by Shazana Khansa
Revert, writer, mother, dev, life-long learner, cook.
“The most apparent reason for the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah being distinguished in excellence is due to the assembly of the greatest acts of worship in this period – salawat (prayers), siyam (fasting), sadaqah (charity) and the Hajj (pilgrimage). In no other periods do these great deeds combine.”
(Fath Al Bari, Explanation of Sahih Al-Bukhari, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani)
As a revert myself, I’m aware how overwhelming it is to try to take in so much important new information. A lot of us feel as if we must be perfect at everything or we’ll fail as Muslims.
Spoiler: we don’t get kicked out for taking time to learn everything. Allah (SWT) loves to see us strive.
The first 10 days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are often referred to as the best 10 days of the year, and a second chance after Ramadan. For those of us not performing the Hajj pilgrimage this year, this is still a great time of blessing and immense reward. There are many ways to give at this time and achieve rewards, from giving Qurbani or sponsoring someone else’s pilgrimage to Hajj, to supporting revert women in need, or even small acts of kindness like smiling at a neighbour or sharing food for Iftar.
Significance of the First Ten Days of Dhu’l-Hijjah
The first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah hold immense significance in Islam, regarded as some of the best days of the year for worship and devotion. Muslims around the world prepare to engage in acts of worship during this blessed period, which culminates in the Day of Arafah on the ninth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
The Quran highlights the importance of these ten days in Surah Al-Fajr (89:1-2), where Allah (SWT) swears by the “ten nights.” Scholars interpret this as a reference to the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Additionally, a hadith narrated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) states, “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah (SWT) than these ten days” (Bukhari). This underscores the potential for spiritual growth and increased rewards for Muslims who engage in acts of devotion during this time.
These ten days also serve as a preparation period for Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. For Muslims who perform Hajj, these days are filled with significant rituals that enhance their spirituality and connection to Allah (SWT).
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu’l-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. The date varies each year due to the lunar nature of the Islamic calendar, shifting approximately 10 to 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, it’s likely to start on May 28th but as with other significant dates in our calendar, we wait for confirmation of official moon sightings by scholars.
This article explores the importance of these days, the unique significance of the Day of Arafah for those performing Hajj versus those who are not, and practical ways to support fellow Muslims during this time.
To make the most of these special days, we are encouraged to engage in various acts of worship:
1. Increase Acts of Worship: This includes performing additional prayers, reciting the Quran, and engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah (SWT)), as these acts carry great rewards during this time.
2. Fasting: fasting for the first ten days is Sunnah, and it is especially highly recommended to fast on the 9th of Dhu’l-Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah, especially for those not performing Hajj.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned that fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year (Muslim).
3. Qurbani (Sacrifice): For those who can afford it, performing Qurbani on the 10th of Dhu’l-Hijjah, which is celebrated as Eid al-Adha, is encouraged. This act commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah (SWT). A whole animal, usually a lamb, is sacrificed. A third of it is kept by the person who pays for it, a third is shared by their wider family and sometimes neighbours and the final third is distributed to Muslims who would otherwise not be able to afford meat. Alternatively, charities such as Islamic Relief will arrange for qurbani to be distributed in communities in areas of the world in crisis such as famine and war zones and displaced people.
4. Charity: Giving to those in need is especially rewarded during these days. Muslims are encouraged to be generous and help those less fortunate.
5. Reflection and Repentance: This time is ideal for self-reflection and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT), allowing individuals to make positive changes in their lives.
The Day of Arafah: A Distinct Experience
The Day of Arafah is a pivotal day in the Islamic calendar, falling on the 9th of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Its significance differs for those performing Hajj compared to those who are not:
For Those Performing Hajj
The Day of Arafah is the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafah to engage in prayer and supplication. It is considered the most important day of Hajj, and standing at Arafah is a crucial component of the pilgrimage.
Allah (SWT) forgives the sins of those who sincerely repent while standing at Arafah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described it as a day when Allah (SWT) boasts about the pilgrims to the angels (Musnad Aḥmad 7089). Standing at Arafah is essential; without it, the pilgrimage is deemed incomplete. This day serves to deepen the spiritual connection between the pilgrim and Allah (SWT).
For Those Not Performing Hajj
For non-pilgrims, fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended. It is a day for seeking forgiveness and drawing closer to Allah (SWT). Muslims who are not physically present at Arafah are encouraged to engage in prayer and reflection, making it a day to seek forgiveness and strengthen their faith. Although they are not participating in the rituals of Hajj, the Day of Arafah serves as a reminder of humility and the importance of seeking closeness to Allah (SWT).
Helping Fellow Muslims During This Time
The first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, particularly the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha, provide ample opportunities to support fellow Muslims in your community:
1. Charity and Donations: Contributing to local mosques or Islamic charities such as Solace – which supports revert women beyond the shahadah – can help provide assistance to those in need, including food, clothing, or financial aid. Setting an automated donation for each of the ten days can be done at Solace, for example: www.solaceuk.org/automate .
2. Participating in or sponsoring Qurbani can also ensure that the meat is distributed to those who may be struggling.
3. Food Drives: Organising or participating in food drives can help collect and distribute food items to families in need, ensuring that everyone can celebrate Eid comfortably.
4. Volunteering your time for community events, helping families in need, or providing support to individuals who may be struggling can make a significant difference.
5. Sharing knowledge: Hosting study circles or discussions focused on the significance of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the Day of Arafah can inspire others and strengthen their spiritual connection during this time.
6. Encouraging acts of worship: Motivating others to engage in good deeds, whether through prayers, fasting, or acts of kindness, helps create a spirit of community and devotion.
7. Simply checking in on fellow Muslims who may feel isolated or stressed can provide much-needed companionship and support. Times of joy and important times in the Islamic calendar can be especially hard for reverts, especially when they don’t have Muslim family members or any network yet.
8. Creating Awareness: Educating others about the importance of these days encourages participation in communal acts of kindness and strengthens community ties.
Conclusion
The first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are a sacred time for Muslims, filled with opportunities for worship, reflection, and community support. By understanding the significance of these days and the Day of Arafah, and by taking proactive steps to assist fellow Muslims, we can foster a spirit of unity and compassion. As we embrace these blessed days, let us strive to enhance our spirituality and strengthen our bonds with one another, making the most of this sacred time in our faith.
