THE 10 BEST DAYS OF THE YEAR: MAKING THE MOST OF DHUL-HIJJAH

Inspire FM

27th May 2025

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the most sacred and spiritually uplifting days in the Islamic calendar. They are a divine gift — an opportunity to draw nearer to Allah, increase in worship, and earn multiplied rewards for every righteous deed.

As Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days.”
(Bukhari)

These blessed days, especially the Day of Arafah (falling on Thursday 5th June 2025), are a golden chance to seek forgiveness, build stronger family ties, give charity, and remember Allah in abundance.

Here’s how you can maximise the rewards of these sacred days:

1. Keep Sunnah Fasts

Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah is highly recommended. It is a simple yet deeply rewarding act of devotion.

Particularly, the Day of Arafah holds immense spiritual significance. Fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming one (Muslim). Whether you fast one day or all nine, each effort is cherished by Allah.

2. Remember Allah (SWT)

These days are a time to renew your remembrance of Allah. Engage your tongue in dhikr — remembering and glorifying Him through these simple phrases which bestow great rewards:

Tasbeeh – Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah)
Tahmeed – Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)
Tahleel – Laa ilaha ill-Allah (There is no god but Allah)
Takbeer – Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)

3. Seek Forgiveness

Dhul Hijjah is the perfect time to reconnect with Allah through sincere repentance. Reflect on your past actions and ask for His mercy and forgiveness.

The gates of mercy are wide open during these days. Whether it's a quiet dua after prayer or a heartfelt tear in the middle of the night, turn back to your Creator and renew your commitment to righteousness.

4. Visit Your Family

Islam places great importance on maintaining family ties. Visiting parents, reaching out to siblings, or simply calling a distant relative — all are acts of worship when done with the right intention.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever maintains the ties of kinship, Allah maintains ties with him.” Reconnecting with loved ones brings not only spiritual reward but emotional strength and harmony.

5. Be Charitable

Increase your acts of sadaqah (charity) during these days. Charity isn’t limited to financial donations — even a smile, lending a hand to a neighbour, or volunteering your time counts.

Look around your community. Is there someone in need of support, food, or a kind word? Every small act of generosity counts and is multiplied during Dhul Hijjah.

6. Offer Qurbani

One of the most significant acts during these days is to perform Qurbani (sacrifice) in memory of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his unwavering faith.

Distribute the meat to the poor and the needy, and reflect on the values of obedience, gratitude, and compassion. Qurbani is a reminder of the blessings we have and a way to ensure others share in them too.

Make These Days Count

Whether it’s increasing your prayers, giving in charity, spending time with family, or simply making sincere dua — every action, no matter how small, holds weight during Dhul Hijjah.

Let us not let these 10 best days of the year pass by without striving for self-improvement and spiritual connection.