The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah: authentic merits according to the Sunnah

Every year, as soon as the lunar crescent announcing the month of Dhul-Hijjah is sighted, the Muslim enters a particularly blessed season. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the days most beloved to Allāh ﷻ according to the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. These days culminate in two great moments: the Day of Arafat, considered the most important day of the Islamic year, and ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā, the festival of sacrifice that commemorates the trial of Ibrāhīm ʿalayhi al-salām.

In this article, we examine the authentic merits of these ten days from the Quran and the Sunnah, the deeds recommended by the Salaf al-Ṣāliḥ, the rules of the sacrifice (al-uḍḥiya), and the common mistakes to avoid. All references are cited according to the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah.

1. Why are these ten days so important?

1.1 The verses from the Quran

Allāh ﷻ swears in His Book by these blessed days. In Sūrat al-Fajr, the meaning of the verses is:

"By the dawn, and by the ten nights."

(Quran, Sūrat al-Fajr, verses 1-2)

According to Ibn Kathīr (raḥimahullāh) in his tafsīr, these "ten nights" refer to the first ten nights of Dhul-Hijjah. This interpretation is confirmed by several Companions, including Ibn ʿAbbās (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhumā), and by the great classical commentators.

Allāh's oath by these nights is itself proof of their value. As the scholars have stated, Allāh ﷻ only swears by what is mighty.

1.2 The foundational ḥadīth

The Prophet ﷺ explicitly established the superiority of these days:

"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allāh than these days, meaning the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah."

The Companions asked: "O Messenger of Allāh, not even fighting in the path of Allāh?"

He replied: "Not even fighting in the path of Allāh, except for a man who goes out with his life and his wealth and returns with none of it."

Reported by al-Bukhārī in his Ṣaḥīḥ.

This ḥadīth is central. It establishes that righteous deeds during these ten days are more beloved to Allāh ﷻ than during any other time of the year, even more beloved than fighting in the path of Allāh (with the exception mentioned in the ḥadīth).

1.3 Comparison with the last ten nights of Ramaḍān

A common question arises: between the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and the last ten nights of Ramaḍān, which carry greater merit?

Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) gave a precious answer in his work Zād al-Maʿād: the days of Dhul-Hijjah are superior because of the Day of Arafat and ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā, while the nights of Ramaḍān are superior because of Laylat al-Qadr. Both seasons are precious for distinct and complementary reasons.

2. Recommended deeds during these ten days

The Salaf scholars, in particular Ibn Bāz, Ibn ʿUthaymīn and al-Fawzān, have detailed the recommended deeds during these ten days. Here are the main ones.

2.1 Fasting the first nine days

Fasting the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah is strongly recommended. The tenth day (the day of ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā) is not fasted, nor are the three days that follow (Ayyām al-Tashrīq, except for the prevented pilgrim).

Fasting the ninth day, the Day of Arafat, carries the greatest merit for non-pilgrims. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Fasting the Day of Arafat, I hope from Allāh that it expiates the sins of the year that precedes it and the year that follows it."

Reported by Muslim in his Ṣaḥīḥ.

For the pilgrim present at Arafat on that day, fasting is not recommended, since he needs all his energy for the invocations and the standing at Arafat.

2.2 The takbīr and the dhikr

Multiplying the takbīr (Allāhu akbar), the taḥmīd (al-ḥamdu lillāh) and the tahlīl (lā ilāha illā Allāh) is one of the most recommended deeds during these ten days.

A ḥadīth reported by Imām Aḥmad in his Musnad mentions the Prophet's ﷺ encouragement to multiply the tahlīl, the takbīr and the taḥmīd during these days.

Two types of takbīr in Dhul-Hijjah are to be distinguished:

The takbīr muṭlaq (unrestricted): from the 1st to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, at any hour of day or night, with no time condition. This is what is practiced throughout the ten days.

The takbīr muqayyad (restricted): from the fajr of the Day of Arafat (9 Dhul-Hijjah) until sunset on the 13th day, immediately after each obligatory prayer.

The formula transmitted from the Companions, in particular from Ibn Masʿūd (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhu), is:

Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, lā ilāha illā Allāh, wa Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa lillāhi al-ḥamd.

(Allāh is greatest, Allāh is greatest, there is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh, and Allāh is greatest, Allāh is greatest, and to Allāh belongs all praise.)

This formula is recited as personal dhikr, without forming a chorus or staging an invented collective ceremony.

