How to Observe the First Ten Days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah

The Prophet ﷺ said there are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than the first ten days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah — more beloved even than jihād, except for someone who goes out with their life and wealth and returns with neither. Ten days, and most people let them pass with barely more than a vague awareness that Eid is coming.

What to actually do

Fasting as many of the nine days as possible, especially the Day of ʿArafah itself. Increased dhikr — takbīr, tahlīl, taḥmīd — said to be specifically encouraged in these days, even out loud in public, as the Companions used to do in the marketplace. Extra Qur'an, extra ṣadaqah, and for those able, qurbānī on Eid day itself.

Why these ten specifically

They contain the Day of ʿArafah — described as the day Allah frees the most people from the Fire — and the days of ḥajj itself, meaning the deeds of those not physically on ḥajj are elevated to run alongside those who are. Ten ordinary-looking days on the calendar carrying an unusual concentration of reward.

Prepare before they start

Decide your fasting plan, your Qur'an goal, and what you're asking for on the Day of ʿArafah specifically before the ten days begin, rather than figuring it out as you go. A letter written on the first day, sealed for the following year's first day, is a useful way to check whether you actually used the days or let them pass again.