Blessed days are upon us once again—the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. These sacred nights and days are those by which Allah SWT has sworn in the Holy Quran: “By the dawn, and by the ten nights” (Surah Al-Fajr, 89:1–2). Prophet Muhammad ﷺ testified that
these are the best days of this world. Abdullah ibn Umar (R.A.) narrated that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. So increase in Tasbeeh (saying SubhanAllah), Takbeer
(saying Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (saying Alhamdulillah), and Tahleel (saying La ilaha illa Allah).”

These are days of divine generosity, when blessings are multiplied, sins are forgiven, and the gates of mercy are wide open. They also include the sacred pillar of Hajj—the fifth pillar of Islam.

Why Are These Days So Special?

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are uniquely virtuous because they combine the most beloved acts of worship: Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), Sadaqah (charity), and Hajj (pilgrimage). No other time in the year offers this combination of deeds.

Included in these days is the Day of Arafah—the day of forgiveness, mercy, and the freeing of souls from Hellfire. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah expiates the sins of the past and coming year.”

(Reported by Muslim)

These are days when the gates of Jannah are opened, good deeds are multiplied, and hearts are spiritually revived. This opportunity comes only once a year—let’s not miss it.

How Can We Maximize These Days?

Here are the most recommended acts during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah:

Establishing Salah (Prayer):

Prioritize your five daily prayers and increase in Sunnah and Nafl prayers (voluntary prayers). Prayer is the most direct link to Allah SWT.

Fasting (Sawm):

Fasting the first nine days is highly recommended—especially Yawm ‘Arafah for non-pilgrims, as it wipes out sins for two years.

Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) & Duaa (Supplication): Repeat SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illa Allah, and Allahu Akbar often. Pour your heart out in Duaa, as Dhikr nourishes the soul and serves as the believer’s guidance.

Reciting the Qur’an:

Read and reflect upon the Quran, and strive to live by them.

Qiyam al-Layl (Night Prayer):

Wake before Fajr to pray Tahajjud. The silence of the night is a sacred time to reconnect with Allah SWT.

Tawbah (Repentance) and Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness):

Take advantage of these days to purify your heart from sins and wrongdoings.

Silat al-Rahim (Maintaining Family Ties):

Strengthen relationships with family members. It brings blessings to one’s life and increases sustenance.

Udhiyah(Qurbani/Sacrifice):

For those able, offering (Udhiyah) is a confirmed Sunnah, reviving the legacy of Prophet Ibraheem PBUH.

Giving in the Ten Days… A Priceless Treasure and Life-Giving Act One of the most impactful acts during these days is Sadaqah and Zakat for the sake of Allah SWT. Charity given during these sacred days carries immense reward, exemplifies Islamic brotherhood, and brings relief to those in hardship. As Allah SWT says: “And whatever you spend of good – indeed, Allāh is Knowing of it.”

 (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:273) When you wipe the tears of an orphan, feed a hungry soul, or lift the burden off a distressed family—you’re not simply donating, you’re reviving hearts, spreading rahmah (mercy), and building your eternal life.

Your charity could mean:

A meal for a displaced family

Medicine for a sick child

Shelter for a refugee

Clean water for the thirsty

This is not just generosity—it’s Ibadah.

Hands For Charity: Your Bridge of Giving During Days of Blessing

During these blessed days, Hands For Charity is honoured to serve as a trusted Zakat and charity partner, delivering your donations to where they’re needed most. With a commitment to transparency and trust, we ensure your sadaqah and zakah reach deserving families in crisis zones like Syria, Gaza, Yemen, Lebanon, and Sudan. Every contribution you make helps build a society rooted in compassion, dignity, and faith. Whether large or small, your support changes lives.

Seize the Opportunity… Leave a Lasting Impact These ten days are not ordinary—they’re a divine gift and a golden opportunity. Seize them with salah, sawm, dhikr, Reciting Qur’an, duaa, Sadaqah, Zakat, and righteous deeds And don’t forget to uplift others in the process. For you never know—a heartfelt duaa from someone you helped might be your gateway to Jannah. “Whoever leads someone to a good deed will receive the same reward as the one who does it.” (Sahih Muslim) Let these days be your launchpad to lasting reward. Walk the path of giving with sincerity and love—and leave behind a legacy that continues to benefit others long after you're gone.

May Allah accept our efforts and grant us the ability to make the most of these blessed days.