The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the most blessed times in Islam, as Allah has favored them over many other times. Muslims ask what to do during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
The Meaning of Dhul Hijjah
The name Dhul Hijjah literally translates to “Possessor of the Pilgrimage” or “the Month of Hajj.” It is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds immense religious importance because it is during this month that Hajj , the fifth pillar of Islam, takes place. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Makkah to perform the sacred rites of Hajj, following in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Ismail (AS), and Hagar (RA).
Why is the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah Important?
Now, if there was ever a time to roll up your sleeves and get spiritually productive, it’s the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah . You might be thinking, “Wait, aren’t all days important?” True, but these ten days have been highlighted in authentic hadiths as being among the most virtuous days in the Islamic calendar.
In fact, Allah swears by them in the Quran , which should immediately raise our eyebrows and remind us that swearing by something in the Quran is no small thing. Surah Al-Fajr (89:1–2) states:
“By the dawn
And by the ten nights ”
Scholars, including Ibn Abbas (RA), have interpreted these ten nights to refer to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. That alone should give you chills Allah Himself is bearing witness to the significance of these days.
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days .”
Sahih Bukhari
11 Things to Do On the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
Okay, so now that we’ve established how amazing these ten days are, let’s get practical. Here are 11 things you can do during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah to maximize your reward and connect deeper with Allah SWT:
1. Fast the First Nine Days (Except the Day of Eid)
Yes, you read that right. Fasting during these days is highly recommended, especially on the Day of Arafah (the ninth day), which expiates the sins of two years past and future! But don’t forget to skip the fast on Eid al-Adha , unless you’re doing voluntary fasting after Eid.
2. Increase Your Daily Prayers (Salah)
Prayer is always important, but during these days, try to go above and beyond. Wake up for Fajr, pray in congregation, and maybe even add some optional prayers like Tahajjud or Duha.
3. Read the Quran Regularly
This is the perfect time to reconnect with the Book of Allah. Try setting a daily goal even if it’s just one page a day. If you can’t commit to that, aim for a juz’ per day. You’ll be amazed at how much barakah (blessing) you gain.
4. Make Dhikr Constantly
Whether you’re cooking, commuting, or catching up with friends, keep your tongue moist with dhikr. Recite phrases like “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” “La ilaha illallah,” and “Allahu Akbar.” They’re short, sweet, and incredibly rewarding.
5. Seek Forgiveness (Istighfar)
We all mess up. A lot. So why not take advantage of these days to sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness? Say “Astaghfirullah” regularly, and mean it. Ask Him to cleanse your heart and forgive your shortcomings.
6. Strengthen Family Ties
Use this time to mend broken relationships, call relatives you haven’t spoken to in ages, and spend quality time with loved ones. Strengthening family bonds is not only a good deed it brings peace and blessings into your home.
7. Let Go of Bad Habits
This is your moment to break free from bad habits. Whether it’s gossiping, procrastinating, or scrolling mindlessly on your phone, use these days to reflect and reform. Set small goals and hold yourself accountable.
8. Perform Qurban (Sacrifice)
If you’re financially able, performing Qurban (Udhiyah) is a sunnah act that commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It’s a beautiful way to show gratitude and share blessings with those in need.
9. Celebrate Eid with Joy and Gratitude
On the tenth day, celebrate Eid al-Adha with joy, gratitude, and community spirit. Dress nicely, attend Eid prayers, visit neighbors, and spread kindness wherever you go.
10. Give Charity Generously
Charity is always encouraged in Islam, but during these days, it’s even more impactful. Donate to those in need, feed the hungry, and support causes that align with Islamic values.
11. Reflect and Set Spiritual Goals
Take time to reflect on your life, your relationship with Allah, and your goals for the future. Write down what you want to improve and commit to working on it after these blessed days end.
Fasting the First 9 Days of Dhul Hijjah
Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is highly encouraged, especially on the Day of Arafah . For non-pilgrims, fasting on this day has the incredible virtue of expiating the sins of the previous and coming year. Now, that’s a deal too good to pass up!
Increasing Daily Prayers (Salah)
Salah is the foundation of a Muslim’s relationship with Allah. During these blessed days, elevate your salah game. Pray on time, focus on your khushu’ (humility), and consider adding optional prayers like Tahajjud , Witr , or Duha
Imagine waking up before Fajr, making wudu, and standing in front of Allah in the stillness of the night. That’s when He descends to the lowest heaven and says:
“Who will call upon Me, that I may answer Him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?”
Bukhari and Muslim
How cool is that? You’re literally talking to the King of kings while the rest of the world sleeps. Don’t miss that connection.
Reading Quran
The Quran is the literal word of Allah, and reading it during these days brings immense reward. Whether you’re fluent or learning, pick up your mushaf and start reading. Even a few verses with reflection can transform your heart.
Try to understand what you’re reading by using tafsir resources or listening to recitations with translations. There’s no better time to deepen your understanding of the Quran than during these blessed days.
