What Is Dhul Hijjah?
Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. A time of heightened spirituality and devotion, this sacred month is marked by two monumental events in Islam: Hajj and Eid al-Adha—both acts of deep submission to Allah (SWT).
What many may not realize is that the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the best days of the entire year, even more virtuous than the days of Ramadan.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
— Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari
If you’ve ever left Ramadan wishing you had done more, Dhul Hijjah offers a second chance. These ten days are filled with immense opportunities for reward, forgiveness, and spiritual elevation, God-willing.
Why Dhul Hijjah Is So Special
Not only does this sacred month host the pilgrimage of Hajj, but it also brings the blessed day of Eid al-Adha. On this day, every eligible Muslim is encouraged to offer a qurbani (sacrifice), following the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), in devotion to Allah and to support vulnerable communities across the globe.
Key Dates in Dhul Hijjah 2025
Start of Dhul Hijjah: 28 May 2025*
Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah): 6 June 2025*
Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah): 7 June 2025*
*Dates are subject to moon sighting and may vary by region.
The Benefits of the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
These ten days are known as the most blessed days of the Islamic year. For those not performing Hajj, it remains a sacred window of time to perform righteous deeds and earn immense rewards.
Allah swears by these days in the Qur’an:
“By the dawn. And [by] the ten nights.”
— Surah Al-Fajr (89:1–2)
According to many scholars, the “ten nights” refer to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
If you are not able to attend Hajj, maximize these days by engaging in acts of worship such as:
Giving charity
Honoring parents
Strengthening family ties
Encouraging good and forbidding evil
Performing extra prayers
Making sincere du’a (supplication)
It is also a powerful time to ask Allah (SWT) for the chance to perform Hajj in the future.
Acts of Worship and Remembrance
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to increase in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) during these days:
“There are no days greater and more beloved to Allah for righteous deeds than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed during them.”
— Hadith | Ahmad
Tahmeed: Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)
Tahleel: Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (There is no god but Allah)
Tasbeeh: SubhaanAllah (Glory be to Allah)
Takbeer: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillahil-hamd
The companions of the Prophet would openly recite takbeer in marketplaces, and others would join in upon hearing them. Let us follow their example and revive this beautiful sunnah.
Fasting in Dhul Hijjah
Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is highly recommended and carries great reward. The Prophet (PBUH) used to fast on these days and encouraged others to do the same.
“All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward it.”
— Hadith Qudsi | Sahih al-Bukhari
Of all days, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah) is especially significant:“Fasting on the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.”
— Hadith | Muslim
Note: Fasting on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha) is prohibited.
What to Avoid During the First 10 Days
If you intend to offer a qurbani, many scholars recommend avoiding the cutting of hair and nails from the beginning of Dhul Hijjah until the qurbani is completed. In the Hanbali school of thought, this restriction is considered obligatory (haram to violate).
In other madhabs, it is recommended but not required.
Be sure to consult with a scholar from your school of thought if in doubt.
A Final Word
Dhul Hijjah is a season of mercy, opportunity, and nearness to Allah. While the Hajj pilgrims answer the sacred call, we too can partake in the blessings by turning our hearts to Allah, increasing our acts of worship, and helping those in need.
Let us not miss this divine opportunity. These ten days may be our best yet.
