The month of Dhu al-Hijjah is one of the holiest times of the Islamic year. It is a month of great spirituality, marked by two exceptional events: Hajj and Eid al-Adha, both performed in devotion to Allah (SWT).
Many people don’t know that the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are the best of the whole year, even better than the days of Ramadan!
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” Hadith | Al-Bukhari
After the holy month of Ramadan, you may feel that you could have done more during this blessed month and that you miss the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan.
Well, these ten beloved days of Dhu al-Hijjah offer a new opportunity to achieve immense rewards, obtain forgiveness of our sins, and attain high levels of piety, God willing.
During this time of heightened spirituality, we are witnessing two very special events – both in devotion to Allah (SWT).
Not only is it the month of Hajj, but it is also the month of the blessed day of Eid al-Adha.
On this day, each of us, to the extent of our ability, should offer qurbani – as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did – out of devotion to Allah (SWT) and to help vulnerable communities in need around the world.
The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah 2025 begin on May 28, 2025*.
9 Dhu al-Hijjah (Day of Arafat): June 6, 2025
10 Dhu al-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha): June 7, 2025
*These dates depend on the observation of the lunar crescent.
These ten days are considered the best days of the year and a second chance after Ramadan. Even if one does not perform Hajj, it is a time of immense blessings and rewards.
Our hearts and prayers are with those performing the Hajj pilgrimage during these days. Although many of us cannot make this blessed journey this year, there are many ways to enjoy the blessings of this month. Allah swears by these days in the Quran:
“By the Dawn, and by the ten nights.”
Surah al-Fajr | 1–2
According to many Quranic scholars, the days mentioned, considered important enough for Allah to swear by them, are the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Those who are unable to perform Hajj should take advantage of this blessed time to perform even more good deeds than usual. These may include acts such as giving alms (zakat), honoring parents, preserving kinship ties, and enjoining good and forbidding evil.
It is also important to improve our obligatory acts of worship by being attentive to our prayers and ensuring that we pay zakat on time.
For those of us who have not yet performed the Hajj pilgrimage, this is the ideal time to pray to Allah to grant us this opportunity soon. Fasting and remembering Allah are especially recommended.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast the nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of Ashura, and three days each month: the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays. Hadith | Nasai
The ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah include Yawm Arafah (the Day of Arafah), the day on which Allah completed His Religion.
Dhikr recommended during these days
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“There are no days more important to Allah and on which good deeds are dearer to Him than these ten days; so increase the Tahlil, the Takbir and the Tahmid on them.” (Bukhari)
Tahlil: Laa ilaha ill-Allah (There is no god but Allah)
Tasbih: Subhan-Allah (Glory be to Allah)
Tahmid: Al-hamdu Lillah (Praise be to Allah)
Recommended Takbir:
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah hil-hamd.
The Companions would recite these formulas aloud in the marketplace, and people would repeat them after hearing them. Let us follow their example by encouraging others to also recite the takbir, as an act of worship and proclamation of the greatness of Allah.
Fasting during the first 9 days of Dhu al-Hijjah is highly recommended, as it is a sunnah that brings reward and forgiveness of sins. On the day of Eid (10 Dhu al-Hijjah), it is forbidden (haram) to fast.
According to a hadith Qudsi, Allah says:
“All the deeds of the sons of Adam are for them, except fasting: it is for Me and I am the One who rewards it.”
Hadith – Sahih al-Bukhari
If you cannot fast all 9 days, at least try to fast the 9th day, which is the Day of Arafat, the day Allah completed His religion.
According to the majority of scholars, if you intend to offer a sacrifice, it is recommended not to cut your hair or nails from the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah until the sacrifice is performed.
In the Hanbali school of law, this is even considered haram (forbidden).
It is best to seek advice from your imam according to your school of law.
Sacrifice with Islamic Relief Every year, Islamic Relief distributes sacrificial meat to some of the world’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in 29 countries. For many, it is the only time of year they eat meat. In 2024, more than 3 million people benefited from this assistance.
Your gift of sacrifice will not only bring happiness to those less fortunate than us, but will also enable vulnerable communities around the world to celebrate Eid without worrying about how and what to feed their families.
Donating zakat and sadaqah during this blessed time is one way to please Allah (SWT) and increase your rewards. Your donations will help families and entire communities have a joyous Eid al-Adha and beyond.
By giving during this blessed month, we offer essential solidarity and hope. Dhu al-Hijjah is a holy month beloved by Allah.
Give to Islamic Relief and reap the rewards of the 10 best days.