The First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah: Maximising Reward in Islam’s Most Blessed Days
- Doha Islamic Events
- May 20
- 2 min read
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most spiritually significant periods in Islam. These sacred days offer a unique opportunity for Muslims to increase their ‘ibadah (worship), earn immense rewards, and draw closer to Allah. According to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), no days are more beloved to Allah for performing good deeds than these ten days.
This powerful statement, recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, highlights the unmatched virtue of this period. Even acts as great as striving in the path of Allah are not equal—except in the rare case of someone who sacrifices everything, his life and property, completely. This establishes the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah as a golden window for spiritual growth and reward.
Why Are the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah So Important?
Islamic scholars widely agree that these days surpass even the last ten nights of Ramadan in overall virtue. While Ramadan holds Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree), the days of Dhul Hijjah combine multiple acts of worship—Hajj, fasting, charity, and remembrance—into one concentrated period.
The season is inclusive: whether or not a Muslim is performing Hajj, they can still attain immense reward from wherever they are. This accessibility makes it one of the most merciful opportunities provided by Allah.
Best Deeds to Perform During Dhul Hijjah
To maximise the blessings of these ten days, Muslims are encouraged to engage in a variety of acts of worship:
Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Frequently reciting phrases such as Allahu Akbar, Alhamdulillah, and La ilaha illa Allah is highly recommended. The companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) were known to recite these aloud in public spaces, encouraging others to join.
Fasting: Fasting during these days, especially on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah), carries immense reward. As reported in Sahih Muslim, fasting on this day expiates sins from the previous and coming year.
Charity (Sadaqah): Giving charity not only increases wealth in blessings but also extinguishes sins, just as water extinguishes fire.
Prayer and Qur’an Recitation: Increasing voluntary prayers and dedicating time to the Qur’an amplifies one’s spiritual connection and multiplies rewards.
A Time for Transformation, Not Just Reward
While the rewards are immense, the deeper purpose of these ten days goes beyond accumulation of good deeds. They serve as a catalyst for lasting change. The goal is to use this period to transform habits, improve character, and establish consistency in worship throughout the year.
Many people exert maximum effort in Ramadan but overlook Dhul Hijjah. This imbalance is highlighted by scholars who stress that these ten days may actually hold greater overall reward. The key difference? Ramadan spans 30 days, while Dhul Hijjah offers only ten—making urgency and focus even more critical.
Seize the Opportunity Before It’s Gone
Life is uncertain, and not everyone lives to witness another Dhul Hijjah. This reality adds weight to the urgency of action. These ten days are a limited-time opportunity for eternal gain—one that should not be wasted.
In essence, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are a divine invitation. A chance to invest in the Hereafter with guaranteed profit. The question is not whether the reward exists—but how much of it one is willing to pursue.
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