
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah have great significance for Muslims. Allah SWT has blessed us with countless opportunities to multiply our rewards through His infinite mercy. After the month of Ramadan, these 10 days of Dhul Hijjah offer you another chance to get immense rewards and forgiveness. Allah SWT reminds us by saying.
And remember Allah during these appointed days. (2:203).
As Muslims, we must make these special days meaningful with the remembrance of Allah and increase worship during this sacred time. The Prophet SAW said
There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved by Allah than these ten days. Sahih Bukhari
What Makes The Days Dhul Hijjah Special?
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are unique in the Islamic calendar. In Surah Al-Fajr, Allah SWT swears by these ten nights, which shows their great importance.
By the dawn and the ten nights (89:1-2)
Dhul Hijjah is a very special month in Islam because it includes the important events of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, and Eid al-Adha.
1. The Day of Arafah
The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah, millions of Muslim pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah in Hajj, seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah. This is the day when the last verse of the holy Quran was revealed. The mission of the Prophet SAW was completed during the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah. Allah SWT says
This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. (Quran 5:3)
2. Eid al-Adha
The 10th day marks Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. The day commemorates Prophet Ibrahim AS’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. It’s a time of celebration, reflection, and sharing with those in need through the practice of Qurbani (sacrifice). This day is the gift from Allah that allows us to depend on and seek forgiveness from Allah even if we are not on a pilgrimage. Allah SWT says
And seek your Lord’s forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. He will grant you a good provision for an appointed term and graciously reward the doers of good. (11:3)
How to Spend Days of Dhul Hijjah?
As we move through these blessed days, here are some practical ways to maximise our rewards:
1. Engage in Good Deeds
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the best opportunity to earn extra rewards. Whether it’s extra prayers, fasting, charity, or simple acts of kindness, every deed counts more during this period.
Many of us give sadaqah during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, but the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah also have the same value.
Preying Thajjud for the first and last nights of Dhul Hijjah is equivalent to praying for the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Recite and understand the Quran, which is one of the best acts of worship. The Prophet SAW said
[Whoever recites a letter] from Allah’s Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. Tirmidhi
For additional practical tips on making the most of these days, you can check out this guide from Productive Muslim.

2. Increase in Dhikr
The simple act of Dhikr is the reason for closeness to Allah and getting the blessings of Dhul Hijjah. These days are perfect for remembering Allah through
- Dhikr (Remembrance).
- Recite Takbeer (Allahu Akbar),
- Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah),
- Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), and
- Tasbeeh (Subhanallah).
General Takbeer
- Start – After Maghrib prayer on the evening of the last day of Dhul Qa’dah, which begins the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
- End – Just before Maghrib on the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah.
- Frequency – Frequently throughout the day, especially after prayers.
Takbeer Tashreeq
- Start – After Fajr prayer on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah (the Day of Arafah).
- End – After Asr prayer on the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah.
- Frequency – After every obligatory prayer during these days.
The Days of Tashreeq are the 11th, 12th, and 13th days of Dhul Hijjah, following Eid al-Adha. Traditionally, “Tashreeq” refers to the practice of drying meat from the sacrificial animals in the sun to preserve it. These days are now marked by continued celebration, recitation of Takbeer, and completing the Hajj rituals.
Moist your tongue with Eid Takbeer after every prayer that has Tahleel, Takbeer, and Tamheed. Let’s start these days with the simple act of remembrance of Allah.
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd.
Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise.
3. Fast to the First Nine Days
Fasting on the first 9 days of the Dhul Hijjah is the Sunnah, especially on the day of Arafah. It is the most blessed day of the year, just like Lailatul Qadr, the most blessed night of the year. The Prophet SAW said
Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one. Sahih Muslim
4. Reflect and Give Thanks
Take a moment each day to write down what you’re grateful for. Reflect on the blessings in your life and how you can use them to benefit others. Gratitude not only brings us closer to Allah but also helps us appreciate the goodness in our lives. Allah SWT says
And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. (14:7)
5. Connect with Community
These days are also about community and togetherness. Reach out to family and friends, share meals, and engage in acts of charity together. Our strength lies in our unity. Together, we can support each other in our spiritual journeys.
Join Us in Making Days of Dhul Hijjah Special
As we enter these best ten days of Dhul Hijjah, I encourage you to understand their importance and find ways to become closer to Allah. Engage in good deeds, increase your remembrance, and take a moment each day to express gratitude.
We can support each other by sharing our experiences and inspirations. How are you planning to make the most of these blessed days? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below.
May Allah maximise our ibadah, accept our efforts, forgive our sins, and shower us with His blessings. Ameen 🤲🏽