Introduction: Why Are the First 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah So Special?
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are considered the best days of the entire year in Islam. These sacred days are filled with immense spiritual rewards, increased blessings (barakah), and the opportunity to draw nearer to Allah through righteous deeds.
وَالْفَجْرِۙ (1) وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍۙ (2)
“By the dawn, and by the ten nights.”
(Surah Al-Fajr: 1–2)
According to scholars, the “ten nights” mentioned in this verse refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. They encompass Hajj, Yawm Arafah, and Eid al-Adha, three of the holiest experiences in Islam.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 969
🕋 Hajj and the First 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah
These blessed days include the Hajj pilgrimage, performed from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, culminating with Eid al-Adha. Even if you’re not performing Hajj, you can still earn immense rewards.
Arabic:
الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَعْلُومَاتٌ
Transliteration: Al-ḥajju ashhurun maʿlūmāt
Translation: “Hajj is (in) the well-known months…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:197)
Dhul-Hijjah 10-Day Challenge – Action Plan for Non-Hajj Pilgrims
Here’s a daily spiritual challenge that aligns with Sunnah acts and Hadith rewards. Save and follow it throughout the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah for maximum benefit:
✅ 1. Tahajjud Prayer (2–4 Rak‘at minimum)
🌙 Wake up before Fajr and pray. Night prayer brings you closer to Allah.
✅ 2. Fajr Sunnah & Fardh (on time)
💧 Never skip the two Sunnah rak‘at before Fajr — it’s better than the world and all it contains!
“The two rak‘ahs of Fajr are better than the world and all it contains.”
— [Sahih Muslim 725]
✅ 3. Quran Recitation Daily
📖 Even one ayah a day counts. Use your phone or mushaf.
✅ 4. Charity Every Day
💰 Give Sadaqah daily, even if small. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Charity does not decrease wealth.”
— [Sahih Muslim]
✅ 5. Listen to Quran – 10 minutes daily
🎧 Listen to Surahs like Yaseen, Rahman, or Mulk with understanding.
✅ 6. Pray All Five Daily Prayers
🕌 Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha — never miss them during these days.
✅ 7. Fast the First Nine Days
🌞 Especially on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah).
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
— [Sahih Muslim 1162]
✅ 8. Surah Al-Mulk Before Sleep
“It is the protector and intercessor.”
— [Sunan Abu Dawood 1400]
✅ 9. Last Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah Every Night
🛡️ Shield, mercy, and light for the believer.
“Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, it will suffice him.”
— [Sahih al-Bukhari 5009]
✅ 10. Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays
“It brings light from one Friday to the next.”
— [Sahih al-Jami’ 6470]
✅ 11. Sleep in Wudhu
🛏️ Purity attracts angels and gives barakah in dreams.
✅ 12. Forgive Everyone Before Sleep
💞 Let go and Allah will give you peace.
✅ 13. Say “Astaghfirullah” 100 Times Daily
🌧️ Repentance opens the doors of mercy.
✅ 14. Post-Salah Dhikr
Recite after every obligatory prayer:
-
SubhanAllah (33x)
-
Alhamdulillah (33x)
-
Allahu Akbar (33x)
-
La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer (1x)
Hadith:
“Whoever says this after every prayer, his sins will be forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea.”
— [Sahih Muslim 597]
🌈 What Do You Get from This Challenge?
✅ Allah’s love and nearness
✅ Barakah in wealth, time, and health
✅ Forgiveness of past sins
✅ Protection from Hellfire
✅ Peace in the heart and life
✅ Spirit of Hajj even if you’re at home
📅 When Do the 10 Days Start?
In India, May 28 or 29, 2025 is likely to be 1st Dhul-Hijjah, depending on the moon sighting. Confirm with your local Islamic calendar or masjid.
💡 Final Words of Encouragement
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are small but consistent.”
— [Sahih al-Bukhari 6465]
Make this Dhul-Hijjah a turning point in your faith journey. Start small, stay sincere, and aim high. May Allah accept from you and bless you abundantly. Ameen!