The Favour of the First Ten Days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah (UK British Muslim Guide)

The most beloved days of worship to Allah in the entire year

The Prophet ﷺ said: "There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days [of Dhū al-Ḥijjah]" (Bukhari 969). He was asked: "Not even jihad in the way of Allah?" He replied: "Not even jihad in the way of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth and returns with neither." For British Muslim families, the first ten days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah — the lunar month containing Hajj — are an annual opportunity that arrives with a divine multiplier no other period in the year carries.

Why these ten days are exceptional

Multiple Quranic and prophetic indications elevate these days. Surah Al-Fajr 89:2 swears by them: "And [by] ten nights" — interpreted by classical scholars (including Ibn Kathir) as a reference to the first ten of Dhū al-Ḥijjah. The day of ʿArafah (9 Dhū al-Ḥijjah) and the day of sacrifice (10 Dhū al-Ḥijjah, ʿEid al-Aḍḥā) both fall in this period. The hadith above places these days above all other days of the year for the multiplier on good deeds.

What to do during the first ten days

1. Voluntary fasting (especially the 9th)

The Prophet ﷺ fasted the first nine days. The 9th — the Day of ʿArafah — carries the specific reward of expiating two years of sin (see our Day of ʿArafah guide). Fasting one or more of the first nine days is strongly recommended. The 10th (ʿEid) is forbidden to fast.

2. Increased takbīr

The Prophet ﷺ\'s Companions used to recite the takbīr loudly through the streets and markets during these ten days. The takbīr formula: "Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, lā ilāha illā Allāh, Allāhu akbar wa li-llāhi al-ḥamd."

3. Increased Quran recitation

Use the ten days for an intensive Quran period. Many British Muslim families aim to complete a full juzʾ a day across the ten days.

4. Increased ṣadaqah

Step up charitable giving. Many UK Muslim charities run specific Dhū al-Ḥijjah appeals.

5. Hajj or ʿumrah if possible

The most accessible direct connection to the ten days is performing Hajj itself. For those not on Hajj, performing ʿumrah at any point in Dhū al-Ḥijjah (or arranging to be in Makkah for these days) connects you to the central worship of the season.

6. Eid al-Aḍḥā (10 Dhū al-Ḥijjah)

The festival of sacrifice. Pay zakat al-fitr equivalent for the qurbāni (sacrifice). Attend Eid prayer in congregation. Slaughter the sacrificial animal (or pay a qualified UK Muslim charity to do so on your behalf). Distribute the meat — one-third to family, one-third to friends, one-third to the poor.

The qurbāni (sacrifice) for British Muslim families

The ʿEid al-Aḍḥā sacrifice is a Sunnah for every Muslim adult with the means. Most British Muslim families pay UK Muslim charities (Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid, Penny Appeal, Human Appeal) to perform the sacrifice on their behalf in countries where the meat will reach families in need. Current rates are typically £40-100 per share depending on the country and animal.

How British Muslim families should mark the ten days

1. Mark the dates on your family calendar
2. Prepare for fasting (especially the Day of ʿArafah on the 9th)
3. Begin daily Quran intensification on day 1
4. Recite the takbīr aloud at home and in masjid
5. Plan and pay for your qurbāni in advance
6. Attend Eid prayer in congregation
7. Continue takbīr until ʿAṣr of the 13th of Dhū al-Ḥijjah

Frequently asked questions

Where to go next

For more on Dhū al-Ḥijjah and Hajj, see our guides on The Day of ʿArafah, The Conclusion of Hajj, How to Perform Hajj, and our pillar on Sacrifice and Dedication. To prepare for the ten days with focused Quran study, book a free trial lesson.