What Are the 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah?
Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It marks the time of Hajj, the Day of Arafah, and Eid al-Adha. But before all that comes the opportunity of the first ten days.
In 2025, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, with the first day likely falling on Thursday, May 29. These dates are based on moonsighting and may shift depending on your local region.
The ten days conclude with Eid al-Adha on the 10th, making the first nine days your sacred window for fasting, remembrance, giving, and sincere devotion.
What Are the 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah?
The 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the most beloved days of the year to Allah. They are filled with rewards and opportunities for drawing closer to Him. These days should be used to increase our worship and renew our connection to faith.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Whether you’re fasting, giving charity, or making time for extra prayer, every act is multiplied.
Islam isn’t about doing everything perfectly, what matters is that do what you can with sincerity.
The Importance of Dhul Hijjah in Islam
What makes these days especially powerful is that all five pillars of Islam can be reflected during them. In just ten days, you have the chance to:
- Renew your belief and intention
- Pray more consistently and mindfully
- Fast voluntarily, especially on the Day of Arafah
- Give Sadaqah and fulfill your Zakat
- Participate in or support Hajj and Qurbani
This alignment doesn’t happen at any other time of the year. Whether you're at home or on pilgrimage, these days call us to turn inward and reconnect with the core of our faith.
The Best Days to Do Good Deeds
These are the best days of the year to do good deeds. Even the smallest actions done with sincerity can carry immense reward during this time. Simple habits like praying on time, avoiding gossip, or making du’a can tip the scale in your favor.
Here are meaningful ways to worship each day:
- Wake up early for tahajjud or quiet reflection
- Fast from the 1st to the 9th, especially on Arafah
- Say SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar throughout your day
- Read even one ayah or page of Qur’an daily
- Give a little charity, even just a few dollars
- Share knowledge, kindness, or a good reminder with someone
👉 How to Fast During Dhul Hijjah
How to Prepare for the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah
These ten days come only once a year. Begin with intention.
What do you hope to gain? How do you want to feel when these days end? Write it down. Keep it visible. Let it guide you.
You don’t need a complicated schedule. Choose a few meaningful acts and stick to them. It could be fasting on Arafah, donating a small amount each day, or reading Surah Yasin every morning. The key is consistency.
Take care of your Qurbani ahead of time so your sacrifice reaches those who need it most. Talk to your family. Set a spiritual tone at home. When your whole household is aware of the blessings these days, the impact lasts longer.
👉 Give Your Qurbani Before Eid
Let’s Make These Days Count
These ten days are a gift. You don’t need to do everything to benefit from them. Start small. Stay sincere. Be present with Allah. He knows your efforts and rewards you more than you imagine.
If you miss a day, begin again the next. If you fall short, make du’a. The doors of mercy are still open. Your effort, your intention, your quiet moment of prayer is what matters.
May Allah accept your worship, your Zakat, your Qurbani, and every step you take toward Him in these blessed days.
