While many Muslims wait all year for Ramadan, there is another sacred season that often passes quietly - yet its rewards are even greater in many ways.
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are described by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the best days of this world. Days so beloved to Allah that every good deed done in them becomes heavier, more valuable, and more rewarding.
Most people will scroll through these days normally. Sleep through them. Waste them. Treat them like ordinary days.
But these are not ordinary days.
These are days that can change your akhirah.
Why Are the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah So Special?
Muhammad ď·ş said:
"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."
Even the companions asked: "Not even jihad?"
And the Prophet replied that not even jihad compares - except for someone who leaves with his life and wealth and returns with neither.
That is how valuable these days are.
Allah Himself swears by these days in the Quran:
"By the dawn, and by the ten nights..."
Scholars explain these are the first 10 nights and days of Dhul Hijjah.
1. Guard Your Salah Like Never Before
If you want to make these days premium, start with your prayers.
Pray every salah on time.
Slow down your recitation.
Add sunnah prayers.
Wake up for Tahajjud, even if it's just two rak'ahs.
A person's connection with Allah begins with prayer.
2. Fast - Especially the Day of Arafah
One fast. Two years forgiven.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
Even if you cannot fast all nine days, do not miss Arafah if you are able.
3. Complete the Quran or Reconnect With It
Many Muslims complete the Quran in Ramadan but neglect it afterwards.
Dhul Hijjah is your opportunity to return.
Set a realistic goal:
1 juz daily
3 juz daily
Or even a few pages consistently
What matters most is sincerity and consistency.
Don't just recite. Reflect.
Sometimes one verse can heal a heart more deeply than an entire conversation.
4. Fill Your Tongue With Dhikr
Simple words. Massive reward.
Repeat often:
SubhanAllah
Alhamdulillah
Allahu Akbar
La ilaha illa Allah
The companions used to raise their voices with takbir during these blessed days.
Your tongue can become heavy with rewards while sitting, walking, driving, or cooking.
5. Give Charity - Even If It Feels Small
Somebody right now cannot afford:
rent
medicine
food
electricity
school fees
These are the days Allah loves righteous deeds most.
Feed someone. Sponsor an orphan. Help a struggling family quietly.
Sometimes the smallest hidden charity becomes the deed that saves a person on the Day of Judgment.
6. Repair Broken Relationships
One of the most overlooked acts of worship is reconnecting ties.
Call the family member you stopped speaking to. Forgive someone. Apologise sincerely.
Pride destroys hearts. Humility heals them.
7. Make Real Tawbah
Not the quick "Astaghfirullah" said without thought.
Real repentance.
Sit alone with Allah and speak honestly:
about your sins
your fears
your bad habits
your regrets
These days are an invitation to restart spiritually.
8. Perform Qurbani If You Can
Eid al-Adha reminds us of the sacrifice and devotion of Ibrahim.
If Allah has blessed you financially, offer your sacrifice sincerely for His sake.
9. Worship When Others Are Distracted
One reason these days are so powerful is because many people neglect them. Ramadan feels easier because everyone around you is praying, fasting, and posting reminders. But Dhul Hijjah is different.
The worshipper in these days often worships quietly while others continue life normally. That struggle is precious to Allah.
10. Use a "Premium Deeds" Daily Checklist
IslamiCity has designed aweb app to help our audience make the most of the first 10 days of Hajj. You can explore the digital app here, and download the PDF version here.
Digital Web App for the Best 10 Days Tracker - Click Here
Small consistent deeds can completely transform these 10 days.
Don't Let These Days Pass Like Every Other Year
Many people enter Dhul Hijjah carelessly and leave it unchanged.
But some people enter these days with sincerity - and leave with forgiven sins, softened hearts, accepted duas, and a stronger relationship with Allah. You do not need to be perfect. You only need to begin.
Make these days premium. Because they may be the 10 days that change everything.