Things to do on the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah – Planner, Benefits and Virtue

According to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the first 10 days of this month are a special time for devotion. During these days, preparations are underway for those who are undertaking the pilgrimage. For those who are not traveling for the pilgrimage, this is a special time to remember God and spend extra time in devotion and good deeds.

The significance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah is the opportunity to sincerely repent, get closer to God, and combine acts of worship in a way that is impossible at any other time of the year. This year, join us daily to learn more about the virtues of Dhul Hijjah and discover a game plan to make the most of these precious days from home.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the (first) ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
 [ Sunan Ibn Majah #1727 ]

Things to do on the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah :-

1. Fast

It’s common to fast on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, but did you know that it’s sunnah to fast the first 8 days as well? This year, set that alarm for suhoor every day. Fasting is a good reminder to stay engaged and mindful of your goals during the 10 days.

2. Purify your intentions

You may have a busy ten days with different responsibilities pulling your time. Make an intention to allocate time for ibadah, and also renew your intentions for the everyday tasks you have to do. All of our actions can take us closer to Allah if we do it for Allah’s pleasure.

3. Learn about the virtues of Dhul Hijjah

Seeking knowledge is a form of worship. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” [ Sahih Muslim #2699 ] It’s easy to learn about Dhul Hijjah through our video series with Dr. Omar Suleiman which is available n Youtube.

4. Give in charity

All deeds are worth more during the sacred hours of Dhul Hijjah, especially giving in charity. Choose one or more organizations to give a little to each day or you can do charity in your village and relatives also.

5. Get your body going! Volunteer

In the midst of increased fasting, prayer, and charity, there is no better time to dedicate a few hours to your community. Sign up for a shift at a food shelter, help clean a highway, or assist with a halaqa at your local mosque—there are endless ways to get involved.

6. Increase in remembrance: dhikr

The Prophet ﷺ said, “During [the 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah] recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed.” 

La ilaha illa Allah,   Allahu akbar,   Alhamdulillah 

Make these three sayings a centerpoint of your days!

7. Practice gratitude

Being grateful is both a core component of an Islamic mindset and a frequently recommended mindfulness method. A practice of regular gratitude through reflecting on one’s blessings and saying “Alhamdulilah“ can keep you mindful and connected during the 10 days. Allah emphasizes gratitude in the Qur’an and you can read Quran with translation by just Clicking here -> Quran With translation

8. Pray tahajjud and other Nawafil

Prayer is, of course, a year round practice. But this is a chance to hone in on your daily prayers. Spend a little more time on each of them, aiming to increase your focus and intent, and, if you can, sprinkle in extra sunnah prayers. Be inspired to start your day right with tahajjud . If you dont know how to pray Tahajjud prayer then Click Here to know.

9. Reflect & make Dua

The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, is a time for extra devotion. Those on Hajj are spending it deep in dua, while many of us at home are fasting before Eid celebrations begin. Set aside time on the 9th day to sit down and speak intimately with Allah, knowing with all your heart that He is as-Sami, the One who always listens.

10. Offering the Sacrifice of animal (Qurbani)

Of all the methods to draw closer to Allah during these incredibly blessed days, perhaps the greatest is sacrificing an animal. By doing so, we follow the sunnah of our father Prophet Ibrahim (as), provide the meat as charity to those who are in need, establish one of the rites of Islam, and ultimately draw closer to Allah. In fact, the offering of sacrifice is often called qurbani, from the word qurb, which means closeness. This is a form of drawing closer to our Creator.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “No human performs a deed on the day of Sacrifice (i.e., the 10th of Dhul Hijjah) more beloved to Allah than the sacrifice of an animal. On the Day of Judgment, it (the sacrificed animal) will appear with its horns, and hair, and hooves, and indeed its blood will be accepted by Allah from where it is received before it even falls upon earth, so let your heart delight in it.” [ Sunan Ibn Majah #3126 ]

11. Prepare for Eid

Eid falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and is meant to be a joyous day. Prepare for it by calling friends and family over to your home. Wrap presents for those you love and decorate consciously. Be sure to be considerate of new converts in your community and help them join in your celebrations.