The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah 2025

During these blessed and auspicious days, many Muslims seek to understand the significance and virtues of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. These days hold immense spiritual value and are considered some of the most sacred in the Islamic calendar.

In this article at Madrasat El Quran, we will provide a comprehensive overview of these blessed days, highlighting their importance and the recommended acts of worship that can help maximize the rewards during this special time.

When Do the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah 2025 Begin?

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah in 2025 are anticipated to begin on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon. These ten days hold significant importance for Muslims worldwide, as they are a time for increased worship, reflection, and good deeds. The 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah, will fall on Thursday, June 5, 2025, and marks the day when millions of Muslims gather at the plain of Arafat during Hajj. The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, which is Eid al-Adha, will be celebrated on Friday, June 6, 2025, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. These days are filled with blessings and are a time for Muslims to engage in acts of worship and kindness.

Hijri Calendar for The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah 2025

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah 2025 will begin on May 28, 2025 and continue until June 6, 2025. Here are the key dates:

• 1st of Dhul Hijjah: May 28, 2025 (Wednesday)
  
• 2nd of Dhul Hijjah: May 29, 2025 (Thursday)
  
• 3rd of Dhul Hijjah: May 30, 2025 (Friday)
  
• 4th of Dhul Hijjah: May 31, 2025 (Saturday)
  
• 5th of Dhul Hijjah: June 1, 2025 (Sunday)
  
• 6th of Dhul Hijjah: June 2, 2025 (Monday)
  
• 7th of Dhul Hijjah: June 3, 2025 (Tuesday)
  
• 8th of Dhul Hijjah: June 4, 2025 (Wednesday)
  
• 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah): June 5, 2025 (Thursday)
  
• 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha): June 6, 2025 (Friday)

These dates represent the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah for 2025, with Eid al-Adha falling on June 6, 2025. This period is a time of heightened spiritual significance, marked by acts of worship and reflection, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Adha.

The Virtue of The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah 2025

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the most significant seasons of worship in Islam, and Allah has favored them over all other days of the year. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
The companions asked, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” and the Prophet replied, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth and does not return with anything from it.” 

Also, Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“There is no deed more virtuous in the sight of Allah, nor greater in reward, than the good that a person does in the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.”
The companions asked, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” The Prophet replied, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth and does not return with anything from it.

These and other narrations indicate that these ten days are superior to all other days of the year, with no exceptions, even surpassing the last ten nights of Ramadan. However, the nights of the last ten days of Ramadan are more virtuous than the nights of Dhul-Hijjah, due to the presence of Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months.

Importance of the Day of Arafah

The 9th of Dhul Hijjah, also known as the Day of Arafah, is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar. It is the day when pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat as part of the Hajj pilgrimage. For Muslims who are not performing Hajj, it is highly recommended to fast on this day, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Sahih Muslim)

This day is marked by prayers, supplications, and sincere repentance. It is a day when Allah’s mercy is abundant, and many Muslims use it as a time to seek forgiveness and ask for Allah’s guidance.

Recommended Acts of Worship During the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Muslims should begin the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah by making sincere repentance to Allah, and then increase their good deeds. Among the acts of worship that deserve particular attention are:

1. Fasting

It is recommended for Muslims to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged doing good deeds during these days, and fasting is among the best of deeds. Allah has specifically chosen fasting for Himself, as mentioned in the Hadith:

قَالَ اللَّهُ: كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ لَهُ إِلَّا الصَّوْمَ فَإِنَّهُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ
“Allah said: ‘All actions of the son of Adam are for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward for it.'”

(Sahih Bukhari 1805).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah. As reported by Huneida bin Khalid, from his wife, who heard it from some of the wives of the Prophet, 

كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَصُومُ عَشْرَ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ وَيَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ وَثَلاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ: أَوَّلَ لَيْلَتَيْنِ مِنَ الشَّهْرِ وَيَوْمَيْنِ مِنَ الْخَمِيسِ

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the Day of Ashura, and three days every month: the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays.”

