Our Guide to the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are known as the best ten days of the year. 

According to many scholars, these opening days of Dhul Hijjah are even greater than the days of Ramadan (but the nights of Ramadan are greater than any other nights in the year). 

This year, however, is the first time in living memory that there will be no Hajj for those outside of Saudi Arabia. 

So why are these days of Dhul Hijjah, in particular the first 10, so blessed?

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:  “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” (Bukhari)

The importance of these days are also talked about in the Qur'an. Allah (SWT) says: “By the dawn; And [by] ten nights.” 89:1-2. In Tafsir ibn Kathir, these ten nights refer to the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. 

We’ve compiled a day by day guide of how you can maximise the blessings of these beautiful days from home. 

Day 1: Wednesday 22nd July

The race begins! The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah is a time to maximise every moment so it’s key to get everything in order. 

Know what you want from this month and build a plan how to achieve it. 

Now is the perfect time to begin increasing your dhikr (remembrance of God). These include takbeer (Allahu akbar), tahmeed (alhamdulillah), tahleel (laa ilaaha ill-Allah), and tasbeeh (subhanAllah).

It’s also a great time to write down the best Dhul Hijjah duas, as well aall the duas you want answered, so you can recite them every day. 

Day 2: Thursday 23rd July

If it’s safe to do so, get some fresh air, go for a walk either during the day or at night and reflect upon Allah’s (SWT) signs and blessings... from the sky, to the stars, the trees and the air. Everything in creation is a sign from Allah (SWT).

We have so much to be grateful for, and during these precious days of Dhul Hijjah, we must take the time to reflect even more about the bounties of God. 

Day 3: Friday 24th July

One of the most blessed and greatest deeds you can do during this time is to give your Qurbani. 

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (as). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah (SWT)." [Tirmidhi] 

At Penny Appeal your Qurbani costjust £29 and can provide 57 nutritious meals to those in extreme need.

Donate your Qurbani

Day 4: Saturday 25th July

One of the most encouraged acts in Islam is to treat your parents with kindness and mercy. For those of us fortunate enough to still have our parents with us, do something kind - whether it’s a phone call telling them how much you appreciate them, making them a meal or buying them a gift. 

One of the most beloved things to Allah (SWT) is to put a smile on the face of others, and who better is there than our parents to do that for?

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.” The Quran 17:23–25

Day 5: Sunday 26th July

Ok, we’re half way through!

Now is the time to ramp up our good deeds. 

If you haven’t already, begin praying your sunnah (recommended prophetic prayers) and nafl (supererogatory) prayers. We often have deficiencies in our Fard (compulsory) prayers but these extra ones will hopefully compensate. 

Dhul Hijjah is a great time to instill these positive habits into our lives. 

Day 6: Monday 27th July

One of the great blessings we have as Muslims is the Qur'an. 

For those of us who can read Arabic, we should endeavor to recite more of God’s Words, for in each letter there is a reward. 

Those of us who can’t read Arabic can pick up an English translation and still connect with God’s book in our own way. 

For all of us, there is something truly special to be gained by reading God’s book. 

“Verily the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Day 7: Tuesday 28th July

Every single one of us has flaws and bad habits. 

The 10 days of Dhul Hijjah provide a perfect opportunity to quit these bad habits, whether it’s smoking, unhealthy diets or our lack of exercise. Renew and reset your intentions that once these blessed days are over, so will be these negative traits. 

Our bodies are an Amana, a trust Allah (SWT) has given us to look after. It’s our duty to look after them as we’ll be questioned what we did with them. 

Day 8: Wednesday 29th July

Okay, it’s the day before Arafah, the best day of the entire year. 

Prepare your mind to maximise tomorrow - it only comes around once!

The Day of Arafah is a great day to fast, so ensure you’ve planned the day for tomorrow. Write down everything you want to achieve from dua, to prayer and charity. 

Day 9 (The Day of Arafah): Thursday 30th Jul

"Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.” [Muslim] 

If you haven’t been able to fast any of the previous days of Dhul Hijjah, don’t despair. The Day of Arafah is the greatest of all days. 

Don't forget to fast on this blessed day, anif you haven’t given your Qurbani yet, now is your final chance.

Day 10 (Eid ul-Adha): Friday 31st July

Eid has arrived, Alhamdulillah!

But keep in mind that Eid is the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah and therefore still carries plenty of rewards.

It’s time to head to the Mosque, spend time with loved ones and exchange gifts. 

Your Qurbani will be distributed over the days oEid to those in need, so that they may celebrate Eid ul-Adha alongside you.

It’s also the day to recite: "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu akbar, Allah akbar, wa lillaah il-hamd."

Translation: Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no God but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise.

This Ramadan may not have been your best. But Allah (SWT) is so merciful that He has given us more than one opportunity for forgiveness and to gain closeness to Him.

In these days of Dhul Hijjah, pay special attention to the first ten blessed days.