The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most sacred and powerful days in Islam. They provide a chance for Muslims from all across the globe to increase their good deeds, ask forgiveness from Allah, and get closer to Him.

But what makes these days so special? And what should you actually do during them?

In this complete guide, you’ll discover the virtues of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, authentic hadith, relevant Quran verses, and the best deeds you can start today.

Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. The first ten days of this month are considered the most blessed days of the entire year.

These days include:

1. The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)
2. Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah) 

Why Are the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah So Important?

The importance of these days comes directly from the Quran and the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Quran Verses About the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah:

Surah Al-Fajr (89:1–2)

Allah says: 

“وَٱلْفَجْرِ۞ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍۢ ”

“By the dawn, and by the ten nights.”

Many Islamic scholars explain that the “ten nights” refer to the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. This shows their importance, as Allah swears by them in the Quran.

Surah Al-Hajj (22:28)

Allah says:

“وَيَذْكُرُوا۟ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ فِىٓ أَيَّامٍۢ مَّعْلُومَـٰتٍ”

“and mention the name of Allah on known days”

The “known days” are thought by scholars to be the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. This verse emphasizes the significance of frequently remembering Allah (dhikr) during these blessed days.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:203)

Alla says:

“ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ فِىٓ أَيَّامٍۢ مَّعْدُودَٰتٍۢ ۚ”

“And remember Allah during the appointed days”

These “appointed days” are often understood to include the First 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, especially the days of Tashreeq (11th–13th)

Hadith about First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah:

The Prophet ﷺ said

“عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ مَا الْعَمَلُ فِي أَيَّامٍ أَفْضَلَ مِنْهَا فِي هَذِهِ يعني أيام العشر قَالُوا وَلَا الْجِهَادُ قَالَ وَلَا الْجِهَادُ إِلَّا رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ يُخَاطِرُ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ بِشَيْءٍ”

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”

The companions asked:

 “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?”

He said:

 “Not even jihad, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth and does not return with anything.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“أَفْضَلُ أَيَّامِ الدُّنْيَا أَيَّامُ الْعَشْر”

“The best days in the world are the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah). Ibn Hibbān, Al-Bazzār, declared saheeh by Al-Albāni in Saheeh Al-Jāmi’) 

These clearly show why Muslims should not miss this powerful spiritual opportunity. 

To truly benefit from these days beyond reading…

👉Join Now our Quran classes or Islamic studies classes can help you build a deeper understanding of the Quran and Sunnah, and turn knowledge into consistent action.

Best Deeds in the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah:

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the most rewarding days of the year, and every good deed performed during them carries multiplied reward.

Some of the best deeds include:

• Fasting, especially on the Day of Arafah
• Increased Dhikr (remembrance of Allah such as Takbeer, Tahmeed, and Tahlil)
• Giving charity (Sadaqah), even in small amounts
• Praying extra voluntary prayers
• Reading and reflecting on the Quran
• Sincere Dua and repentance

Even small consistent actions during these days are more beloved to Allah than at any other time of the year.

Can I fast all 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?

You can fast the first 9 days. The 10th day (Eid al-Adha) is not allowed to fast.

Is Dhul Hijjah better than Ramadan?

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of the year, while the last 10 nights of Ramadan are the best nights.

What is special about the Day of Arafah?

It is the most important day of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting it forgives sins of two years, and it is the day Allah frees the most people from Hellfire.

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are a rare opportunity that comes only once a year. These days can transform your relationship with Allah if you use them wisely. 

You don’t need to do everything perfectly, just start small, stay consistent, and focus on sincerity.

f you’re serious about growing spiritually beyond these ten days, joining a structured Islamic studies online course can help you understand the Quran, Hadith, and acts of worship on a much deeper level—so you can practice Islam with clarity and confidence.