet (PBUH) said, "There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." They asked, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?" He replied, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad, taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything" (Bukhari).
This hadith highlights that the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the most beloved days to Allah. Engaging in good deeds during these days is highly meritorious and includes offering additional prayers, giving in charity, fasting on the day of Arafah, and performing dhikr and duas.
Here are the best 8 duas for these sacred days, providing a pathway to seek Allah’s mercy, blessings, and forgiveness.
Remember to make your own duas from the heart as well.
"Our Lord! grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire." (Quran 2:201)
This dua, "Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil 'akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar", is a comprehensive supplication that Muslims often recite during Tawaf (the circumambulation of the Kaaba), during the Tashahhud in prayer before concluding with the salam, and at various other times. It is a beautiful and powerful invocation that seeks Allah's blessings and protection in both this world (dunya) and the Hereafter (akhirah). This dua encapsulates the holistic needs of a believer, asking for goodness and success in all aspects of life and salvation from the punishment of the Fire. By reciting this dua, one seeks a balanced life filled with righteous deeds, material blessings, and spiritual fulfillment.
Although this is not a dua, it is still a powerful reminder to perform dhikr during these ten blessed days of Dhul Hijjah.
"Our Lord! do not punish us if we forget or make mistake; Our Lord! do not lay on us a burden as You did lay on those before us; Our Lord! do not impose upon us that which we have not the strength to bear; and pardon us and grant us protection and have mercy on us, You are our Protector, so help us against the unbelieving people." (Quran 2:286)
This dua is derived from the last ayah of Surah Al-Baqarah. It is a profound supplication that not only seeks Allah’s forgiveness but also asks for His ease and protection in all aspects of life. This comprehensive prayer acknowledges our human frailties and dependence on Allah's mercy, guidance, and safeguarding. By reciting this dua, we are requesting Allah to forgive our shortcomings, to grant us ease in our worldly affairs, and to protect us from any harm and hardship in both this life and the Hereafter. This dua embodies the essence of a believer’s reliance on Allah for all matters, seeking His benevolence and shield from adversities.
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd."
“Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest and all praises are for Allah only.”
This is what the pilgrims say during their time in Hajj. It is a very powerful statement that we can recite as well.
"My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need.” (Quran 28:24)
This is a dua that was made by Musa (AS) after escaping out of the city for accidentally killing a man. He had nothing on him and in his desperate time of need he made this dua to Allah SWT and Allah blessed with him a spouse, work, shelter and provisions. We can recite this dua and Allah SWT will bless us with abundant provisions.
"Our Lord! do not make our hearts deviate after You have guided us aright and grant us from Your mercy; surely You are the Giver." (Quran 3:8)
This is a beautiful dua that seeks Allah's continued guidance on the right path and His mercy. Only through Allah’s mercy are we able to practice the deen. By invoking His magnificent name, Al-Wahhab, the Bestower of Gifts, we ask for His generous blessings and steadfast support in our lives.
“Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.” (3:173)
We all face hardships that can be difficult to navigate. This dua reminds us that Allah is the most sufficient. He can do anything. After acknowledging His Power we then entrust our affairs to Him.
”Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” (2:127)
This is the dua that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) made after he and Ismail (AS) completed the construction of the Kaaba. The tradition of Qurbani, or sacrifice, originates from Ibrahim’s story of ultimate devotion and willingness to sacrifice for Allah. Each Eid, we honor his legacy by sacrificing an animal, making this dua especially meaningful as we engage in worship during Dhul Hijjah.
This is a reminder to donate your Qurbani if you haven’t done so already.
