Did you know that the Dhul Hijjah first 10 days are the finest days of the year? They offer a second opportunity to receive enormous rewards following Ramadan. These days include the Day of Arafah, Qurbani, and the Hajj.
Dhul Hijjah first 10 days
The Sunnah advises fasting for the first nine days, particularly on the day of Arafah. In addition, do more Ibadah, raise your Dhikr, perform the Hajj and Udhiya if you can, and so on.
Let’s discover the benefits of Dhul Hijjah first 10 days that auspicious times, and some positive actions we may do to maximize Dhul Hijjah’s first ashra.
Dhul Hijjah: What is it?
SubhanAllah, one of the most sacred times of the Islamic year is the month of Dhul Hijjah. We observe two extremely unique occasions (Hajj and Eid al-Adha) within a month of heightened spirituality, all in service to Allah (SWT).
Many people are unaware that the Dhul Hijjah first 10 days are the greatest days of the year, without exception. They are even better than the days of Ramadan, SubhanAllah!
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days” [Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari]
You could feel that you could have done more during the holy month of Ramadan and miss the experience thereafter.
Insha’Allah, these cherished Dhul Hijjah first 10 days present us with yet another opportunity to receive enormous blessings, have our sins pardoned, and become extremely devout.
We experience two very important events throughout a month of heightened spirituality, all of which are devoted to Allah (SWT).
In addition to being the month of the Hajj, today is also the auspicious day of Eid al-Adha.
As Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did, every one of us who is able must offer a Qurbani on this day in devotion to Allah (SWT) and to support underprivileged populations everywhere, especially in the UK.
What Makes the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah Crucial?
What significance do the Dhul Hijjah first 10 days have? The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are honorable for a variety of reasons. Among them are
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These days fall inside the month of Dhu’l Hijjah, which is a holy month in Islam
Allah Subhanu Wa Ta’ala designated Dhul Hijjah as one of the four holy months. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ stated:
“The division of time has reverted to its initial state, which existed when Allah created the Earth and the heavens. The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred: Rajab of the tribe of Mudar, which is between Jumadi-ath-Thaniyah and Sha’ban, and Dhul-Qa’ im, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram. [Al-Bukhari, Sahih: 3197]
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According to the Quran, Allah (SWT) takes an oath on the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah
“By the dawn; And by the ten nights.” [Sura Al-Fajr, 89: 1-2]
These verses represent the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, according to numerous Sahaba (R), Tabee (RA), and Mufassir (RA), including Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R), Abdullah Ibn Zubair (R), and Mujahid (RA). “This is the correct opinion,” stated Ibn Kathir (R). [Ibn Kathir, Tafsir]
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These are the finest days of the year, according to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
“There is no better day to Allah than the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah,” according to a hadith recounted by Jabir (R) from Allah’s Messenger. [Ibn Hibban, Sahih]
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There are many days of honor during the first Ashra (period) of Dhul Hijjah
The Day of Arafah, Day of Sacrifice, Hajj activities, and other honorable days and occasions that extend the values of Dhul Hijjah are all part of these ten days leading up to Eid al-Adha.
When are the 2026 Dhul Hijjah first 10 days?
Depending on the moon sighting, Dhul Hijjah this year will start on May 18 and end on June 15. Therefore, depending on the moon, the first ten days will take place from May 18 to May 28.
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than in these (ten) days,” declared the Prophet (saw) [Abu Dawud].
The initial ten days of Dhul Hijjah
To help us all make the most of these auspicious days, consider the following advice:
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Go through the Quran
Reading the Qur’an is a good deed, and Allah (SWT) particularly appreciates good deeds performed nowadays. Even if it’s just a few verses every day, read as much as you can.
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An increase in Nafl prayers
You can improve your worship and good actions by participating in a variety of optional prayers throughout the day.
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Make a lot of dhikr
“There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him than these 10 days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed during them,” declared our Prophet (PBUH).
- Tahmeed: Praise be to God, Al-hamdu Lillah
- Tahleel: Laa ilaha ill-Allah (Allah is the only deity)
- Tasbeeh: Subhaan-Allah (Praise be to God)
- Istighfaar
Take advantage of these auspicious days to ask for pardon for all of our transgressions.
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Abstaining from food
Since fasting is one of the finest actions, it is sunnah for Muslims to fast during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah. Allah states in a hadith qudsi:
“All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward him for it.” [Bukhari, 1805]
“Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one,” declared the prophet. [Muslim]
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Contribute to charity
Give as much as you can to charity during these auspicious times.
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Maintain kinship ties
The Prophet (PBUH) once said, “Whoever would like his provision to be increased and his lifespan to be extended, let him maintain the ties of kinship.” As a result, maintaining kinship ties is the result of the noblest acts. [Bukhari]
Common Questions related to the Dhul Hijjah first 10 days
How should one pray at the start of the auspicious ten days of Dhul Hijjah?
There isn’t a set rule. As much as you can, you can pray, perform Dhikr, memorize the Quran, donate to charity, etc.
Is it Sunnah to fast during Dhul Hijjah?
Indeed, fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is Sunnah. However, you should not fast on Arafah Day (9th Dhul Hijjah) if you are doing the Hajj.