The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most special and blessed days in the Islamic calendar. These days are full of rewards and mercy from Allah. Every Muslim should try to make the most of this time by increasing their good deeds and staying away from sins.

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic year. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are especially important because Allah has made them full of blessings. These are the days when Hajj takes place and when Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid al-Adha. Even for those not going for Hajj, these days are a golden opportunity to gain closeness to Allah.

Allah Loves Good Deeds During These Days

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are better than any other days of the year for doing good deeds. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This Hadith shows how valuable these days are in the sight of Allah. Whether it is prayer, fasting, giving charity, or reading the Qur’an, all good actions carry more reward during this time. Even simple acts like smiling, helping others, or saying kind words can bring great reward.

Fasting During the First Nine Days

Fasting is one of the best ways to worship Allah. In the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims are encouraged to fast, especially on the Day of Arafah, which is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Fasting brings a person closer to Allah. It teaches self-control and helps purify the soul. If one is not able to fast all nine days, they should try to fast at least on the Day of Arafah to gain this great reward.

The Day of Arafah

The Day of Arafah is one of the most important days in Islam. It is the day when the pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah, asking for Allah’s forgiveness. For Muslims not at Hajj, it is a day to fast, make dua (supplication), and seek mercy from Allah.

On this day, Allah forgives more people than on any other day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.”
(Sahih Muslim)

So, we should spend this day with full attention to worship, asking for forgiveness, and making sincere dua.

Eid al-Adha and Sacrifice

The 10th day of Dhul Hijjah is Eid al-Adha. It is a day of celebration and sacrifice. Muslims remember the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who was ready to sacrifice his son for Allah’s sake. Allah replaced the son with a ram and made it a practice for Muslims to sacrifice an animal.

This act reminds us to always obey Allah and to give from what we love. The meat from the sacrifice is shared with family, friends, and the poor. This teaches us kindness, generosity, and care for others.

Increase in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

During the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, we should say Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), and Tasbeeh (SubhanAllah) often. These words bring peace to the heart and are loved by Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to say these praises out loud during these days.

You can do this at home, in the masjid, or even while walking or working. Keeping the tongue busy with remembrance helps in avoiding bad speech and negative thoughts.

Giving Charity and Helping Others

Giving charity in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah brings extra reward. Whether it’s giving money, food, or clothes to someone in need, every act of kindness counts. You don’t need to be rich to give charity. Even a smile is considered a form of charity in Islam.

Try to give something each day, no matter how small. Helping others not only pleases Allah but also brings peace and happiness to your heart.

Reading Qur’an and Making Dua

This is also a perfect time to read more Qur’an and understand its meaning. Set a goal to read a few pages each day. Make dua for yourself, your family, and the whole Ummah. Ask Allah for guidance, forgiveness, and success in this life and the next.

The gates of mercy are wide open during these days. Take advantage of this golden time.

Finally

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are full of chances to earn great rewards. These days are a gift from Allah to help us grow closer to Him. Whether it’s through fasting, praying, giving charity, or remembering Allah, every good deed counts more during this time.

If we truly understand the merits of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, we will not let these days pass like any other. Let’s make an effort to use each day wisely, asking Allah for His mercy and forgiveness. May Allah help us all to make the most of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah and accept our good deeds. Ameen.