The Prophet Muhammad ٺ said: "There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." These are the opening verses of Dhul Hijjah - the final month of the Islamic calendar - and they set the spiritual tone for one of the year’s greatest windows of opportunity. If you want to draw closer to Allah, multiply your good deeds, and prepare your heart for Eid al-Adha, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are when to do it.

Why are the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah so special?

The virtue of these ten days comes from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet ٺ. Allah says in Surah al-Fajr:

"By the dawn; and by the ten nights"
— Quran, Surah al-Fajr, 89:1-2

Many Islamic scholars interpret "the ten nights" as the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah - a sign of their profound importance. The Quran itself swears by these nights, elevating them above ordinary time.

The Prophet ٺ confirmed this directly. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

"There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."
— Source [1] (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This isn’t a small statement. It means that righteous deeds during these ten days are more beloved to Allah than the same deeds performed at any other time of year. These are the peak days of the Islamic calendar.

The 10 days at a glance

Days 1-8: The official period of heightened worship begins. You should increase your remembrance of Allah, recitation of the Quran, prayer, and charity. Fasting is recommended and encouraged, though not mandatory.

Day 9 (The Day of Arafah): This is the most important of all ten days. Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafah in Mecca, and Muslims worldwide fast in solidarity and spiritual alignment. The reward for fasting on this day is extraordinary.

Day 10 (Eid al-Adha): The festival begins at dawn. This is the day of Qurbani (animal sacrifice) - the sacred act that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) willingness to obey Allah. No fasting today; instead, celebration, family, and giving.

Days 11-13 (Tashriq - the days of drying [meat]): Eid celebrations continue. The window for performing Qurbani remains open through the 13th. Takbir (glorification) is recited throughout these days. This period sits at the heart of the Hajj pilgrimage for those in Mecca.

Fasting in Dhul Hijjah

Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is highly encouraged. The Prophet ٺ reportedly fasted these days regularly, and the spiritual benefit is immense.

But one day stands out above the rest: the Day of Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet ٺ said:

"Fasting on the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year."
— Source [2] (Sahih Muslim)

Think about that. A single day of fasting wipes clean two years of sins - the ones behind you and the ones ahead. This is why the Day of Arafah fast is so treasured. Many Muslims make it a cornerstone of their Dhul Hijjah practice.

Important note: If you are performing Hajj and standing at Arafah, you should not fast. The physical demands of pilgrimage take priority, and you’ll derive the spiritual benefit of Arafah itself.

Dhikr and takbir

These ten days are defined by the constant remembrance of Allah. The most distinctive form is takbir - the glorification: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd" (Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise).

During the first nine days, takbir is encouraged at all times. From Fajr on the 9th through Asr on the 13th, the Tashreeq takbir (the takbir specific to these days) is recited aloud after each congregational prayer. Your voice joins millions of others across the Muslim world.

Beyond takbir, increase all forms of dhikr:

• Tahleel: "La ilaha illallah" (There is no god but Allah)
• Tahmeed: "Alhamdulillah" (All praise is due to Allah)
• Tasbeeh: "Subhanallah" (Glory be to Allah)
• Tahkbeer: "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is Greatest)

The Quran instructs:

"So mention the name of Allah during those [specified] days."
— Quran, Surah al-Hajj, 22:28

These aren’t empty words. Each dhikr is a recalibration of your heart toward its Creator. In our distracted lives, dhikr is the practice that pulls you back to what matters.

Reading Quran

These ten days are ideal for increasing your Quranic recitation. If you’ve been meaning to read more Quran, to finish a section you started, or to understand a particular surah more deeply - these are the days to do it. The reward is multiplied, and the spiritual atmosphere these days create makes reflection and learning flow more naturally.

Many Muslims aim to complete a full reading of the Quran during Dhul Hijjah, or at least read significantly more than usual. There’s no pressure to achieve any quota - read at your own pace and with genuine intention.

