44 Benefits of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah
Copyright: For every Muslim.
Introduction:
All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
This is a collection of acts of worship and concise beneficial points regarding the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. I ask Allah that it brings benefit.
By: Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid
Benefit 1:
Allah, the Exalted, has preferred some of His creations over others. He has favored certain days, months, and nights. Among the most honored times are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. The best day is the Day of Sacrifice (Yawm an-Nahr), the best day of the week is Friday, and the best nights are the last ten of Ramadan, with the greatest being Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree).
Benefit 2:
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are a great opportunity and divine gift. They are seasons of obedience that believers long for, to make up for shortcomings, raise their ranks, and attain forgiveness. So, let us strive in them and seek Allah’s mercy.
Benefit 3:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these (ten) days.”
They said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?”
He replied: “Not even Jihad, except for a man who went out with his life and wealth and returned with nothing.”
Narrated by al-Bukhari and al-Tirmidhi.
Benefit 4:
The obligatory deeds performed in these days are more virtuous and multiplied in reward. Even voluntary deeds during these days are better than obligatory deeds performed on other days. All righteous actions are rewarded more generously during these ten days.
Benefit 5
The virtue of these ten days and the deeds done within them applies to both the days and the nights. However, the nights of the last ten of Ramadan are superior because they include Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), while the days of the ten of Dhul-Hijjah are better than any other days due to the inclusion of the Day of Arafah and the Day of Sacrifice (Yawm an-Nahr).
Benefit 6
These ten days encompass a variety of acts of worship that are not all found in any other time of the year. They include:
- Prayer
- Fasting
- Charity (Sadaqah)
- Hajj
- Offering the sacrifice (Udhiyah)
This combination of deeds makes these days especially unique and meritorious.
Benefit 7
Allah swore by these ten nights in the Quran:
“By the dawn. And [by] ten nights.”
(Surah Al-Fajr: 1–2)
The majority of the scholars and commentators say these ten nights refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Benefit 8
These are the “well-known days” mentioned in the verse:
“…to mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided them of [sacrificial] animals…”
(Surah Al-Hajj: 28)
According to the majority of scholars, these known days are the first ten of Dhul-Hijjah.
Benefit 9
These ten days are the conclusion of the sacred months of Hajj: Shawwal, Dhul-Qa’dah, and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. As narrated from the companions like Umar, Ibn Umar, Ibn Abbas, Ibn Mas’ud, and others.
Benefit 10
On the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah), Allah completed the religion and perfected His favor upon the believers. As He says:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah: 3)
Benefit 11
One of the great virtues of these ten days is that they include Yawm an-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice, 10th Dhul-Hijjah), which is the greatest day of the year in Allah’s sight.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, the greatest day in Allah’s sight is the Day of Sacrifice, then the Day of Rest (Yawm al-Qarr).”
Yawm al-Qarr is the day following Eid when pilgrims settle in Mina.
Benefit 12
Righteous deeds during these ten days are better than at any other time, particularly for those who are not performing Hajj. However, for those on pilgrimage, the virtue lies in both time and place — the sacred days and the sacred locations (Makkah and Mina).
The righteous predecessors would exert themselves in worship during these days to an extreme degree.
Benefit 13
It is reported that Saeed ibn Jubayr (may Allah have mercy on him) used to strive in worship during these days so much that it was said:
“He almost couldn’t do more than that.”
He also used to encourage worship during the nights of these ten days, saying:
“Do not extinguish your lamps during the nights of the ten.”
Benefit 14
Abu ‘Uthman an-Nahdi said:
“They used to greatly honor three tens: the last ten of Ramadan, the first ten of Dhul-Hijjah, and the first ten of Muharram.”
Benefit 15
A Muslim should hasten to take advantage of these blessed days — both days and nights — filling them with acts of worship and righteous deeds. They should strive to make the most of their time through devotion and acts that bring one closer to Allah.
Benefit 16
It’s surprising how active and motivated we become in Ramadan, only to become lazy and indifferent during the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah — even though their virtue may be greater and the deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah.
Benefit 17
Beware of wasting time during these days with sleep, idle talk, watching frivolous videos, or excessive use of social media.
These are precious days — an unrepeatable opportunity.
Benefit 18
The best of deeds during these ten days is Hajj Mabrur (an accepted pilgrimage).
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The accepted Hajj has no reward but Paradise.”
Also:
“Whoever performs Hajj and avoids sin, he returns [home] as pure as the day he was born.”
Benefit 19
Among the greatest forms of righteousness is fulfilling obligations and avoiding what is forbidden, along with generosity, feeding the needy, maintaining kinship, and increasing in dhikr, especially:
- Talbiyah (chanting the pilgrimage call)
- Blood sacrifices (Udhiyah)
Benefit 20
It is sunnah to frequently remember Allah (dhikr) during all times and in all states in these ten days — whether standing, sitting, reclining, walking, or riding.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“…So increase in them your tahleel (La ilaha illa Allah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).”
Benefit 21
Allah mentions those who go for Hajj to His Sacred House:
“…that they may mention the name of Allah during the known days…”
(Surah Al-Hajj: 28)
This remembrance includes takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tasbeeh (SubhanAllah), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), and tahleel (La ilaha illa Allah).
