Virtues of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

Why are These Days the Best?

Today marks the beginning of our final week before Dhul Hijjah. Starting from today, for this entire week, we are in a unique window of preparation. The first crescent of Dhul Hijjah is yet to appear, but the opportunity to prepare our hearts, schedules, and intentions starts now.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏ مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهِنَّ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الأَيَّامِ الْعَشْرِ ‏.‏ فَقَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِنْ ذَلِكَ بِشَيْءٍ ‏

“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days” – meaning the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The Companions RA asked, “Not even jihad in the cause of Allah?” He replied, “Not even jihad in the cause of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth and returns with neither.” (Bukhari)

Let that sink in. A person who fights in the path of Allah, sacrificing everything, only surpasses the one who simply fasts or remembers Allah during these ten days if he loses his life and wealth completely. For the rest of us, an ordinary believer who prays extra prayers, gives small charity, or says “Allahu Akbar” in these ten days can earn reward that rivals the highest acts of devotion in any other time of the year.

Why are these ten days so special?

First, Allah Himself swears by them in the Qur’an. In Surah Al-Fajr, He says:

وَٱلْفَجْرِوَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ

“By the dawn, and by the ten nights…” (89: 1-2).

The vast majority of classical scholars – including Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, and Mujahid R – confirm that “the ten nights” refers to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. When Allah swears by something, He is drawing our attention to its profound significance. These are not ordinary days.

Second, these ten days contain the greatest day of the year: The Day of ‘Arafah (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah). The Prophet ﷺ said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of ‘Arafah” (Muslim). For those not at Hajj, fasting on this day expiates the sins of two entire years – the past year and the coming year. That is a mercy beyond comprehension.

Third, these days include the Day of Nahr (Eid al-Adha), the greatest day of sacrifice, and the days of Tashriq (11th-13th Dhul Hijjah), which are also days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah.

So what should we do starting today, in this preparation week?

The first and most important action is to revive the sunnah of takbeer – saying “Allahu Akbar”, “La ilaha illa Allah”, and “Alhamdulillah” abundantly. Allah commands in Surah Al-Hajj: “And mention the name of Allah on known days” (22: 28). The “known days” are these ten. Sadly, in many communities today, takbeer is only heard on the morning of Eid. But the Prophet ﷺ and his companions would raise their voices in takbeer from the first day of Dhul Hijjah, in the markets, in their homes, and after prayers. Bring this back. Start today. Say it ten times after Maghrib. Teach your children. Make it a living act of worship.

Second, make an intention to fast as many of the first nine days as you can, especially the Day of ‘Arafah. The Prophet ﷺ used to fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah (narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas and others). If you cannot fast all nine, fast one. If you cannot fast one, at least fast the Day of ‘Arafah.

Third, increase your charitable giving. The scholars say that righteous deeds in these days are multiplied in reward, not multiplied in number – meaning one dollar given in charity during these days can carry the reward of a much larger donation given at another time.

Fourth, plan your worship. Do not let these days arrive while you are unprepared. Write down: Which days will I fast? How much Qur’an will I read each day? What specific du’as will I make on the Day of ‘Arafah? The best deeds are not the biggest; they are the most consistent and intentional.

Finally, correct a common misunderstanding. These virtues are not only for people performing Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ announced the excellence of these days to all his companions, not just those travelling for pilgrimage. Whether you are at home, at work, or caring for children, these days are your gift. Do not let them pass like any other week.

Starting tomorrow, we will continue preparing for the best days of the year – one virtue at a time.