Why Is It So Special?
Have you ever wondered why Muslims talk so much about the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah?
Why do scholars encourage fasting during the first nine days? And what makes these days so spiritually powerful, even for those who aren’t going for Hajj?
If these questions are on your mind, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore the significance of fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah.
We’ll break it down with practical tips, share insights from the Quran and Sunnah, and help you feel more spiritually connected during these sacred days.
What Is Dhul Hijjah and Why Are Its First Ten Days So Important?
Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It’s the month in which Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, takes place.
But even for Muslims who aren’t going on pilgrimage, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah hold an incredible opportunity for spiritual growth.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
— (Bukhari)
That’s a huge statement. These ten days are even more sacred than the last ten nights of Ramadan when it comes to deeds.
And guess what? One of the best deeds to perform during this time is fasting.
Why Should We Fast During the First Nine Days of Dhul Hijjah?
You might ask, “Why the first nine days and not ten?” That’s because the tenth day is Eid al-Adha a day of celebration and feasting.
Fasting on Eid is actually forbidden in Islam.
So that leaves us with nine incredible days, each one offering a chance to fast and earn immense reward.
Fasting during these days is not obligatory, but it’s highly recommended and loved by Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said about fasting on these days:
“Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.”
— (Muslim)
If that’s the reward for one day (Arafah), imagine the blessings of fasting on all nine!
What’s So Special About the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)?
Let’s zoom in on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah.
This is the day when pilgrims gather at Mount Arafah, praying and seeking forgiveness.
For those not performing Hajj, fasting on this day brings a massive reward forgiveness of sins from the previous year and the upcoming year.
Think about that for a second. Two years’ worth of sins wiped clean… for fasting one day? SubhanAllah, how Merciful is Allah!
Even if you can’t fast all nine days, make the Day of Arafah your top priority.
Are There Any Hadith That Mention Fasting All Nine Days of Dhul Hijjah?
Yes, there are narrations that speak about fasting during these days, though scholars have discussed the level of authenticity.
One narration reported by Hafsah (RA), the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, says:
“The Prophet used to fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, the day of Ashura, and three days of each month.”
— (Abu Dawood, classified as Hasan by some scholars)
While there may be scholarly debate on the chain of narration, the overall encouragement for righteous deeds during these ten days including fasting is undeniably strong across authentic hadith.
How Can You Prepare to Fast During the First Nine Days?
If you’re new to voluntary fasting or find it difficult to fast many days outside Ramadan, don’t worry.
The key is preparation and intention.
Here are some practical tips to help you succeed:
1. Set Your Intention Early
Don’t wait until Dhul Hijjah starts. Mentally prepare yourself and make du’a to Allah to help you benefit from these blessed days.
2. Know the Islamic Calendar
Keep track of the Hijri calendar so you don’t miss the beginning of Dhul Hijjah. Many masjids or Islamic apps can notify you.
3. Plan Your Meals
Prepare simple and nourishing suhoor (pre-dawn) and iftar (sunset) meals. Hydrate well and avoid foods that drain your energy.
4. Start Gradually
If you can’t do all nine days, start with a few. Even fasting Monday and Thursday during Dhul Hijjah can be powerful.
5. Prioritize the Day of Arafah
Even if you can fast just one day, make it count. The Day of Arafah is a game-changer.
What Other Good Deeds Should You Combine with Fasting?
Fasting during Dhul Hijjah is amazing, but combining it with other good deeds supercharges your rewards.
1. Increase in Dhikr
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Increase in saying Tahleel (La ilaha illa Allah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) during these days.”
— (Ahmad)
You can say these out loud or silently throughout your day.
2. Give Charity
Every dollar you give during Dhul Hijjah carries extra weight. Look for causes that matter to you and give consistently.
3. Read Quran
Even a few verses a day can uplift your heart. Challenge yourself to finish a portion during these days.
4. Make Du’a
These days are a golden opportunity to pour your heart out to Allah. Ask for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for yourself and the Ummah.
Can Women Fast During Dhul Hijjah While Menstruating?
This is a common and important question. If a woman is on her period during these days, she is exempt from fasting and not sinful for missing it.
Allah is All-Knowing and Just she can still earn immense reward through:
- Dhikr
- Du’a
- Charity
- Helping others
- Listening to Qur’an
Remember, fasting is just one way to worship during these blessed days.
What If You Can’t Fast for Medical or Other Valid Reasons?
If you’re sick, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, or otherwise unable to fast, don’t feel disheartened.
Islam is a religion of mercy and flexibility. Allah knows your intentions, and you can still gain reward through:
- Feeding someone who is fasting
- Supporting others to fast
- Making du’a with sincerity
- Doing other acts of worship
The doors of mercy are always open.
Is It Better to Fast or Do Other Acts of Worship During Dhul Hijjah?
It doesn’t have to be one or the other! Fasting is among the best things you can do, but it’s even more powerful when combined with other deeds.
That said, if you find it hard to fast and perform other acts of worship at the same time, do what’s easiest for you with the most sincerity.
Allah values quality over quantity.
How Can You Motivate Your Family and Friends to Fast These Days?
We all need a little push sometimes. If you want to encourage your loved ones:
- Start a group challenge: Create a Dhul Hijjah fasting group chat
- Share hadiths and reminders about the virtues
- Cook iftar meals for each other
- Make du’a for their strength and reward
Remember, guiding someone to do good also brings you reward.
Is There a Spiritual Benefit to Fasting Outside of Ramadan?
Absolutely! Voluntary fasting throughout the year is a practice of the Prophet ﷺ and helps you:
- Build self-discipline
- Cleanse your soul
- Detach from worldly desires
- Strengthen your connection with Allah
And during Dhul Hijjah, the rewards are multiplied even more.
What’s the Difference Between Fasting in Dhul Hijjah and Ramadan?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Ramadan | Dhul Hijjah (1–9) |
| Obligatory? | Yes | No, but highly recommended |
| Number of days | 29 or 30 | 9 days (not including Eid) |
| Community involvement | High | More individual, unless Hajj |
| Reward multiplier | Very high | Extremely high (esp. Arafah) |
| Eid celebration | Eid al-Fitr (after Ramadan) | Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah) |
Both are spiritually rich, but the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah are often overlooked—don’t let them pass you by.
Final Thoughts: Will You Take Advantage of These Blessed Days?
Dhul Hijjah is not just for the pilgrims in Makkah it’s for every Muslim across the globe.
These nine days are a chance to reboot your faith, cleanse your sins, and draw closer to your Creator.
Whether you fast all nine days, just a few, or only the Day of Arafah, do it with a pure intention.
Pair your fasting with sincere dhikr, heartfelt du’a, and good deeds.
You don’t need to be perfect just committed. Allah sees your efforts.
Ready to Make This Dhul Hijjah Different?
Let this be the year you truly make the most of these special days. Share this article with friends and family so they can benefit too.
You never know whose heart it might touch.
May Allah accept your fasting, your worship, and grant you His Mercy in this life and the next. Ameen.
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