The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most sacred and beloved days in Islam. These blessed days offer Muslims a powerful opportunity to increase worship, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Ahmad)
These days include the great Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha, making them a spiritually powerful season for every Muslim.
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Here are 9 meaningful acts of worship you should focus on during these blessed days.
1. Make Abundant Dhikr
One of the best acts during Dhul Hijjah is remembering Allah frequently.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“There are no days greater in the sight of Allah, nor more beloved for good deeds than these ten days, so increase in tahlil, takbir, and tahmid.”
(Ahmad)
Recommended dhikr:
- SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)
- Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)
- Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)
- La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah)
Fill your mornings, evenings, walks, and free moments with remembrance.
2. Pray Salah on Time (Preferably in Congregation)
Prayer is the foundation of worship.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of deeds is prayer at its proper time.”
(Muslim)
If possible:
- Pray in the masjid
- Do not delay obligatory prayers
- Focus on khushu (concentration)
Congregational prayer carries multiplied rewards.
3. Give Charity and Help Those in Need
Dhul Hijjah is a perfect time to help others.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The most beloved people to Allah are those most beneficial to people.”
Ways to give:
- Feed the poor
- Donate to Islamic causes
- Help an orphan
- Support struggling families
- Even a small charity counts
Allah multiplies rewards in blessed times.
4. Make Tawbah and Seek Forgiveness
These sacred days are a golden chance to cleanse your heart.
Allah says:
“O believers! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance.”
(Al-Qur’an 66:8)
Practical steps:
- Stop the sin
- Feel regret
- Intend not to return
- Seek Allah’s forgiveness sincerely
Say often:
Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayhi
5. Pray Tahajjud and Nafl Prayers
Extra voluntary worship brings immense reward.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Hold firmly to the night prayer…”
(Tirmidhi)
Try:
- Tahajjud
- Sunnah prayers
- Duha prayer
- Extra nafl after obligatory salah
Even 2 sincere rak’ahs can transform your heart.
6. Make Dua for Yourself and the Ummah
Dua is one of the most powerful acts of worship.
Allah says:
“Call upon Me; I will respond to you.”
(Al-Qur’an 40:60)
Make dua for:
- Your forgiveness
- Family
- Rizq
- Health
- Guidance
- Palestine
- The Ummah
- Hujjaj performing Hajj
These are days when mercy descends abundantly.
7. Recite the Qur’an
Dhul Hijjah is an ideal time to reconnect with the Book of Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a reward.”
(Tirmidhi)
Goals you can set:
- 1 juz daily
- Surah Yaseen
- Surah Mulk
- Surah Ikhlas repeatedly
- Read translation with reflection
Consistency matters more than quantity.
8. Fast—Especially on the Day of Arafah
Fasting is among the greatest deeds.
The Prophet ﷺ said regarding Arafah:
“It expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.”
(Muslim)
Best fasting days:
- First 9 days (if able)
- Especially 9th Dhul Hijjah (Arafah)
Do not fast on Eid day.
9. Offer Qurbani (Udhiya)
If financially able, offering sacrifice is a beloved Sunnah.
This commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah.
Benefits:
- Revives Sunnah
- Feeds needy families
- Strengthens gratitude
- Great reward
Choose healthy animals and follow proper Islamic guidelines.
Final Reminder
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are a rare opportunity.
Many people waste them—but wise believers use them for worship, repentance, and mercy.
Even small deeds done sincerely can become mountains of reward.
May Allah allow us to make the most of these blessed days.
Ameen.
