Things To Do In The First 10 Days Of Dhul Hijjah: Your Complete Spiritual Guide (2026)
Meta Description: Discover the most powerful acts of worship for the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. From fasting on Arafah to Dhikr and Qurbani — maximize your rewards with this complete Islamic guide.
What Are the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah?
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the most blessed days of the entire Islamic year. In 2026, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on Monday, May 18, depending on the moon sighting. That means this sacred window is already open — right now.
These are not ordinary days. Allah (SWT) swears by them in the Quran:
“By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights.” — Surah Al-Fajr (89:1–2)
Scholars of Quranic interpretation widely agree that “the ten nights” refers to the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah — a distinction so profound that Allah Himself chose to take an oath by them.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) confirmed their unmatched status:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” — Sahih Al-Bukhari
This means that a prayer, a charity, or a moment of sincere remembrance performed during these days outweighs the same deed done at any other time of year. These are the peak days of the Islamic calendar.
Why Are the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah So Special?
Frequently Asked Question: Why are the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah considered the best days of the year?
These days are uniquely special because they bring together all four major pillars of worship — prayer, fasting, charity, and Hajj — simultaneously. This is a combination that occurs at no other time in the Islamic year.
They include:
- The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah): The holiest day of the year, where fasting expiates the sins of two full years — past and present.
- Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah): One of Islam’s two greatest festivals, marking the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
- The Days of Hajj: The fifth pillar of Islam, performed by millions of pilgrims in Makkah.
Even if you are not performing Hajj, these days hold immense value for every Muslim on Earth. Small efforts during this time carry extraordinary weight before Allah.
10 Things to Do in the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
1. Fast the First Nine Days — Especially the Day of Arafah
Fasting is among the most beloved acts of worship in Islam. The Prophet (ﷺ) regularly fasted during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, and this Sunnah carries tremendous reward.
If fasting all nine days feels challenging due to work, health, or other responsibilities, focus on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah — the Day of Arafah. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” — Sahih Muslim
One day of fasting. Two years of sins wiped away. This is among the most merciful gifts Allah has placed in this ummah’s hands.
Practical tip: Set a Suhoor alarm the night before. Plan light meals, reduce screen time, and protect your energy so your fast is spiritually meaningful, not merely physical.
⚠️ Note: If you are performing Hajj and standing at Arafah, do not fast. The spiritual reward of Arafah itself covers you, and your body needs strength for the pilgrimage.
2. Increase Your Dhikr — Remembrance of Allah
During these ten days, the Sunnah is to fill your tongue with the remembrance of Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed:
“There are no days greater in the sight of Allah than the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, so increase in them your Tahlil (La ilaha illallah), Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmid (Alhamdulillah).” — Musnad Ahmad
The three key phrases to recite:
| Phrase | Arabic | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Tasbeeh | سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ | Glory be to Allah |
| Tahmeed | الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ | All praise is for Allah |
| Takbeer | اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ | Allah is the Greatest |
Reciting “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi” 100 times daily wipes away sins, as reported in Sahih Muslim. The beauty of Dhikr is that you can do it anywhere — while commuting, cooking, or waiting. There is no excuse not to turn these ten days into a constant state of remembrance.
3. Recite and Reflect on the Quran
The rewards for Quran recitation are multiplied during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward, and that reward will be multiplied by ten.” — Jami’ at-Tirmidhi
Set a daily Quran goal that is realistic and consistent. Whether it is one Juz, five pages, or even a few ayat with their Tafsir — consistency matters more than quantity. Reflection on the meaning deepens the spiritual impact far beyond simple recitation.
Tip: Use a trusted Quran app with Arabic, translation, and Tafsir. Listen to recitations during your commute or before sleeping to immerse yourself in the words of Allah throughout the day.
4. Give Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity) Daily
Every good deed during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah is amplified. Charity is no exception. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized that these days are the greatest for righteous deeds, and giving in the path of Allah is one of the most direct acts of worship.
Even a small daily donation — whether £5, $10, or whatever is within your means — carries extraordinary weight when given sincerely during these blessed days. Many Islamic charities offer automated daily giving options so you never miss a single day.
Who to help: Give to food banks, sponsor an orphan, donate to disaster relief, or support your local mosque. Let no day of these ten pass without your hand being open in charity.
5. Perform Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice)
Qurbani is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and honors the eternal legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS). Ismail surrendered himself to Allah’s will, and at the moment of sacrifice, Allah replaced him with a ram — a mercy and a miracle.
“So pray to your Lord and offer sacrifice (to Him alone).” — Surah Al-Kawthar (108:2)
Qurbani is recommended for every adult Muslim who possesses wealth beyond their basic needs. The meat is divided into three parts: for yourself, for family and friends, and for the poor.
Key Sunnah: If you intend to offer Qurbani, do not cut your hair or nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until after the sacrifice is complete. This mirrors the state of the Hajj pilgrims and is a way of sharing in their spiritual condition.
Book your Qurbani early through a trustworthy Islamic relief organization to ensure it is performed correctly and on time.
