You don’t have to be in Makkah to be part of the Hajj season. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the greatest days of the Islamic calendar, and Allah has opened their rewards to every believer, whether or not they are performing Hajj.
“By the dawn, and [by] the ten nights…”
(Surah Al-Fajr 89:1–2)
These are the ten nights Allah swears by as a clear indication of their sacred rank.
Why These 10 Days Are So Special?
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Even more than the last ten nights of Ramadan. Why?
- They combine all pillars of Islam, prayer, fasting, charity, dhikr, and even Hajj.
- Major acts in Islamic history happened in these days, including the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the Day of Arafah.
- The rewards are multiplied immensely, and Allah loves the effort made in these days.
What to Do in the First Ten Days?
1. Increase Dhikr and Takbeer
- Say Frequently: Allahu Akbar, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, SubhanAllah
From the first day until the end of Eid
“There are no days greater or more beloved to Allah than these, so increase your tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed…”
(Musnad Ahmad)
2. Fast, Especially on the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah).
- If you can, fast all or some of the first 9 days.
- The Day of Arafah (expected June 5, 2025) – a very rewarding day:
“Fasting on the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Sahih Muslim)
3. Give Charity Generously
- Sadaqah these days is dearer to Allah.
- Help feed families this Eid.
- Help with Hajj. This is to support pilgrims of the Hajj.
- Assist in someone’s Qurbani.
These will be rewarded as though done in the best time of the year, and even something little.
4. Make Du‘a and Istighfaar Intermittently
- Reflect like it’s Ramadan again.
- Ask, write, recite, and beg Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and a Sincere Heart.
- Regard these days as your opportunity to purify yourself, like those standing at Arafah.
5. Plan and Do Qurbani (Slaughter)
- Sunnah of those who can afford it.
- Celebrates Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah’s call.
- Share meat with family, friends, or give it away to the needy.
- If you are making Qurbani, do not clip nails or take a haircut from 1st Dhul-Hijjah until the time of Qurbani (based on hadith).
What If You’re Not at Hajj?
Even without being in Makkah:
- You feel inspired by the spiritual vibe of the season.
- Your fasts, prayers, and generosity can equal those of any other Islamic time.
- You can have a sense of Ummah, even with your home.
Conclusion
The first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah are a present, a second opportunity for spiritual growth after Ramadan. If you are not at Hajj, consider this your moment to be there in spirit, if not in body.
“That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah – indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:32)
Make them your own these ten days, use your tongue and your hands and your wealth and your heart. Allah is close, and the doors of mercy are opened wide.
