The First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah: The Best Days of the Year
When we think of the holiest time in the Islamic calendar, our minds usually jump to Ramadan. While Ramadan has the best nights (specifically the last ten), the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are considered the best days of the entire year.
This period is the grand finale of the Islamic year—a season of immense spiritual opportunity, hajj, sacrifice, and celebration.
Why Are These Days Special?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) elevated the status of these days above all others:
"There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." (Bukhari)
Allah Himself swears by these nights in the Quran:
"By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights." (Quran 89:1-2)
These days combine the "mother" acts of worship in a way no other time does: prayer, fasting, charity, and Hajj can only be performed together during this specific window.
Key Events During These 10 Days
1. The Hajj Pilgrimage
For those invited to the House of Allah, these days mark the rites of Hajj. Millions of pilgrims from around the globe, including thousands from the UK, gather in Makkah to stand on the plains of Arafah.
2. The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)
This is the pinnacle of the ten days. It is the day the religion of Islam was perfected.
"This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion." (Quran 5:3)
For those not on Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
3. Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul-Hijjah)
The "Festival of Sacrifice" marks the end of the ten days. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah—before Allah replaced him with a ram.
Recommended Acts of Worship
You don't have to be in Makkah to benefit from this blessed season. Here is how you can observe it at home:
1. Fasting the First Nine Days
It is desirable to fast as many of the first nine days as possible, especially the 9th (Arafah). Note: Fasting is prohibited on the 10th (Eid).
2. Increase Dhikr (Remembrance)
The Prophet instructed us to increase in saying Tahlil (La ilaha illallah), Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmid (Alhamdulillah) during these days. It is a beautiful Sunnah to recite the Takbeer audibly in our homes and mosques:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd.
3. Qurbani (Udhiyah)
For those who have the means, offering a sacrifice (Qurbani) is an emphasized Sunnah (or Wajib according to some schools). This meat is shared with family, friends, and the poor, ensuring the joy of Eid reaches everyone.
If you intend to offer Qurbani, it is a Sunnah not to cut your hair or nails from the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah moon until your sacrifice is made.
4. Extra Charity & Prayer
The reward for every good deed is multiplied. Give generously to charity appeals or simply help those around you.
Summary Checklist for the 10 Days
- Fast the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)
- Recite the Takbeerat frequently
- Give extra charity (Sadaqah)
- Arrange your Qurbani in advance
- Read about the rites of Hajj to spiritually connect with the pilgrims
These ten days are a gift—a final boost of spiritual credit before the Islamic year closes. Don't let them pass treating them like ordinary days.
Need to check the date for Eid or Arafah? Use our Interactive Islamic Lunar Calendar.