What to Do During the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
5-28-2025
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The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most sacred and spiritually potent days in the Islamic calendar. Allah has favored these days with immense opportunities for reward, mercy, and elevation in ranks.
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
Jami at-Tirmidhi 757
Whether you're able to perform Hajj or not, these ten days are a priceless chance to draw closer to Allah through worship, supplication, and good deeds. Here’s how to make the most of them:
1. Increase in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged frequent tahleel (La ilaha illAllah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) during these days:
“So during these days, recite a great deal of Tahleel (La ilaaha illAllah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).”
(Ahmad 6154)
Practical Tip: Start and end your day with dhikr. You can recite:
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La ilaha illAllah
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SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-Azeem
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Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh
2. Fasting
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, especially the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah), which holds great virtue.
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Muslim 1162)
Sunnah Action: Fast all nine days if you are able, or at least the Day of Arafah.
3. Praying at Night (Qiyam al-Layl)
These nights are among the best in the year. Worship during them through extra prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, and seeking forgiveness. Just as we treasure Laylatul Qadr in Ramadan, these nights are also precious.
“By the dawn. And [by] ten nights.”
(Qur’an 89:1–2)
Many scholars believe this refers to the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah.
Try this Du'a during Tahajjud:
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni
(O Allah, You are the Pardoner, You love to pardon, so pardon me.)
4. Give in Charity
Charity is multiplied during sacred days. Even small acts of giving carry immense reward. Try to give daily during these ten days, even if it’s just a little.
“Charity does not decrease wealth.”
(Muslim 2588)
Tip: Sponsor an orphan, feed a fasting person, or support an Islamic cause.
5. Sincere Tawbah (Repentance)
These days are an ideal time to return to Allah with a sincere heart. Seek His forgiveness for past sins and make a promise to do better.
Qur’anic Reminder:
“And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.”
(Qur’an 24:31)
Du'a for Forgiveness:
Rabbi ighfir li wa tub ‘alayya innaka anta At-Tawwabu Ar-Raheem
(My Lord, forgive me and accept my repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepter of Repentance, the Merciful.)
6. Qur’an Recitation and Reflection
The reward of reading the Qur’an is multiplied in these days. Set aside time daily to read and reflect on its meanings. Implement one verse in your daily life.
“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a hasanah (good deed)...”
(Tirmidhi 2910)
Try reflecting on verses related to Hajj, patience, or the hereafter.
7. Udhiyah (Sacrificial Slaughter)
If you are able, offer a sacrifice on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha) as part of reviving the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) sacrificed two rams… and said: In the name of Allah, and Allah is the greatest.”
(Bukhari 5558)
Note: If you intend to offer a sacrifice, avoid cutting your hair or nails from the beginning of Dhul Hijjah until after the sacrifice is made (Muslim 1977).
8. Make Abundant Du’a
This is a golden time to make heartfelt supplications. Allah loves to be asked, and in these blessed days, His mercy is especially near.
Du’a to Seek Mercy and Good Deeds:
Allahumma aj‘alni min al-muttaqeen, waj‘alni min at-tawwabeen, waj‘alni min ‘ibadika as-saliheen
(O Allah, make me among the God-fearing, the repentant, and Your righteous servants.)
Don’t Miss Out
Whether you're at home, working, studying, or traveling—these ten days are a treasure chest of opportunities. You may not be standing on the plains of Arafah, but you can be standing in prayer, shedding tears in sujood, and raising your hands in du’a. These days are a chance to rewrite your destiny with Allah.
“And whoever honors the symbols of Allah – indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.”
(Qur’an 22:32)
May Allah accept from us and allow us to make the most of these ten days. May He write us among the forgiven, the thankful, and those admitted into Jannah without account. Ameen.
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