2.3 Reciting the Quran

Increasing daily recitation of the Quran is among the most beloved righteous deeds. Reading a regular portion is better than trying to read the entire Quran in a few days without reflection.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The most beloved deeds to Allāh are those that are most consistent, even if they are few."

Reported by al-Bukhārī and Muslim.

2.4 The ṣadaqah

Giving in charity, even modestly, is one of the highly encouraged righteous deeds. Consistency takes precedence over quantity.

Allāh ﷻ says, in the meaning of the verse:

"Those who spend their wealth in the path of Allāh are like a grain that produces seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains. And Allāh multiplies for whom He wills."

(Quran, Sūrat al-Baqara, verse 261)

2.5 Maintaining family ties

Maintaining family ties (ṣilat al-arḥām) is among the most beloved deeds. Visiting or simply contacting relatives, forgiving wrongs, reconciling what can be reconciled: these are simple but immensely valuable acts.

2.6 The sacrifice (al-uḍḥiya)

The sacrifice is one of the most emblematic rites of Dhul-Hijjah. It is performed on the day of ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā (10 Dhul-Hijjah) and during the three days of Tashrīq (11, 12, 13 Dhul-Hijjah). We detail the rules of the sacrifice in the next section.

2.7 All works of good

The foundational ḥadīth of al-Bukhārī mentions "righteous deeds" without restricting them to a particular type. Any good deed done with sincerity during these ten days is multiplied:

• Helping one's parents
• Visiting the sick
• Learning Islam
• Teaching the Quran to one's children
• Improving one's character
• Seeking forgiveness

3. The rules of the sacrifice (al-uḍḥiya)

3.1 Religious status

The sacrifice is a sunnah muʾakkadah (confirmed Sunnah) for those who can afford it, according to the majority of Ahl al-Sunnah scholars. Some scholars considered the sacrifice obligatory (wājib) for those who can afford it.

Ibn ʿUthaymīn (raḥimahullāh) favored the position of confirmed Sunnah but stressed that whoever neglects it without reason is blameworthy.

3.2 Conditions of the animal

For a sacrifice to be valid, the animal must meet certain conditions, detailed by Ibn ʿUthaymīn in Aḥkām al-Uḍḥiya wa-l-Dhakāt:

• Species: sheep, goat, cattle or camel.
• Minimum age: lamb six months, goat one year, cattle two years, camel five years.
• Health: no major defect (no clear lameness, no disease, no loss of an eye, no extreme thinness).
• Ownership: the animal must belong to the one offering the sacrifice.

3.3 Timing of the sacrifice

The sacrifice begins after the ʿĪd prayer, not before. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Whoever sacrifices before the prayer (of ʿĪd), let him repeat it."

Reported by al-Bukhārī.

It extends until sunset on the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah, that is four days in total (the day of ʿĪd plus the three days of Tashrīq).

3.4 The rule for the one who sacrifices

According to a ḥadīth from Umm Salama (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhā) reported by Muslim, when the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah is sighted and one of you wishes to sacrifice, let him refrain from cutting his hair and nails until he has sacrificed.

This rule means that the one who wishes to sacrifice does not cut his hair or nails from the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah until he sacrifices. Al-Albānī (raḥimahullāh) confirmed its authenticity.

3.5 Distribution of the meat

The Sunnah recommends sharing the meat in three parts:

• One part for oneself and one's family
• One part for relatives and friends
• One part for the poor

This division is not a strict obligation but follows the prophetic model and remains recommended.

4. The Day of Arafat (9 Dhul-Hijjah)

The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is the most important day of the Islamic year. It is the day on which the pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat, and it is the day Allāh ﷻ chose to perfect the religion.

Allāh ﷻ says, in the meaning of the verse:

"This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion."

(Quran, Sūrat al-Māʾida, verse 3)

This verse was revealed on the Day of Arafat, during the final pilgrimage of the Prophet ﷺ.

4.1 For the pilgrims

The pilgrims spend the day at Arafat in invocations, dhikr and recitation of the Quran. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The best invocation is that of the Day of Arafat, and the best thing that I and the prophets before me have said is: Lā ilāha illā Allāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahu al-mulk wa lahu al-ḥamd wa huwa ʿalā kulli shayʾin qadīr."

Reported by al-Tirmidhī, authenticated by al-Albānī.

