Top 10 Ways to Spend the first 10 Days of Dhul Hajjah (Updated in 2024)

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar, offering Muslims a unique opportunity to engage in increased worship and spiritual reflection. These days are highly revered for their immense rewards and the chance to draw closer to Allah through various acts of devotion. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 ways to maximize the spiritual benefits of these blessed days. From performing extra prayers and fasting to giving charity and making heartfelt supplications, these practices will help you make the most of this special time. Whether you are at home or embarking on the pilgrimage of Hajj, these days present a profound chance to renew your faith and enhance your connection with the Divine.

What Kinds of Worship Should You Perform During the First 10 Days of Dhul-Hajjah?

While any good deed done for the sake of Allah according to the way He approves will be rewarded immensely during the first ten days of Dhul-Hajjah, God willing, some of the more specific actions mentioned in the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) are fasting and verbal Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah.

Fasting

It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah because fasting is one of the best of deeds. In a hadith qudsi, Allah says: “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” (Bukhari, 1805)

It is reported that “The Prophet used to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah and the day of Ashura, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays.” (Abu Dawood, 2/462) The ten days of Dhul-Hijjah include Yawm al-Arafah (the Day of Arafah), on which Allah perfected His Religion. The Prophet  said: “Fasting the day of `Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.” (Muslim)

Doing Dhikr 

Dhikr, or the verbal remembrance of Allah, is another important act during these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (saying “Subhan Allah”, which means Glory to be to God), Tahmeed (saying “Alhamdu lillah” which means Praise to be to God), and Takbeer (saying “Allahu akbar” which means God is the Greatest) during this time.

The Takbeer may include the words “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah; waAllahu Akbar wa Lillahi’l-hamd (Translation: Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise),” as well as other phrases.

Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah, two of the Prophet (PBUH)’s Companions, used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer individually when they heard them.

Performing Hajj or  Pilgrimage

Not everybody can perform Hajj during these days as only a select few can do so. However, Muslims are required to perform Hajj or pilgrimage at least once in their lifetimes if they have the means to do so.

Perform Extra Prayers

Engage in additional Nawafil (voluntary prayers) to draw closer to Allah.

Recite the Quran

“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter, and “meem” is a letter.” [At-Tirmidhi] So if one letter of the Qur’an is equivalent to ten good deeds then imagine how much reward there is for reading each letter during these blessed 10 days which are said to be the best days of the year! Tip: Increase your recitation by adding a few minutes or pages to your usual recitation routine. Begin by committing to recite at least one or two pages (or for 10 minutes, if you are a slow reciter), and then work to increase on this.

Give Charity

As the rewards of doing good deeds during these days are increased significantly then we should also give as much as we can in charity. Allah promised forgiveness of our sins if we give in charity and give to the poor and needy. He honored our charity and described it as a “beautiful loan to Allah “ to showcase that we are doing something good that He loves and that He will pay our loan back to us.

Make Dua (Supplication): Takbir Tahlil and Ta’hmid

Our Prophet  said: “There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel,  takbeer, and tahmeed during them.” (Ahmad)

• Tahmeed: Al-hamdu Lillah (All praises be to God)
• Tahleel: Laa ilaha ill-Allah (There is no god but Allah)
• Tasbeeh: Subhaan-Allah (Glory be to God)

While there are different versions, the takbeer can also be recited as follows:

Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd.

Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise. The companions would go to the marketplace and recite the takbeer out loud and people would also recite after hearing them. Let us follow in their footsteps and encourage others to recite the takbeer as well, as an act of worship and a proclamation of the greatness of Allah.

“Work on your souls instead of your bodies for souls are the real essence and the body is the waste after your last breath, and the food for the soul is the Dhikr of ALLAH SBWT.”

Attend Islamic Lectures and Gatherings

Participate in lectures or gatherings that increase your knowledge and spirituality.

Seek Forgiveness

One of the most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allah. You have nine nights, to pick up your heart and soul; purify it, cleanse it, and enrich it with His love, so that you may also be forgiven.

“The mansions in Jannah are built based on dhikr. If you stop dhikr, the Angels stop building the mansion.“

Sacrifice (Qurbani)

Participate in the ritual of Qurbani, reflecting on the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Generally, all good deeds are rewarded highly at this blessed time. These actions include praying, reading the Quran, making Dua (supplication), giving in charity, and being good to our families.

In addition, seeking Allah’s forgiveness at this time is also encouraged. This means more than just a verbal expression of sorrow for past misdeeds. It also requires a firm resolution to avoid making the same mistakes in the future by giving up bad habits and behavior while sincerely turning to Allah.

At the end of the first days of Dhul-Hajj, we may not be able to perform all the good deeds listed above. However, we should try to do as much as we can to please Allah.