These are the everlasting good deeds — among the most beloved phrases to Allah and some of the best treasures of Paradise. One should raise their voice in remembrance during these days:
- While standing and sitting
- In homes, streets, and marketplaces
- In mosques and public spaces
Benefit 22
Publicly displaying takbeer during the ten days is recommended for everyone — leaders and common people alike. It should be proclaimed in gatherings, homes, and even over loudspeakers or electronic devices.
It is reported that Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out to the marketplaces during the ten days, loudly proclaiming takbeer, and the people would echo them.
Maymoon ibn Mehran said:
“I caught up with the people during the ten days and they would say takbeer to the point that I likened it to ocean waves.”
Benefit 23
This takbeer was used by the Prophet ﷺ when Khaybar was conquered, and it will also be heard in future victories. It is a proclamation of Allah’s nearness and support.
Benefit 24
There are two types of takbeer:
- Unrestricted (Mutlaq):
- Can be done at any time and in any place during the ten days.
- Begins from the start of Dhul-Hijjah and continues until the last day of Tashreeq (13th Dhul-Hijjah).
- The believer is encouraged to raise their voice in remembrance, as Allah says: “…and to mention the name of Allah over what He has provided them…”
(Surah Al-Hajj: 28)
- Restricted (Muqayyad):
- Done after the five obligatory prayers.
- Begins from the Fajr of the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah) for non-pilgrims, or from Dhuhr of Eid for pilgrims.
- Ends after Asr on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Benefit 25
Both types of takbeer — restricted and unrestricted — are established based on numerous reports from the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ.
One of the most common forms of takbeer is:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd”
The wording is flexible and can vary.
Benefit 26
It is recommended to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, especially for those not performing Hajj.
The reward for fasting these days is immense.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever fasts one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will distance his face from the Hellfire by seventy autumns (years).”
(Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Benefit 27
One of the greatest sunnahs for non-pilgrims is to fast the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah).
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Narrated by Muslim)
Benefit 28
The most complete and preferred way to observe voluntary fasts like that of Arafah is to make the intention from the night before, so the reward will be complete.
Benefit 29
You should remind your family and children to fast on the Day of Arafah.
It is reported that Saeed ibn Jubayr used to say:
“Wake your servants for suhoor so they may fast the Day of Arafah.”
Benefit 30
Strive to ensure that your sins set with the sun on the Day of Arafah — just as the sun sets that evening.
Let it be a new beginning with sincere repentance.
Benefit 31
Completing a full reading of the Qur’an (khatmah) during these ten days is a profitable trade with Allah.
Every letter recited earns a reward, multiplied during these blessed days. Reflecting, understanding, and acting upon the Qur’an enhance its reward even more.
Benefit 32
The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl).
A Muslim should not limit their night worship to Ramadan, but strive to stand in prayer during these ten days as well.
Allah says:
“They used to sleep but little of the night.”
(Surah Adh-Dhariyat: 17)
Benefit 33
These nights are times of divine descent, acceptance of supplications, seeking forgiveness, and receiving provision.
So we ask Allah during these times:
“O Allah, do not deprive us of Your bounty!”
Benefit 34
Charity (sadaqah) is one of the greatest acts of worship — a clear sign of faith.
It protects from:
- The heat of the grave
- The fire of Hell
- Misfortune
It brings: - Blessings in wealth
- Expiration of sins
- Increased provision
Charity during these ten days is greater in reward than at other times.
Benefit 35
One of the most beloved deeds to Allah is bringing joy to another Muslim, whether through:
- Charity
- Helping someone in need
- Settling a debt
- Visiting them
Even more so if done during these ten days.
Benefit 36
Among the acts of righteousness is caring for the families of pilgrims, particularly:
- Looking after their children
- Providing for their families
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever prepares a pilgrim’s provisions or looks after his family in his absence will share in the reward.”
Benefit 37
Among the greatest acts of devotion in these days is the Udhiyah (sacrificial offering), performed after the Eid prayer.
Allah says:
“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].”
(Surah Al-Kawthar: 2)
Benefit 38
For the one intending to offer a sacrifice, it is a sunnah to refrain from cutting hair and nails from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah until the sacrifice is made.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When you see the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah, and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, let him refrain from (cutting) his hair and nails.”
(Reported by Muslim)
Benefit 39
The one who truly understands the value of Paradise would never be indifferent to its price.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, the commodity of Allah is precious; indeed, the commodity of Allah is Paradise.”
Let us rush toward righteous deeds and sincere repentance — abandoning sins, returning rights to their owners, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
Benefit 40
Let us use these days to make a renewed covenant with Allah.
As He says:
“O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance.”
(Surah At-Tahrim: 8)
Benefit 41
A wise believer should combine both private and public acts of worship:
- Personal acts like prayer, Qur’an, and dhikr
- Public benefit like charity, helping others, or community service
This balance increases benefit and multiplies reward.
Benefit 42
Avoiding sins during these ten days helps the Muslim revere the sacred symbols of Allah and respect His boundaries.
These days fall within the sacred months, about which Allah says:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve… of them four are sacred…”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 36)
Benefit 43
This is a unique training period for the soul — a chance that does not come again until the next year.
Use it to nurture your heart upon obedience, to increase faith, and to establish good habits that last all year.
Benefit 44
Our wives and children are a trust upon us.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”
Let us raise our children to honor and take advantage of these ten days. Prepare them beforehand, teach them their value, and be their role models.
Final prayer:
May Allah help us and all Muslims to benefit from these blessed seasons, to remember Him, thank Him, and worship Him well.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