4.2 For non-pilgrims

For those who are not on pilgrimage, fasting the Day of Arafat is strongly recommended. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Fasting the Day of Arafat, I hope from Allāh that it expiates the sins of the year that precedes it and the year that follows it."

Reported by Muslim.

Other recommended deeds for non-pilgrims on the Day of Arafat:

• Multiplying invocations, especially after sunset
• Reciting the Quran
• Performing the takbīr
• Giving ṣadaqah
• Seeking forgiveness

5. Common mistakes to avoid

5.1 Introducing religious innovations

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are not a season celebrated through religious innovations. There are no special gatherings, no invented nights of collective prayer, no rituals not transmitted by the Prophet ﷺ.

Any religious innovation (bidʿah) introduced during this period is rejected, in accordance with the ḥadīth:

"Whoever introduces into this affair of ours (the religion) something that is not part of it, it is rejected."

Reported by al-Bukhārī and Muslim.

5.2 Confusing takbīr muṭlaq and takbīr muqayyad

Many people confuse the two or practice the takbīr in chorus after every prayer from the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah, which does not match the authentic Sunnah. Remember: free takbīr throughout the day during the ten days, and restricted takbīr after each obligatory prayer, from the fajr of the Day of Arafat to the ʿaṣr of the 13th day.

5.3 Neglecting the ninth day

The Day of Arafat is so important that neglecting it is a considerable loss. For a non-pilgrim, fasting the Day of Arafat is one of the most rewarding deeds of the year.

5.4 Cutting hair and nails before the sacrifice

For the one who sacrifices, the rule of not cutting hair or nails from the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah until the sacrifice is often forgotten. Yet it is part of the Sunnah authenticated by Muslim.

5.5 Sacrificing before the ʿĪd prayer

The sacrifice must always take place after the ʿĪd prayer, never before. This is a clear condition of validity in the Sunnah.

6. How Deen Coach accompanies these ten days

The Deen Coach app was designed to soberly accompany the Muslim during these ten days, with no overload and no emotional marketing.

In the app you will find:

• The integrated Hijri calendar, with the days of Dhul-Hijjah and key events marked.
• Daily adhkār and a tasbīḥ counter to multiply the dhikr.
• The complete Quran in the recitation of Ḥafṣ ʿan ʿĀṣim through the ṭarīq of al-Shāṭibiyyah.
• Recommended invocations for the Day of Arafat.
• Geolocated prayer times so as not to miss congregational prayers.

No advertising, no data collection, offline operation. The methodological rigor remains identical at every moment of the year.

Conclusion

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are, by the explicit word of the Prophet ﷺ, among the most precious moments of the Islamic year. Allāh ﷻ has sworn by these nights in His Book, and righteous deeds during them are more beloved to Allāh than in any other season.

Make the most of them with sincerity rather than with quantity. One page of Quran read with attention is better than ten pages skimmed. One takbīr murmured with presence is better than a thousand repeated without awareness. A modest but constant charity is better than a one-off donation for show.

May Allāh ﷻ accept our deeds, grant us sincerity and consistency, and allow us to live the Day of Arafat and ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā in His mercy.

Frequently asked questions

When exactly do the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah begin?

The 1st of Dhul-Hijjah is determined by lunar crescent sighting or the official calculation in your country. The exact date may vary by a day depending on the religious authority of reference.

Is fasting the ten days obligatory?

No, fasting is strongly recommended (mustaḥabb) for the first nine days, and especially for the Day of Arafat. The tenth day (ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā) is not fasted.

What is the difference between takbīr muṭlaq and muqayyad?

The muṭlaq (free) is performed at any hour during the ten days. The muqayyad (restricted) is performed right after each obligatory prayer, from the fajr of 9 Dhul-Hijjah to the ʿaṣr of 13 Dhul-Hijjah.

Should one sacrifice oneself or can one delegate?

One may delegate the sacrifice to a trusted organization, especially for those who do not have the means to sacrifice themselves. The condition is that the sacrifice takes place during the authorized days.

What if I cannot afford to sacrifice?

The sacrifice is a Sunnah for those who can afford it. If this is not your case, you have no obligation. You can intensify other deeds (fasting, dhikr, Quran recitation, ṣadaqah within your means).

Can the takbīr be done in a group?

The takbīr is an individual dhikr. Doing it in chorus as an organized collective ritual is not transmitted in the authentic Sunnah. Each person can practice it aloud at home or on the way to the mosque, without forming a synchronized chorus.

Wa Allāhu aʿlam.