Giving Sadaqah and Qurbani

Charity in these ten days carries exceptional weight. Any sadaqah - whether a direct donation to those in need, support for an orphan, help for a widow, or aid to a disaster survivor - multiplies in reward and impact. This is the season to be generous.

Qurbani is the signature act of these days: the ritual sacrifice of an animal during Eid al-Adha, done in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and as a practical way to share meat with family, friends, and those in need. Qurbani is not just a symbolic gesture - it channels real resources to vulnerable communities. For many families, Qurbani meat is their most substantial source of protein in the year.

If you’re considering giving your Qurbani, these ten days are the time to decide and commit. Learn more about What Is Qurbani? and how your gift makes a tangible difference.

Avoiding sins

These days invite greater mindfulness in one’s conduct and character. The Quran instructs believers to remember Allah and guard their behavior during sacred times, and scholars across all four schools encourage using these days to avoid sins — backbiting, anger, envy, and haste — just as they encourage increasing good deeds.

Choose patience, honesty, and kindness. These days are an opportunity, and how you conduct yourself is part of how you honour them.

Your Dhul Hijjah checklist

Making the most of these ten days doesn’t require complexity. Here’s a practical checklist to guide you:

• Make a sincere intention (niyyah) to maximize these days before they begin
• Plan to fast on Days 1-9, with special focus on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)
• Increase your dhikr and takbir starting from Day 1 - aim for multiple times daily
• Increase your Quranic recitation - set a realistic goal and track your progress
• Give sadaqah - set aside funds and identify causes you want to support
• Arrange your Qurbani before Eid arrives - ensure it's done with sincere intention
• Perform additional voluntary prayers (Nafl) during these ten nights
• Reflect on your relationship with Allah and set intentions for spiritual growth
• Inform your family about the significance of these days so they can join your efforts
• Avoid sins, backbiting, and conflict - guard your actions and your tongue

Preparing for Eid al-Adha

These ten days culminate in Eid al-Adha, one of the two greatest festivals in Islam. Learn about When Is Eid al-Adha?, its meaning, and how to prepare so you’re ready to celebrate fully when the day arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fast all ten days, or just some of them?

Both are valid. Some Muslims fast all nine days before Eid (not fasting on Eid itself). Others fast certain days - many specifically target the Day of Arafah. The key is sincere intention and consistency. Start with what you can sustain, and increase if able.

What if I miss some of these days?

Don’t be discouraged. Use what time remains. Even if you join on Day 5 or Day 8, the days you do invest in have full value. It’s better to be present and intentional for a few days than absent for all of them.

Can women participate in the extra worship during Dhul Hijjah?

Absolutely. All the practices described - fasting, dhikr, Quranic recitation, charity - are for all Muslims regardless of gender. Women can fast, increase their dhikr, and give sadaqah with the same reward and virtue as men.

How is Qurbani different from just giving a regular donation?

Qurbani is a specific act of worship with deep spiritual meaning - it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and Allah’s mercy. While both are generous, Qurbani is the ritual obligation and practice tied to Eid al-Adha. That said, both giving Qurbani and giving regular sadaqah during these ten days carries immense reward.

Is there a minimum amount I need to give in charity to make these days meaningful?

No. Allah looks at sincerity and intention, not the amount. A small gift given with a genuine heart may be more valuable than a large gift given without thought. Give what you can, and trust that your intention is what matters most.

Sources

1. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 969 - Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ٺ said, "There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."
2. Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162 - Abu Qatadah al-Ansari reported that the Prophet ٺ was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, and he said it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
3. Quran, Surah al-Fajr, 89:1-2 - "By the dawn; and by the ten nights."
4. Quran, Surah al-Hajj, 22:28 - "So mention the name of Allah during those [specified] days."
5. Islamic jurisprudence texts on the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah - consensus across Maliki, Hanafi, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali schools on the significance and recommended practices.