6. Offer Additional Voluntary Prayers (Nafl)
While your five daily Fard prayers remain the foundation, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are an ideal time to increase Nafl (voluntary) prayers. The nights of these days hold special reward.
Islamic tradition recommends offering two rak’ah between Maghrib and Isha during each of these ten nights. In each unit, recite Surah Al-Fatihah once and Surah Al-Ikhlas once — a simple but spiritually rich act of devotion.
Consistent voluntary prayer strengthens the heart, keeps distractions at bay, and builds a direct connection with Allah through the night hours.
7. Make Sincere Tawbah — Repentance
Frequently Asked Question: Is it especially good to repent during Dhul Hijjah?
Absolutely. These days are not only for adding good deeds — they are equally powerful for removing the weight of sins. Allah (SWT) says:
“Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He will let you enjoy a good provision.” — Surah Hud (11:3)
True repentance (Tawbah) means acknowledging the sin, feeling genuine remorse, stopping the harmful action, and resolving never to return to it. Increase your Istighfar by saying “Astaghfirullah” frequently throughout the day. The door of forgiveness is wide open.
Use these ten days to let go of grudges, bad habits, and whatever keeps your heart distant from Allah. Repentance is not weakness — it is one of the most courageous and transformative acts a believer can perform.
8. Strengthen Family Ties (Silaturrahim)
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Keeping the ties of kinship encourages affection among relatives, increases wealth, and increases the lifespan.” — Tirmidhi
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are a beautiful opportunity to call a parent, visit a sibling, reconcile a broken relationship, or simply check in on someone you may have neglected. Islam places immense value on family bonds, and these sacred days are the perfect moment to renew them.
Reach out. Make the call you have been putting off. Mend the bridge you let fall into disrepair. Allah loves those who keep what He commanded to be kept.
9. Seek Islamic Knowledge
Seeking knowledge is an act of worship. During these days, replace idle scrolling with purposeful learning. Read a book about Hajj, watch a lecture on the life of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), listen to a podcast about the Day of Arafah, or study the virtues of these blessed days with your family.
When you understand why you are worshipping, your worship becomes deeper, more focused, and more sincere. Taqwa — God-consciousness — is the fruit of knowledge, and it transforms every action into an act of devotion.
10. Attend Eid Al-Adha Prayer and Celebrate with Community
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah marks the arrival of Eid al-Adha — the Festival of Sacrifice. Praying the Eid Salah in congregation is one of the most visible and communal expressions of Islamic identity. Dress well, arrive early, and make Takbeer on your way to the prayer ground.
After the prayer, slaughter your Qurbani (or ensure it has been arranged), distribute meat to those in need, and spend the day with family and community in gratitude and celebration. Eid is not merely a holiday — it is a declaration of submission to Allah and solidarity with every Muslim on earth.
Dhul Hijjah Daily Checklist
| Act of Worship | Days 1–8 | Day 9 (Arafah) | Day 10 (Eid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast | ✅ Encouraged | ✅ Highly Recommended | ❌ Forbidden |
| Dhikr & Takbeer | ✅ Daily | ✅ Intensify | ✅ Continue |
| Quran Recitation | ✅ Daily | ✅ Daily | ✅ Daily |
| Sadaqah | ✅ Daily | ✅ Increase | ✅ Distribute Qurbani |
| Nafl Prayer | ✅ Nightly | ✅ Nightly | ✅ Eid Salah |
| Tawbah | ✅ Ongoing | ✅ Intensify | ✅ Ongoing |
| Avoid cutting hair/nails | ✅ (if doing Qurbani) | ✅ | Qurbani done — can cut after |
Frequently Asked Questions About Dhul Hijjah
Q: When do the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah start in 2026? A: The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah 2026 are expected to begin on May 18, 2026, subject to moon sighting. This places the Day of Arafah around May 26 and Eid al-Adha around May 27, 2026.
Q: Are the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah better than the last 10 days of Ramadan? A: Scholars differ on this, but many — including Ibn Taymiyyah — hold that the days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of the year, while the nights of Ramadan (particularly the last ten) are the best nights. Both seasons are divine gifts deserving our full attention.
Q: What if I can only fast one day of Dhul Hijjah? A: Fast the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah). It is the single most rewarded fast of the year, expiating the sins of two full years according to Sahih Muslim.
Q: Can women fast on Arafah if they are on their period? A: No, fasting is not valid for women during menstruation. They should increase Dhikr, Sadaqah, Quran listening, and Dua during this time to maximize their participation in these blessed days.
Final Thought: Don’t Let These Days Pass Unnoticed
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah arrive quietly — with no grand announcement, no commercials, and no social pressure. That is part of their profound beauty. The most sacred opportunities are often the ones not loudly announced.
You do not need to be in Makkah to benefit. You do not need to be perfect in your faith to begin. A sincere dua, a small donation, a moment of Dhikr whispered in traffic — these count. These matter. These are written.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said no good deed is greater during any other time of year. That promise is still standing. The days are here. Seize them.
Sources: Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abi Dawud, Musnad Ahmad, Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah | Inspired by: “Turn Back To Islamic” YouTube Channel
