Dhul Hijjah: The Best 10 Days of the Islamic Calendar

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest months of the lunar calendar. The month is not only special to Muslims worldwide, but its virtues are mentioned in the Qur’an by Allah Himself.
Among its 30 days, the first ten are considered the most virtuous, often referred to as the “Best 10 Days.” During these days, the best thing a Muslim can do for himself is increase his acts of worship, reflection upon the Qur’an, acts of kindness and charity in preparation for the celebration of Eid Al-Adha that awaits.

The Significance of Dhul Hijjah

The first ten days are especially important as it is the time for Hajj, which only comes around once a year at this time. It follows up to the second and final Eid of the year, Eid Al-Adha. The significance of the first ten days is mentioned in the Qur’an in a verse where Allah swears by them—
“By the dawn, and the ten nights,” [Surah Al-Fajr, verses 1-2]
Once a man came up to the Prophet  ﷺ  and asked, “Oh, Messenger of Allah, are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah better or time spent waging Jihad in the way of Allah?”

The Prophet  ﷺ  then responded,
“They are better than time spent waging Jihad in the way of Allah. No day is better to Allah than the day of Arafat. Allah descends to the lowest heaven, and He boasts to the inhabitants of the heavens about the inhabitants of the earth, saying: Look at My servants, appearing dishevelled and dusty. They came from every mountain pass, hoping for My mercy. They do not see My punishment, yet they do not see that on no day are more saved from Hellfire than the day of Arafat.” [Sahih Ibn Hibban, 3853]

Key Practices During the First Ten Days

The Prophet ﷺ said, “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab which comes between Jumaada and Sha’baan.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari, 2958]
During these months, deeds weigh heavier on the scales. So, Muslims are encouraged to refrain from their sins to the best of their abilities. They are also advised to do more good deeds to multiply their benefits. These are some of the key acts of worship to do during these blessed ten days —

Increased Worship

All acts of worship that we do regularly day-to-day, such as praying Nawafil, reciting Dhikr, reading the Qur’an, and fasting voluntarily, should be increased during these days to bring in more reward.
It should also be noted that the acts most favored by Allah are the Fardh acts of worship, such as your 5 daily prayers. So, make sure not to delay or miss them no matter what.
Fasting on the Day of Arafat

For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the day of Arafat (9th of Dhul Hijjah) is highly recommended. It holds a great reward, as stated by our Prophet  ﷺ  —
“Fasting on the day of Arafat expiates the sins of two years: the past year and the upcoming year.” [Sahih Muslim, 1162]

Sacrifice (Qurbani)

Eid Al-Adha, which is the second and final Eid of the year, is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and commemorates the greatest test of the Prophet Ibrahim AS. In his trial, Ibrahim AS was commanded to sacrifice his own son to show his devotion to Allah. He passed the test, and Allah replaced his son with a ram just in time.
Muslims perform Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of an animal, reflecting similar devotion and obedience. The meat is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate, emphasizing charity and communal harmony.

Charity and Good Deeds

Acts of charity are especially encouraged during these days. Muslims strive to help those in need, whether through financial support, volunteer work, or simple acts of kindness. These deeds are multiplied in their reward during this blessed period.

Hajj

For those undertaking Hajj, these ten days are the culmination of a lifelong spiritual journey. The rituals performed during Hajj—such as Tawaf, Sa’i, standing at Arafat, and stoning the pillars—are deeply symbolic acts of faith, unity, and submission to Allah. The best act of worship during these ten blessed days is undoubtedly Hajj.
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah offer a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. They remind Muslims of the core values of their faith—devotion, sacrifice, and charity. The communal aspects of Eid Al-Adha, where families and communities come together to share food and celebrate, reinforce the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.