17/05/2026
*✳️Deeds in the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah*
*The month of Dhul-Hijjah is very near.*
The first ten days of this month are extremely virtuous and blessed. We all know that Ramadan is considered the springtime of worship. However, outside Ramadan, there is another special season of worship that many people are less aware of: the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. *These days are so beloved to Allah that through worship during this time, a servant can easily become among those dear to Him.*
*Importance and Virtue of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah*
*Allah Almighty swears by “the ten nights” in verse 2 of Surah Al-Fajr. According to the majority of Qur’anic commentators (mufassirun), these ten nights refer to the first ten nights of Dhul-Hijjah. When Allah Himself swears by something, its significance needs no further explanation.*
*Additionally, in verse 28 of Surah Al-Hajj, Allah says that people should remember His name on specific days. Ibn Abbas explained that these “appointed days” refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).*
*The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the superiority of these days by saying:*
*“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah).”*
The companions asked whether even striving in the path of Allah (jihad) could compare. He replied:
“Not even jihad, except for a person who goes out with his life and wealth and returns with nothing.”
(Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari)
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explained that the uniqueness of these ten days lies in the combination of major acts of worship found within them—faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and Hajj—which do not come together at any other time of the year.
*🟢Special Acts of Worship During the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah*
🔹*Increase in the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)*
Engage frequently in the remembrance of Allah, as encouraged in Surah Al-Hajj (22:28).
🔹*Be extra diligent in righteous deeds*
Good deeds performed during these ten days are more beloved to Allah than deeds done at other times (Bukhari 969).
🔹 *Avoid sins more carefully*
Be especially cautious in avoiding sinful actions during these sacred days, as emphasized in Surah At-Tawbah (9:36).
🔹 *Perform Hajj if financially and physically able*
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory upon those who are able. The Prophet ﷺ gave glad tidings that an accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise (see Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:97 and Tirmidhi 810).
🔹*Offer Qurbani (Sacrifice) if able*
Allah says in Surah Al-Kawthar (108:2):
“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice.”
🔹*Refrain from cutting hair and nails (for those intending to sacrifice)*
A person intending to offer Qurbani should avoid cutting hair, nails, and unwanted body hair until the sacrifice is performed (Muslim 1977).
Although this instruction specifically applies to those offering sacrifice, some narrations suggest that even those unable to perform Qurbani may follow this virtuous practice. It is also considered preferable for children to avoid cutting hair and nails during this time (Abu Dawud 2789; Al-Mustadrak 7520).
🔹*Recite Takbir, Tahmid, and Tahlil abundantly*
*Recite frequently:*
*“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallahu wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd.”*
(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity except Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Allah.)
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged frequent recitation of Takbir, Tahmid, and Tahlil during these days (Al-Mu’jam al-Kabir 11116).
🔹*Recite Takbir al-Tashriq after prayers*
*From the Fajr prayer of 9 Dhul-Hijjah until the Asr prayer of 13 Dhul-Hijjah, recite the following once after every obligatory prayer:*
*“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallahu wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd.”*
(Referenced in Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 5631)
🔹*Fast during the first nine days*
Some narrations encourage fasting during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah.
🔹*Fast on the Day of Arafah*
*Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah) is especially virtuous. The Prophet ﷺ said that it is hoped Allah will forgive the minor sins of the previous and coming year for the one who fasts on this day (Muslim 1162).*
🔹*Observe the Sunnahs of Eid al-Adha*
Practice the Sunnah acts of Eid al-Adha, including recommended acts of worship and etiquette for the day.