Dhikr (Remembering Allah SWT)
Dhikr is the oxygen of the soul. It keeps you grounded, connected, and constantly aware of Allah. During these ten days, increase your remembrance of Allah with phrases like:
● “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah)
● “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah)
● “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest)
● “La ilaha illallah” (There is no god but Allah)
You can also recite longer duas like Ayat al-Kursi , Surah Ikhlas , Surah Falaq , and Surah Naas . Remember, the best dhikr is the one done consistently and with sincerity.
Making Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness from Allah SWT)
We all fall short. That’s part of being human. But the beauty of Islam is that Allah is always ready to forgive. Use these days to sincerely seek His forgiveness.
Say “Astaghfirullah” regularly, and mean it. Ask Him to cleanse your heart, protect you from sin, and guide you to the straight path. There’s no shame in admitting your mistakes it’s actually a sign of strength and humility.
Strengthening Bonds with Loved Ones
Islam places great emphasis on maintaining family ties. Use these days to reach out to relatives, reconcile differences, and strengthen relationships. Call your parents, text that cousin you lost touch with, or surprise a friend with a visit.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain the ties of kinship.”
Sahih Bukhari
So don’t wait for someone else to reach out be the one who initiates. After all, strong families build strong communities.
Letting Go of Our Bad Habits
Let’s face it we all have habits we wish we could kick. Whether it’s procrastination, gossiping, or wasting hours on social media, these ten days are the perfect time to break free.
Set small, achievable goals. Replace bad habits with good ones. Start with one habit at a time and track your progress. With Allah’s help, you can transform your life for the better.
Performing Qurban (Sacrifice)
Qurban, or Udhiyah, is a symbolic act of sacrifice performed during Eid al-Adha. It reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unwavering faith and willingness to obey Allah.
If you’re financially capable, perform Qurban and share the meat with family, friends, and the less fortunate. It’s not just about the meat it’s about the intention behind it and the blessings that come with it.
Celebrating Eid
Eid al-Adha is a day of joy, gratitude, and community. Dress up, attend Eid prayers, exchange gifts, and share meals with loved ones. It’s a time to rejoice in Allah’s blessings and express gratitude for His countless favors.
Virtues of the Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah
These ten days are packed with virtues. From increased rewards for good deeds to the opportunity to wipe away sins, they offer a chance to reset spiritually. Whether you’re fasting, praying, or simply being kind, every action counts double.
Benefits of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah
Beyond the spiritual rewards, Dhul Hijjah offers numerous benefits:
● Spiritual renewal : A chance to restart your relationship with Allah.
● Increased rewards : Good deeds carry more weight.
● Community bonding : Time to connect with fellow Muslims.
● Self-improvement : An opportunity to break bad habits and grow.
● Reflection and gratitude : A time to appreciate Allah’s blessings.
When is the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah 2025?
Mark your calendars! Dhul Hijjah 2025 is expected to begin around June 6, 2025 , depending on moon sighting. Eid al-Adha will likely fall on June 13, 2025 . Keep an eye on local moon sighting announcements for confirmation.
FAQs About the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah
Q: Are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah obligatory to fast?
A: No, fasting during these days is highly recommended (mustahabb), especially the first nine days, but not obligatory.
Q: Can women fast during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah?
A: Yes, women can fast except during menstruation or postpartum bleeding.
Q: What is the significance of the Day of Arafah?
A: It’s the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, and fasting on this day expiates the sins of two years past and future.
Q: Is Qurban mandatory?
A: Qurban is a Sunnah mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah) for those who can afford it.
Q: How can I make the most of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah?
A: Focus on worship, increase good deeds, seek forgiveness, and spend time with loved ones.
Success Stories and Case Studies
At Ajyad Academy , we’ve seen countless students transform their lives through dedicated learning and spiritual growth. One such story is Fatima from Malaysia , who joined Ajyad Academy to learn Tajweed and memorize the Quran during Dhul Hijjah. Within six months, she completed her Juz Amma , improved her pronunciation, and developed a stronger connection with the Quran.
Another student, Ali from Canada , struggled with consistency in his prayers. Through personalized coaching and structured lessons at Ajyad Academy, he not only mastered the rules of Salah but also became more disciplined in his daily worship.
Download our Excel sheet to see detailed progress reports, lesson plans, and success metrics of our students. Witness how Ajyad Academy empowers learners to excel in Quranic studies and Islamic knowledge.
Conclusion
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are a golden opportunity to earn massive rewards, purify the soul, and grow closer to Allah. Whether you’re fasting, praying, reading the Quran, or spending time with family, every action counts. These days are not just about ticking off tasks they’re about transforming your life and building a lasting connection with your Creator.
So, make a plan, set intentions, and strive to make the most of these blessed days. May Allah accept your efforts and grant you success in this life and the next. Ameen.
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