Dhul Hijjah and the First Ten Days: A Worship Guide
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most beloved days of the year in recorded teaching — the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported saying no days are greater to Allah for good deeds than these ten (Sunan Abi Dawud; Jami' at-Tirmidhi). This guide explains what makes them special and how an ordinary believer can fill them with worship.
Why these ten days
A sacred month (9:36) holding the Day of Arafah, the Eid of Sacrifice and the Hajj rites, each of which is among the greatest deeds of the year. The companions of scholars explain the days' rank by what they combine: the five daily prayers, fasting (especially Arafah's fast for those not on Hajj), the takbeer, remembrance, Qur'an, and charity — a full week of concentrated worship.
The deeds of the ten days
A realistic plan for the ordinary believer:
- The takbeer — declaring Allah's greatness from the beginning of Dhul Hijjah until the days of Eid; the scholars differ on the exact wording and timing, both recorded forms being acceptable.
- Fasting — the first nine days are recommended to fast by many scholars, and the ninth (the Day of Arafah) carries a recorded reward: it expiates the small sins of two years for those not on Hajj (Sahih Muslim).
- The prayers on time and in congregation — the daily prayers are the ten days' backbone.
- The Qur'an and dua — increase the reading and the supplication, as in Ramadan's best nights.
- Sacrifice (for Eid al-Adha, for those able) — the udhiyah/qurbani on the 10th through the 13th, with the meat's distribution to family and the poor.
The Day of Arafah
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the day of standing at Arafah for the pilgrims — the Hajj's peak — and for everyone else, a day of fasting (for those able and not weakened by Hajj) and dua. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is recorded saying the best dua is the dua of the Day of Arafah (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), and that the fast of Arafah expiates small sins of the previous and following year (Sahih Muslim).
The takbeer and the days of Eid
From Fajr of the 9th (or from the 10th in some schools) until after Asr of the 13th, the takbeer of the days of sacrifice is recited: Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahil-hamd. Mosques and homes carry it aloud — a week-long public remembrance that is itself part of the occasion's character.
Sizing it gently
Not everyone can fast all nine days. Choose what is sustainable: the fast of Arafah, the takbeer after prayers, an extra Qur'an page, one act of charity daily. The teaching that most-loved deeds are the consistent ones applies to this week as it does to every week of the year.
Frequently asked questions
Do the ten days' virtues apply to the second ten days of Dhul Hijjah?
The celebrated narration concerns the first ten days, culminating in Eid. The scholars discuss whether 'ten' includes the Eid day itself; the practical point is the same — increase good deeds across the period and through the days of Eid.
Is fasting all ten days recommended?
Many scholars recommend fasting the first nine days (with the Eid day of the 10th being a day of celebration, not fasting, at the explicit instruction of the Prophet (peace be upon him)). Everyone's ability differs; fast what you can, and keep Arafah's fast as the priority.
Sources
- Quran 9:36
- Sunan Abi Dawud & Jami' at-Tirmidhi (the ten days are most beloved)
- Sahih Muslim (Arafah's fast expiates two years)
- Jami' at-Tirmidhi (the best dua is Arafah's)
Last content review: 2026-09-25. How Destiny Map selects and verifies sources is explained on the Sources & Methodology page.
Report a correction— help us keep Destiny Map accurate
Found an incorrect reference, an imprecise translation, a typo, a broken link or a calendar error on this page? Corrections to religious content are our highest priority. Tell us what is wrong and, if you have it, the correct source — we review every report.
For a personal religious ruling, please consult a qualified scholar in your locality instead of emailing — we cannot issue fatwas.
Open an email with this page prefilled