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Dhul Hijjah | The Best 10 Days of the Islamic Year - Make Them Count
Dhul Hijjah Day of Arafah First 10 Days Islamic Calendar Worship Eid al-Adha Fasting Islamic Virtues Takbeer Sacred Days Islamic Months

Dhul Hijjah | The Best 10 Days of the Islamic Year - Make Them Count

Discover Dhul Hijjah's first 10 days—Islam's most blessed period. Learn practical worship strategies including fasting, dhikr, and charity, with focus on the Day of Arafah. Create a daily worship plan to maximize rewards during this divine blessing, combining spiritual insights with authentic prophetic traditions.

12 min read
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Key Takeaways

  • Why these 10 days are the most blessed in Islam
  • The significance of the Day of Arafah
  • Practical ways to maximize worship during Dhul Hijjah
  • The spiritual benefits of fasting and Qurban
  • Creating a daily checklist for these blessed days

The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah – Why These Are the Best Days of the Islamic Year

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have your dua answered more readily? To have your good deeds multiplied beyond imagination? To feel a special closeness to Allah ﷻ ? There's something about these first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah that stops anyone in their tracks. In busy lives where time seems to slip through our fingers, Allah ﷻ has blessed us with these precious days, a divine gift that comes only once a year.

Why These Days Matter So Much

Let's be real, everyone needs those spiritual boosts, those moments when connection with Allah feels renewed and strengthened. That's exactly what these days offer.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that: "There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days..." - Bukhari

These days outweigh even some of the most significant acts of worship. They're like a spiritual supercharger for hearts and souls.

What Makes Dhul Hijjah So Special?

There's something deeply moving about knowing that while millions gather in Makkah for Hajj, Muslims can still participate in this blessed season from wherever they are. These days connect everyone, whether circling the Ka'bah or sitting in living rooms.

Within these ten days, we find:

  • ✦ The Day of Arafah - The 9th day, when Allah frees more people from Hellfire than any other day
  • ✦ Eid al-Adha - The celebration of obedience and sacrifice
  • ✦ The Performance of Hajj - The fifth pillar of Islam
  • ✦ The Opportunity for Qurban - Reviving the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
The Day of Arafah alone is when Allah ﷻ draws near to the earth and tells the angels about those standing in worship. It's when He forgives sins in abundance.

Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: "There is no day when God sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of 'Arafah. He draws near, then praises them to the angels, saying: What do these want?"

Do we really understand what has been given? These aren't just regular days. They're days when the gates of mercy are wide open, waiting for the faithful to simply walk through.

How Are These Days Better Than Ramadan?

While the last ten nights of Ramadan include Laylat al-Qadr, a night better than a thousand months, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are more comprehensive. Why? Because they embody every pillar of Islam:
  • Shahadah (Faith) — Renew your intentions
  • Salah (Prayer) — Establish regular prayers and add Sunnah prayers
  • Sawm (Fasting) — Fast during these days, especially on Arafah
  • Zakah (Charity) — Give more, especially to the most needy
  • Hajj (Pilgrimage) — If not performing Hajj, connect through acts of worship

The Best Acts of Worship During These 10 Days

Here's your guide to maximising these blessed days:

1

Fasting – Especially on the Day of Arafah

If not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) erases the sins (minor) of the previous year AND the coming year. Think about that – a clean slate through a single day of fasting.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ told us: "Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year." - Muslim

There's something beautiful about knowing millions are standing on that plain of Arafah, raising their hands in du'a, while others join that spiritual moment from thousands of miles away through fasting and worship.

2

Dhikr and Takbeer – Fill the Air with Allah's Praise

From the Fajr of the 1st day until the Asr of the 13th day, recite the takbeer after every obligatory prayer:

"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd."

Let your home, car, and gatherings echo with the takbeer. It's a declaration of faith, humility, and devotion.

Allah ﷻ says: "That they may mention the name of Allah on known days..." - Surah Al-Hajj, 22:28

These known days are the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.

3

Extra Prayers and Qur'an

When was the last time you really sat with the Qur'an, not just reading but reflecting? These days are perfect for deepening that relationship.

Try to pray additional nawafil prayers, especially at night. There's a special tranquility in night prayers during these blessed days that's hard to describe but impossible to forget once experienced.

4

Qurban/Udhiyah – Reviving the Sunnah of Ibrahim (AS)

Qurban isn't just a ritual, it's a personal connection to Prophet Ibrahim's legacy of sacrifice and submission. When giving Qurban, we aren't just providing meat; we are continuing a prophetic tradition that spans thousands of years.

This practice keeps alive the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) through sincere intention and devotion to Allah ﷻ.

5

Du'a – Especially on the Day of Arafah

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah." - Tirmidhi

Making a list of hopes and prayers during this time is beneficial. These are the days when du'as ascend with special favour. It's a time to pour one's heart out to Allah – He is always listening.

6

Seeking Forgiveness

Everyone carries burdens of mistakes and shortcomings. These days are perfect for sincere tawbah (repentance).

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "No person commits a sin and then makes wudu properly, offers two rak'ahs of Salah then seeks forgiveness except that Allah will forgive him."

7

Strengthening Family Ties

Reaching out to relatives you haven't spoken to in a while is encouraged. These blessed days are the perfect time for healing relationships and reconnecting with family.

A Daily Checklist to Stay Grounded

Here's a simple checklist to help you make the most of each day:

Print this checklist or save it to your phone to track your progress each day.

The Hidden Opportunity Most People Miss

What's interesting? While many know about these blessed days, few truly plan for them. People plan for holidays, for work projects, even for weekend activities, but sometimes these ten days slip by without being maximised.

This year can be different.

Right now, before the days begin, making a simple plan is crucial. Which days will you fast? What extra acts of worship will you commit to? How will you prepare for Qurban?

Final Thought: Make These Days Count

These ten days are a gift, a divine reset button. What you do in them can have a lasting impact, not just for this year, but for your entire life.

"And remind them of the Days of Allah..." - Surah Ibrahim, 14:5

Let your heart feel the weight of these days. Let your actions reflect your love for Allah ﷻ. And don't let them pass without making the most of every moment.

The ten best days of the year are coming. Let's make them count together.

Dhul Hijjah | The Best 10 Days of the Islamic Year - Make Them Count - Alihsan.us Blog