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There are days in the Islamic calendar that carry a weight of spiritual reward unlike any other. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah — the final month of the Islamic year — are among them. Allah (SWT) Himself has taken an oath by these days in the Quran, declaring them among the most sacred time on earth.
With Dhul Hijjah 2026 expected to begin on Monday 18 May in the UK, and Eid al-Adha expected on Wednesday 27 May, now is the time to prepare — spiritually and practically — for the greatest ten days of the year.
“By the dawn; And [by] ten nights.” (Quran 89:1-2)
The scholars of tafsir are near-unanimous: these ten nights are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) told us directly:
“There are no days during 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 a man who goes out with his life and his wealth and does not come back with any of that.’ (Sahih al-Bukhari, 969)
This Hadith is extraordinary. The Prophet (SAW) is telling us that the deeds we perform in these ten days — however small — are more beloved to Allah than virtually any other act at any other time of the year. It is an unparalleled window of spiritual opportunity.
The reason these days are so blessed is that they combine the greatest acts of worship: Hajj, Qurbani (sacrifice), fasting, charity, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and Eid prayer. They are the convergence of the pillars of Islam in a single sacred season.
All dates are subject to local moon sighting. Please confirm with your mosque.
1. Fast the First Nine Days
It is Sunnah to fast on the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet (SAW) himself would fast during this time. Fasting is especially powerful on the Day of Arafah — it is reported that fasting on this single day expiates the sins of two full years (Muslim, 1162). Note: Fasting is haraam (prohibited) on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah — the day of Eid al-Adha itself.
2. Increase Your Dhikr
The Prophet (SAW) commanded: “Recite a great deal of tahleel (La ilaha ill-Allah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) during these days.” (Ahmad) The Takbeer al-Tashreeq is especially recommended from Fajr on the Day of Arafah until Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha ill-Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillah il-hamd.
3. Give Your Qurbani
If you have not already given your Qurbani for 2026, do not delay. Giving early through a trusted charity like Aghosh UK means your sacrifice is prepared and ready to be performed on the first day of Eid, ensuring no delay for the families waiting to receive it.
4. Give Sadaqah and Zakat
Any righteous deed in these days is multiplied in reward. If you have been meaning to pay your Zakat, give Sadaqah, or sponsor an orphan — do it now. Your £4 in these blessed days could carry the weight of a lifetime of charity at any other time.
5. Recite Extra Quran
Dhul Hijjah is a time to return to the Quran. Aim to complete a juz (chapter) each day, or simply increase your daily recitation. Sit with the words of Allah and let this sacred season renew your connection.
6. Make Istighfar (Seek Forgiveness)
These are the days when Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are most accessible. Increase your Istighfar — Astaghfirullah wa atoobu ilayk — especially in the early hours of the morning, when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and calls out: ‘Who is seeking forgiveness, that I may forgive them?’
7. Refrain from Cutting Hair and Nails
If you intend to give Qurbani, the majority of scholars recommend refraining from cutting your hair and nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until your Qurbani is performed. The Hanbali school considers this obligatory. This is a beautiful reminder of your intention and a symbol of entering a state of worship similar to the state of ihram worn by Hajj pilgrims.
8. Perform Night Prayers (Qiyam al-Layl)
Wake in the last third of the night and pray two rak’ah, then two, then two — as many as you are able. These nights are among the greatest of the year. Make du’a in sujood. Ask Allah for forgiveness, for mercy, for your family, and for the Ummah. These are the moments that change lives.
9. Feed Others
The Prophet (SAW) said: “Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free the captive.” (Bukhari). Dhul Hijjah is a season of generosity. Cook extra food for your neighbours. Give to your local food bank. Fund a hot meal for a displaced family in Gaza through Aghosh UK. Every act of feeding another person is an act of Ibadah.
10. Attend the Eid Prayer
The Eid al-Adha prayer is Sunnah Muakkadah — a confirmed and emphasised Sunnah. Attend your local Eid prayer, bring your children, dress in your finest clothes, and arrive early. The Eid congregation is a moment of unity for the Muslim Ummah — a public declaration of gratitude and devotion. The Day of Arafah: The Greatest Day of the Year Among the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah — Tuesday 26 May 2026 — stands apart. It is the day on which Allah (SWT) perfected the religion of Islam, revealed in the
famous verse:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon
you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Quran 5:3)
On this day, millions of Hajj pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah in the greatest gathering of humanity on earth. For those of us not performing Hajj, we participate in spirit by fasting, making du’a, and giving charity.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is one of the most powerful acts a non-Hajj Muslim can perform. The Prophet (SAW) was asked about fasting on this day and said it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
During the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Aghosh UK offers multiple ways to give and earn reward:
Give in the 10 Best Days — Donate at aghoshuk.org
These ten days come and go. Once they pass, they do not return. Let us not reach the end
of Dhul Hijjah 2026 with regret. Make your intention now, plan your deeds, and give
generously. May Allah (SWT) accept from all of us. Ameen.
