There are moments in our lives that call for reflection, elevation, and renewal—and the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most precious of all. These sacred days are not only revered but are explicitly chosen by Allah as the best days of the year.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Imagine being gifted a golden opportunity—ten days filled with mercy, blessings, forgiveness, and immense reward. Would you not seize it with both hands? I have noticed how quickly these days can pass. Even in times of reward, distraction creeps in. Now is the time to slow down, reassess, and realign. Here are few points to keep in mind:

Why Are These Days So Special?

Allah swears by these days in the Qur'an, a sign of their unparalleled virtue:

“By the dawn. And [by] the ten nights.”
(Surah Al-Fajr, 89:1-2)

These are the very days in which Hajj is performed, the Day of Arafah falls, and the foundations of Islamic worship—prayer, charity, fasting, and sacrifice—are heightened. Whether or not you are in Makkah, the gates of reward are wide open.

Your Ultimate Guide to Making the Most of Dhul Hijjah

Here are seven powerful tips to help you fully embrace and maximise these glorious ten days:

1. Intend Sincerely and Plan Ahead

“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion...”
(Surah Al-Bayyinah, 98:5)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have only that which he intended...”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Intentions shape actions. Start with a heartfelt niyyah (intention) to devote these ten days purely for the sake of Allah. Planning what you want to achieve will help you stay focused and committed. 

2. Increase in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) 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 (La ilaha illallah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).”  

(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 5446)

 Start your morning with dhikr. Say it aloud. Say it silently. Say it with presence. Fill your home and heart with remembrance.

3. Fast—Especially on the Day of Arafah

If you are not performing Hajj, fasting on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, brings immense reward.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Sahih Muslim)

What a beautiful gift! One day, two years of sins forgiven.

4. Revive Your Qur'an Connection

“Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:9)

These days are ideal for immersing yourself in the Qur'an. Recite with reflection, listen with attentiveness, and act upon what you learn. Even a few consistent verses each day can soften the heart and elevate your soul.

 5. Give Generously in Charity

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] that sprouts seven ears; in every ear there are a hundred grains. Allah multiplies for whom He wills.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Charity does not decrease wealth.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Charity during Dhul Hijjah multiplies your rewards and purifies your wealth. Even the smallest acts—feeding a hungry person, helping a neighbour, or giving secretly—are beloved to Allah.

6. Perform the Night Prayers (Qiyam-ul-Layl)

“And during the night, prostrate to Him and exalt Him a long (part of the) night.”
 (Surah Al-Insan, 76:26)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of every night, saying: ‘Who is calling upon Me, that I may respond to him? Who is asking Me, that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari) 

Wake up in the last third of the night to connect with Allah in solitude. Cry to Him. Ask for forgiveness. Seek guidance. The night is quiet, your heart is vulnerable, and Allah is near.

7. Make Sincere Du‘a

“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’”
(Surah Ghafir, 40:60)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Nothing is more honourable to Allah than supplication.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)

Fill your days and nights with du‘a. Ask Allah for guidance, for blessings, for acceptance. Pray for the Ummah. Pray for your loved ones. These days are an open invitation to pour your heart out to the One who never tires of listening.

Do Not Let These Days Slip Away

Whether you are a student, a parent, an entrepreneur, or a homemaker, these ten days are your spiritual retreat. You do not need to book a flight to Makkah to taste the sweetness of these days. Your effort, your sincerity, and your yearning are all that you need.

Let these be the days you remember for the rest of the year—the days when you changed, the days when your heart softened, the days when your connection with Allah deepened.

Ready to Begin?

 May Allah grant us all the ability to recognise the worth of these days, to act upon them sincerely, and to emerge from them forgiven and spiritually elevated. Ameen.