(3/5) Essential Acts of Worship for the Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Good deeds performed during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are more beloved to Allah ﷻ than deeds performed at any other time of the year. When such a magnificent window of divine mercy opens, the successful believer does not remain idle. They formulate a plan.

Unlike Ramadan, where the entire community follows a structured schedule of fasting and nightly prayers, Dhul-Hijjah requires self-motivation and personal initiative. To help you transform your daily routine during this sacred season, here are the essential acts of worship emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his righteous companions.

1. Reviving the Forgotten Sunnah: Abundant Dhikr and Takbeer

Of all the acts of worship prescribed for these ten days, the Prophet ﷺ specifically highlighted the continuous remembrance of Allah (Dhikr). In a Hadith recorded in Musnad Ahmad, the Prophet ﷺ said:

“There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so recite during them in great abundance the Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), the Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and the Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).”

During the era of the companions, Ibn ʿUmar and Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with them) would go out to the bustling marketplaces during these ten days reciting the Takbeer aloud. The people in the market would hear them and begin reciting Takbeer as well, creating an atmosphere vibrating with the glorification of Allah ﷻ.

The Two Forms of Takbeer in Dhul-Hijjah

Scholars distinguish between two specific types of Takbeer practiced during this season:

• Unrestricted Takbeer (Takbeer Mutlaq – التكبير المطلق): This begins from the very first moment of Dhul-Hijjah (sunset on the last day of Dhul-Qaʿdah) and continues until the end of the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. It is recited aloud at all times — while walking, driving, cooking, resting, and in the marketplaces.
• Restricted Takbeer (Takbeer Muqayyad – التكبير المقيد): This specific Takbeer is recited immediately following the obligatory congregation prayers (Salah). For non-pilgrims, it begins after Fajr prayer on the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) and concludes after Asr prayer on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.

The standard, beautiful formula for this Takbeer is:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah; Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd.”
(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is none worthy of worship except Allah; Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.)

2. Voluntary Fasting (Siyam)

Fasting is one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah ﷻ. In a famous Hadith Qudsi, Allah declares: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward for it.”

During Dhul-Hijjah, it is highly recommended to fast the first nine days. The Prophet’s wives reported that the Prophet ﷺ used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the Day of ʿAshura, and three days of every month.

If fasting all nine days is difficult due to work, health, or fatigue, strive to fast as many days as possible, such as Mondays and Thursdays. However, there is one day that you should make every conceivable effort not to miss: the 9th day, the Day of Arafah. (Note: Fasting on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah — Eid al-Adha — is strictly forbidden).

3. Deepening Your Connection with the Quran

While Ramadan is famously known as the “Month of the Quran,” the divine magnification of good deeds in Dhul-Hijjah makes it an equally crucial time for Quranic immersion. Every letter recited during these days carries immense, multiplied rewards.

Set a realistic yet ambitious Quranic goal for these ten days:

• Daily Recitation Target: Aim to read at least half a Juz or a full Juz daily. Completing one Juz per day will allow you to read a third of the entire Quran during this short window.
• Focus on Reflection (Tadabbur): Don’t just rush through the Arabic pages. Dedicate 15 minutes daily to reading the translation and Tafsir of the passages you recite.
• Perfecting Your Tajweed: Use this blessed season to evaluate and improve your recitation. Connecting with expert tutors at Learn Quran the Right Way can help ensure you are reciting the Book of Allah exactly as it was revealed.

4. Daily Sadaqah (Charity)

Because good deeds are magnified during these ten days, giving charity daily — even in small amounts — ensures that your record of deeds is filled with extraordinary generosity. In Islam, charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.

Consider automating a small donation every morning after Fajr prayer during these ten days. Whether supporting orphans, helping local families in need, or contributing to Islamic education, your contribution will be recorded during the most beloved days of the year.

5. Qiyam al-Layl (Night Prayers) and Sincere Supplication

While the days of Dhul-Hijjah are preeminent, the nights remain profoundly special. Waking up just 20 to 30 minutes before Fajr prayer to perform two or four Rakʿahs of Tahajjud is a transformative spiritual practice.

In the quietness of the pre-dawn hours (the last third of the night), Allah ﷻ descends to the lowest heaven in a manner befitting His majesty, asking: “Who is calling upon Me, that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me, that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?” Combining the blessed last third of the night with the sacred days of Dhul-Hijjah creates the ultimate opportunity for accepted Dua.

Summary Checklist for Your Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

To keep yourself accountable and ensure a spiritually productive season, use this daily checklist:

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