The 10 Days Allah Loves Most: What to Do in the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
Are you making the most of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah?
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah hold a special place in Islam.
They are referred to in the Qur’an as “Al-Ayyam al-Ma’lumat”, or the Appointed Days:
لِّيَشْهَدُوا۟ مَنَـٰفِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا۟ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ فِىٓ أَيَّامٍۢ مَّعْلُومَـٰتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّنۢ بَهِيمَةِ ٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ ۖ فَكُلُوا۟ مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا۟ ٱلْبَآئِسَ ٱلْفَقِيرَ ٢٨
“…so they may obtain the benefits [in store] for them and pronounce the name of Allah on known days over the sacrificial animals He has provided for them. So eat from them and feed the needy and the poor.” (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:28)
These days are further honored in Surah Al-Fajr, where Allah swears by them:
“By the dawn, and the ten nights.” (Qur’an, 89:1-2)
The Prophet Muhammad (saww) said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” (Iqbal al-A‘mal, Sayyid ibn Tawus)
So what can you do during these 10 blessed days?
1. Fast When You Can
Fasting on the 1st of Dhul Hijjah is highly recommended.
Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) is especially sacred. Fasting that day brings immense reward – unless it affects your ability to perform Arafah night worship.
According to scholars, fasting the first nine days is mustahabb (recommended). The 10th is Eid al-Adha, when fasting is not permitted.
Fasting in Ramadhan: A Simple Guide to Ritual, Social, and Spiritual Dimensions by Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi mentions that fasting is recommended for the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah (the tenth day would be Eid Al-Adha, making it haram/unlawful to fast).
Tip: Prioritize making up any missed (qadha) fasts. You can still gain the blessings of these days while doing so!
2. Special Prayer Between Maghrib & Isha
Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (as) said:
“The reward for offering this two-rak‘ah prayer is like that of those performing Hajj.” (Iqbal al-A‘mal)
In each rak‘ah, recite:
- Surah Al-Fatiha (1x)
- Surah Al-Ikhlas (1x)
- Surah Al-A‘raf, verse 142 (1x)
The ayat is as follows:
وَوَاعَدْنَا مُوسَى ثَلاَثِينَ لَيْلَةً وَأَتْمَمْنَاهَا بِعَشْرٍ فَتَمَّ مِيقَاتُ رَبِّهِ أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً وَقَالَ مُوسَى لأَخِيهِ هَارُونَ اخْلُفْنِي فِي قَوْمِي وَأَصْلِحْ وَلاَ تَتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ
“And We appointed for Musa thirty nights, and completed (the period) with ten more; thus he completed the whole time appointed by his Lord of forty nights. And Musa said to his brother Harun: Take my place (Act for me) among the people. Do right, and do not follow the way of those who do mischief.” (Quran 7:142)
3. Special Daily Recitations
Mafatih al-Jinan recommends:
- A daily du’a after Fajr until Maghrib
- Five short du’as taught to Prophet Isa (as) by Angel Jibra’il
- A simple Tahlil (declaration of faith)
These are uplifting and easy to add to your day. Read them here.
4. Increase Worship & Good Deeds
Make the most of these days by:
- Praying Salat al-Layl
- Reciting the Holy Qur’an
- Making frequent istighfar (seeking forgiveness)
- Reflecting on self-improvement
- Giving charity – money, time, or talent
Don’t forget the devotions of Arafah and Eid night/day, including Eid prayer.
5. Give Your Qurbani
Qurbani honors the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) unwavering faith. The rewards are great:
- Sins are forgiven
- You gain divine protection
- The needy are fed
The Zahra Trust delivers your Qurbani to the most vulnerable.
Your gift:
- Fights food insecurity
- Nourishes families
- Strengthens local communities
Deadline to give Qurbani: June 4th
These 10 Days Are a Gift
They are a divine opportunity to reset your heart, revive your faith, and increase your good deeds.
Whether it’s fasting, prayer, giving, or reflection – every action counts. Let’s make them meaningful.
Look to make an impact by:
- Supporting the needy to reduce their hardships
- Giving your Qurbani – deadline is June 4th!
