What are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah?
Yes, they're the most blessed days of the Islamic year. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth Islamic month, are the days of Hajj and they end with Eid al-Adha on the 10th. Good deeds done in them are especially loved by Allah, so Muslims try to pray, fast, give and remember Allah more than usual, even if they're nowhere near Mecca.
Why these days are special
The Prophet ﷺ said that no good deeds done on other days are better than those done in these ten days (Sahih al-Bukhari 969). The pilgrims are performing Hajj, the 9th is the Day of Arafah, and the 10th is Eid al-Adha, the day of sacrifice. Many commentators also understand the "ten nights" Allah swears by in Surah al-Fajr to be these nights.
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, these days move about 11 days earlier every year. Watch for the new moon announcement at the end of Dhul Qadah from your local mosque.
What you can do on these days
- Dhikr and takbir: say "Allahu akbar", "La ilaha illa Allah", "Alhamdulillah" and "SubhanAllah" often, at home, at work, in the car.
- Extra prayer: add a few sunnah prayers or two rak'ahs at night. Small and steady beats one exhausting night.
- Fasting: fasting the first nine days, or some of them, is recommended by many scholars. One narration says the Prophet ﷺ used to fast them (Sunan Abi Dawud 2437), while Aisha said she never saw him fast them (Sahih Muslim 1176), so scholars treat it as a recommended extra, not a duty.
- Charity: give a little every day, even a few dollars or euros online.
- Qurbani: if you can afford it, arrange your sacrifice for Eid. See What is qurbani and do I have to do it?
The Day of Arafah
The 9th is the high point. If you're not on Hajj, fasting that day carries a huge reward, and it's a perfect day for long, personal dua.
If you plan to offer a qurbani, some scholars also say you should stop cutting your hair and nails from the start of the month until the sacrifice. Views differ on how strict this is. See Do I have to stop cutting my hair and nails before qurbani?
A simple plan for a new Muslim
You don't need to do everything. Pick two or three habits and keep them for all ten days: for example, 100 times "SubhanAllah" after Fajr, one page of Quran in the evening, and a daily coin in a charity jar. Fast the Day of Arafah if you can. If you can't afford Hajj yet, these days are a way to share in its blessing from home. See Do I have to go to Hajj if I can't afford it?
- The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of the year for good deeds.
- They include the Day of Arafah (9th) and Eid al-Adha (10th).
- Dhikr, extra prayer, charity and voluntary fasting are all encouraged.
- Small, steady habits for ten days are better than one burst.
People also ask
What is Laylat al-Qadr and how do I find it?
Yes, you can find it by seeking it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially odd nights. What it is, the key dua and what to do.
Read the full answer →Should I fast on the Day of Arafah?
Yes, if you're not on Hajj. Fasting Arafah expiates two years of sins. Who should fast, which day to pick, and how to use the day well.
Read the full answer →Do I have to stop cutting my hair and nails before qurbani?
It depends on your school, but it's at least recommended to stop cutting hair and nails from Dhul Hijjah until your qurbani is done.
Read the full answer →Can I do qurbani for someone who died?
Yes, most scholars allow qurbani for a deceased Muslim; Shafi'is traditionally need a will. Three practical options and non-Muslim relatives.
Read the full answer →Can I do one qurbani for my whole family?
It depends on your school. Most scholars say one sheep covers the household; Hanafis say one per eligible adult. Plus cow and camel shares.
Read the full answer →