About Dhul-Hijjah & 'Arafah

First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah & Fasting the Day of 'Arafah

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the most sacred days of the year in Islam — even more virtuous than the ten nights of Ramadan according to many scholars. The 9th (the Day of 'Arafah) is the most virtuous single day of the year.

Fasting during these days — especially the 9th — is highly recommended for Muslims not performing Hajj. Those on Hajj should not fast on the Day of 'Arafah as it is a day of celebration for pilgrims.

Significance & benefits

Most Beloved Days to Allah

The Prophet ﷺ said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The companions asked: "Not even Jihad in the path of Allah?" He said: "Not even Jihad in the path of Allah — except for the one who goes out risking himself and his wealth and returns with nothing" (Sahih Bukhari 969).

Allah Swears by These Days

"By the dawn, and by the ten nights…" (Qur'an 89:1-2). The scholars of tafsir are unanimous that the "ten nights" refer to the first ten of Dhul-Hijjah — one of the only places in the Quran where Allah takes an oath by a set of days.

The Day of 'Arafah — Greatest Expiation

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Fasting the Day of 'Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year" (Muslim 1162) — for non-pilgrims. This is one of the most accessible acts of worship with the most expansive reward.

Takbir Days

These days are also the "Days of Takbir" — it is Sunnah to recite Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Alhamdulillah abundantly from the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah until the end of the Days of Tashreeq (13th of Dhul-Hijjah).

Recommended Acts Throughout the Ten Days

• Fasting — especially the 9th. • Abundant takbir, tahlil, tahmid, and tasbih. • Recitation of the Quran. • Giving charity generously. • Maintaining family ties and righteous deeds. • Seeking forgiveness (istighfar). • Udhiyah (animal sacrifice) on or after the 10th.

How to perform / practice

Fasting

• Fast as many of the ten days as you are able. The 9th (Day of 'Arafah) is the most important. • Make intention the night before each fast. • For those not on Hajj: fasting the 9th expiates two years of sins. Do not miss it. • Those performing Hajj: do not fast on the Day of 'Arafah — it is a day of celebration and feeding for pilgrims.

The 10th: Eid al-Adha

The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is Eid al-Adha — fasting on this day is prohibited for everyone.

Udhiyah (Sacrifice)

For those intending to offer the Udhiyah sacrifice: do not cut your hair or trim your nails from the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah until after the sacrifice (Muslim 1977). This is Sunnah and links you spiritually to the pilgrims.

Dhikr

Recite abundantly: Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Alhamdulillah, Subhan Allah, Astaghfirullah. The takbir of these days is one of the great Sunnahs reported from the companions.

Charity

Give charity generously — deeds are multiplied in reward during these days more than any other days of the year.

References