(Narrated by Nasai 4/205, Abu Dawood, authenticated by Al-Albani in “Sahih Abu Dawood” 2/462).

2. Increased Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)

It is recommended to increase the recitation of Takbeer (saying “Allahu Akbar”), Tahmeed (saying “Alhamdulillah”), and Tahleel (saying “La ilaha illallah”) during these ten days. These phrases should be recited loudly in mosques, homes, streets, and any other places where Allah’s name may be mentioned as a public demonstration of worship and glorification of Allah.

Men should pronounce it aloud, while women should keep it to themselves.

Allah says:

“That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals.”
surah Al-Hajj (28)

The majority of scholars agree that the “known days” refer to the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, based on the narration of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that said: “The known days are the ten days.”

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

 مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أَعْظَمَ عِندَ اللَّهِ وَلاَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ الْعَمَلُ فِيهِنَّ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْعَشْرِ فَأَكْثِرُوا فِيهِنَّ مِنَ التَّهْلِيلِ وَالتَّكْبِيرِ وَالتَّحْمِيدِ
“There are no days more beloved to Allah, nor are there any days in which deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days. So increase in them your utterances of Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).”

Narrated by Ahmad 7/224, authenticated by Ahmad Shakir.

The common form of Takbeer is:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillahi al-hamd.”
Other variations are also permissible.

In these times, the act of Takbeer has become a neglected Sunnah, especially at the beginning of the ten days. One hardly hears it except from a few people, so it is important to revive this practice and remind others. It is reported that Ibn Umar and Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with them) used to go to the market during these days and say Takbeer loudly, and people would follow their example and remember to say Takbeer individually. The aim is for individuals to remember and recite the Takbeer, not to do it collectively.

Reviving forgotten or neglected Sunnahs is highly rewarding, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

 مَنْ أَحْيَا سُنَّةً مِنْ سُنَنِي قَدْ أَمِيتتت بَعْدِي فَلَهُ مِّنَ الْأَجْرِ مِثْلُ مَنْ عَمِلَ بِهَا مِنْ غَيْرِ أَنْ يَنْقُصَ مِنْ أَجُورِهِمْ شَيْئًا
“Whoever revives a Sunnah that has been forgotten after my death, he will have the reward of it, and the reward of those who act upon it, without diminishing their rewards in the slightest.”

3. Performing Hajj and Umrah

One of the most rewarding acts during these ten days is performing Hajj, if one is able. For those who are blessed to perform Hajj and carry out its rituals correctly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

 الْحَجُّ الْمَبْرُورُ لَيْسَ لَهُ جَزَاءٌ إِلَّا الْجَنَّةُ
“The accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.”
(Sahih Bukhari).

4. Sacrificing an Animal (Qurbani)

Among the recommended actions during these days is offering a sacrifice (Qurbani) by slaughtering an animal in obedience to Allah. This act is not only a symbol of obedience but also an opportunity to spend in the way of Allah and to feed those in need.

Let us hasten to make the most of these blessed days before it is too late and we regret not utilizing them properly. The time to act is now, for once these days pass, one cannot go back and do what was missed.

How to Maximize Your Devotion During the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

These first ten days offer a golden opportunity for Muslims to accumulate as many good deeds as possible. To fully benefit from this blessed time, consider the following actions:

• Start the days with sincere repentance and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
  
• Focus on performing as many good deeds as possible, whether it’s through charity, prayer, or helping others.
  
• Increase your personal supplications (du’a) and ask Allah for guidance, blessings, and the ability to fulfill your religious obligations.
  
• Commit to staying away from sins and distractions, ensuring that these days are devoted to worship and devotion.
  

Conclusion

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah 2025 are a significant time for all Muslims. With their start on June 19, 2025, these days will provide ample opportunities for devotion, self-reflection, and spiritual growth. By engaging in fasting, prayer, remembrance of Allah, and acts of charity, Muslims can draw nearer to Allah and seek His mercy during this sacred period. May Allah accept the good deeds of all those who strive to worship Him during these blessed days.