As Muslims, we often spend months preparing for Ramadan, yet one of the most sacred periods of the Islamic calendar often approaches without the same level of anticipation: the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. 

For Muslims living in the US, balancing a busy 9-to-5 schedule with spiritual obligations can be challenging. However, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasised that there are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.

Whether you are preparing for Hajj or observing this sacred month from home, understanding what to do in the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah is essential for maximising your spiritual rewards. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore actionable ways to make the most of this blessed season, from fasting and Dhikr to fulfilling your Qurban (Udhiyah).

The Virtues of the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

Before diving into the actions, it is crucial to understand why these days are so monumental. 

In Sahih al-Bukhari, Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).”

Allah (ﷻ) even swears by these days in the Quran: “By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights.” (Surah Al-Fajr, 89:1-2). 

While the last 10 nights of Ramadan contain the best night of the year (Laylat al-Qadr), Islamic scholars agree that the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of the entire year. Every good deed, whether it’s a smile, a dollar given in charity, or a prayer, is multiplied in reward.

7 Things to Do in the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

If you are wondering what to do in the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah to elevate your spirituality, here are seven actionable steps you can integrate into your daily routine, even with a busy American lifestyle.

1. Fast the First 9 Days (Especially the Day of Arafah)

Fasting is one of the greatest acts of worship. If you are able, fasting for the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is highly recommended. However, if you can only manage one day, make sure it is the Day of Arafah (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah). 

The Prophet (ﷺ) said regarding fasting on the Day of Arafah: 

“It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim)

Pro-Tip for US Muslims: Coordinate with your family or local community to host an Iftar on the Day of Arafah. It brings the spirit of Ramadan back into the home!

2. Increase Your Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

The Prophet (ﷺ) specifically instructed us to recite the following abundantly during these days:

  • Tahleel: Laa ilaha illAllah (There is no deity but Allah)
  • Takbeer: Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)
  • Tahmeed: Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)
  • Tasbeeh: SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)

Recite these while commuting to work, preparing meals, or walking between classes. It is a simple yet heavily rewarded action.

3. Give Generously in Charity (Sadaqah)

Because deeds are magnified during these ten days, so is your charity. Set aside a specific amount of money to donate each day. 

  • Automate your giving: Many charitable organisations offer automated “10 Days of Giving” programs where your card is charged a small amount daily.
  • Pay your Zakat: If your Zakat anniversary falls during this time, there is no better period to fulfil this pillar of Islam.
  • Support emergency appeals: Help those suffering from poverty, disaster, or conflict worldwide.

4. Recite and Reflect on the Quran

Reestablish your connection with the Book of Allah. You don’t need to finish the entire Quran in 10 days to reap the benefits. 

  • Commit to reading a specific number of pages after Fajr or Isha.
  • Listen to an Islamic podcast or Tafseer on your commute to understand the deeper meanings of the verses.

5. Perform Qiyam al-Layl (Night Prayers)

Revive the peacefulness of the night by praying Tahajjud. Even if you wake up just 15 minutes before Fajr starts, praying two rak’ahs and making sincere Dua can be life-changing. 

6. Seek Forgiveness and Repent (Istighfar)

Use these days as a spiritual reset. Sincere repentance (Tawbah) wipes the slate clean. Take a few moments in your Sujood (prostration) to ask Allah to forgive your shortcomings and guide your heart.

7. Fulfil Your Qurban (Udhiyah)

If you meet the financial threshold (Nisab), offering a Qurban is a highly emphasised Sunnah (and mandatory according to some schools of thought). Qurban commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and provides high-quality meat to impoverished families around the world.

Important Note for Qurban Donors:

If you intend to offer Qurban, it is a Sunnah to refrain from cutting your hair and trimming your nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until your sacrifice is completed. 

Fulfilling Qurban from the US: Best Practices

For most Muslims in the US, performing the physical sacrifice themselves is not feasible due to city ordinances and lack of access to farms. Instead, the most common and impactful practice is to donate your Qurban through a trusted Islamic charity.

When choosing an organisation to handle your Qurban, look for:

  1. Transparency: Do they provide clear reports on where the meat is distributed?
  2. Global Reach: Can you choose to send meat to the most vulnerable regions (e.g., Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, or local US food banks)?
  3. Shariah Compliance: Do they guarantee the sacrifice will take place on the days of Eid?

Don’t wait until the last minute. Secure your Qurban early in the first 10 days to ensure logistics are handled smoothly.

Start Your Dhul Hijjah Journey Today

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are a divine gift, a chance to wipe away sins, multiply our good deeds, and draw closer to Allah (ﷻ). Whether you are fasting on the Day of Arafah, automating your daily charity, or scheduling your Udhiyah, every small effort counts.

Don’t let these blessed days pass you by.

Prepare your heart, schedule your daily deeds, and book your Qurban today with a trusted charity to ensure a family in need can celebrate Eid al-Adha with joy and dignity. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the significance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?

    These days are considered the best days of the Islamic year. Allah loves good deeds performed in these ten days more than at any other time of the year, including the days of Ramadan.

  2. Can I cut my hair and nails during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?

    If you are planning to offer Qurban (Udhiyah), it is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) to abstain from cutting your hair, nails, or removing any skin from the sunset of the last day of Dhul Qi’dah until your Qurban is sacrificed. 

  3. Is fasting mandatory during the first 9 days?

    No, fasting is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended, especially on the 9th day (the Day of Arafah).

  4. How can I participate if I cannot afford Qurban?

    If you are unable to afford Qurban, you can still reap immense rewards through fasting, reciting the Quran, making Dhikr, and giving whatever Sadaqah (charity) you can, even if it is just a few dollars.