Can You Fast All 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah or Only 9?
Every year during Dhul Hijjah, many Muslims ask the same question:
Can you fast all 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?
The short answer is no. Muslims may fast during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, but fasting on the 10th day, Eid al-Adha, is prohibited in Islam.
The confusion usually comes from hearing people refer to “the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah” together. While all 10 days are blessed, the Sunnah fast applies to the first nine days only, especially the Day of Arafah.
These days are among the most sacred in the Islamic calendar. Along with fasting, Muslims increase their worship through prayer, dhikr, Qur’an, charity, and Qurbani.
Quick Answer: Can You Fast All 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah?
Muslims can fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting on the 10th day, Eid al-Adha, is forbidden because it is a day of celebration, prayer, and eating.
For many Muslims, the most important fast is the Day of Arafah on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
[Sahih Muslim]
What Is Dhul Hijjah?
Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months in Islam and includes:
- Hajj pilgrimage
- The Day of Arafah
- Eid al-Adha
- Qurbani sacrifice
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the best days of the year for worship.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
That includes:
- fasting
- prayer
- charity
- dhikr
- Qur’an recitation
- giving Sadaqah
- helping others
Give Sadqah during the Best Ten Days
Is It Sunnah to Fast the First 9 Days of Dhul Hijjah?
Yes. Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is considered a Sunnah act of worship.
Many Muslims choose to:
- fast all nine days
- fast only the Day of Arafah
- fast a few days depending on their ability
There is flexibility.
You do not have to fast every single day to benefit from the blessings of Dhul Hijjah.
Even fasting one day with sincerity carries immense reward.
Why Can’t Muslims Fast on Eid al-Adha?
Muslims are not allowed to fast on Eid al-Adha because Eid is a day of celebration and gratitude.
The Prophet ﷺ prohibited fasting on:
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha
These are days of:
- prayer
- family gatherings
- eating
- sharing meat from Qurbani
- thanking Allah
This is why Muslims stop fasting after sunset on the Day of Arafah and do not fast the following day.
Read More: When is Eid Al-Adha
What Is the Reward for Fasting During Dhul Hijjah?
The rewards of worship during Dhul Hijjah are enormous.
These days are described in Islam as the best days for righteous deeds.
Fasting is especially beloved because it combines:
- patience
- discipline
- sincerity
- worship
For the Day of Arafah specifically, the reward is extraordinary.
The Prophet ﷺ said fasting on Arafah wipes away the sins of the previous and coming year.
For Muslims unable to perform Hajj, fasting on Arafah becomes one of the most powerful acts of worship available.
Can You Fast Only on the Day of Arafah?
Yes. Many Muslims fast only on the Day of Arafah.
If you cannot fast all nine days, fasting on Arafah alone still carries immense reward.
The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha.
For those not performing Hajj, fasting this day is highly recommended.
Day of Arafah 2026
The Day of Arafah 2026 is expected to fall on:
Monday evening, May 25, 2026 through Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Dates may vary depending on moon sightings.
Read More: Day of Arafah 2026: One Fast, 2 Years Forgiven
Do You Have to Fast Every Day of Dhul Hijjah?
No. Fasting during Dhul Hijjah is voluntary, not obligatory.
You may:
- fast all nine days
- fast some days
- fast only Arafah
Islam encourages consistency and sincerity, not hardship beyond your ability.
If you miss a day, you can still continue fasting the remaining days.
Read More: What to Do During the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
What Did the Prophet ﷺ Say About the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah?
The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of these days repeatedly.
He taught Muslims to increase:
- worship
- remembrance of Allah
- charity
- fasting
- good deeds
These days are a chance to reconnect spiritually before Eid al-Adha.
For many Muslims, they become a time of:
- repentance
- du’a
- generosity
- reflection
- preparing for sacrifice and gratitude
What Are the Best Deeds During Dhul Hijjah Besides Fasting?
Fasting is important, but it is not the only act of worship during these blessed days.
Other powerful deeds include:
Giving Charity
Helping families facing hunger, displacement, and poverty is one of the best acts during sacred days.
Many Muslims choose to give:
during Dhul Hijjah because rewards are multiplied.
Remembering Allah
Increase:
- Takbeer
- Tahmeed
- Tahleel
- du’a
throughout the day.
Reading Qur’an
Even small daily recitation during Dhul Hijjah can help strengthen consistency and reflection.
Performing Qurbani
For Muslims who are able, Qurbani is one of the greatest acts connected to Eid al-Adha.
It honors the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and helps feed families around the world.
At Muslim Hands USA, your Qurbani helps deliver fresh meat to vulnerable families in countries facing poverty, hunger, and crisis.
Dhul Hijjah 2026 Fasting Dates
Dhul Hijjah 2026 is expected to begin around:
Monday, May 18, 2026
The fasting days would likely be:
| Day | Expected Date | Fasting |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Dhul Hijjah | May 18 | Recommended |
| 2 Dhul Hijjah | May 19 | Recommended |
| 3 Dhul Hijjah | May 20 | Recommended |
| 4 Dhul Hijjah | May 21 | Recommended |
| 5 Dhul Hijjah | May 22 | Recommended |
| 6 Dhul Hijjah | May 23 | Recommended |
| 7 Dhul Hijjah | May 24 | Recommended |
| 8 Dhul Hijjah | May 25 | Recommended |
| 9 Dhul Hijjah (Arafah) | May 26 | Strongly Recommended |
| 10 Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha) | May 27 | Do Not Fast |
Dates depend on moon sightings and may vary by country.
Can you fast during Dhul Hijjah while making up missed fasts?
Yes. Many scholars say you can make up missed Ramadan fasts during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah and still benefit from the blessings of these sacred days.
If you owe missed fasts from Ramadan, you may intend them as makeup fasts while fasting during Dhul Hijjah. However, some scholars explain that while you may receive the general blessings of fasting during these sacred days, you would not receive the specific Sunnah reward connected to voluntary Dhul Hijjah fasting because your intention is for an obligatory makeup fast.
The exception is the ninth day, the Day of Arafah, as fasting this day expiates the sins of both the previous and coming year.
Because scholars differ on combining intentions for obligatory and voluntary fasts, it is best to consult a trusted local scholar if you are unsure about your situation.
FAQs About Fasting During Dhul Hijjah
Can you fast on Eid al-Adha?
No. Fasting on Eid al-Adha is prohibited in Islam.
Is fasting all 9 days of Dhul Hijjah Sunnah?
Yes. Many scholars recommend fasting the first nine days if you are able.
Can I fast only on Arafah?
Yes. Fasting on the Day of Arafah alone carries immense reward.
What if I miss a day of fasting during Dhul Hijjah?
You may continue fasting the remaining days. These fasts are voluntary.
Which fast is most important during Dhul Hijjah?
The fast of the Day of Arafah is considered the most important for Muslims not performing Hajj.
Do pilgrims performing Hajj fast on Arafah?
Pilgrims performing Hajj generally do not fast on the Day of Arafah so they can focus on worship and the pilgrimage itself.
