Key Takeaways
- Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said there are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (Sahih al-Bukhari 969).
- Many early scholars understood the "ten nights" sworn by in the Quran (89:2) as the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah.
- The hadith speaks of righteous deeds in general, so there is no single required act, and anyone can take part, not only those on Hajj.
- Realistic ideas include keeping prayers on time, extra recitation, charity, and regular dhikr.
- For questions about specific practices, such as fasting or particular remembrance, ask your local imam.
Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said there are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (Sahih al-Bukhari 969). Anyone can use these days to increase their worship.
What the Hadith Says
The Prophet ﷺ said, "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The companions asked whether that included jihad, and he said that it did, except for a man who goes out with himself and his property at risk and returns with nothing (Sahih al-Bukhari 969). The hadith speaks of righteous deeds in general.
The Ten Nights in the Quran
Many early scholars, including Ibn Abbas, understood the "ten nights" that Allah swears by in Surah Al-Fajr (Quran 89:2) as the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah. This is an interpretation, and it adds weight to the significance of these days.
A Realistic Plan
If you are busy, it helps to choose a few habits and keep them for all ten days.
- Keep the five prayers on time.
- Read a small portion of the Quran daily. Even a page counts.
- Give in charity, a small amount each day.
- Remember Allah, with regular dhikr and dua.
- Repair relationships. A kind message or a visit to a relative is a righteous act.
With Children
Involve children in one simple habit, such as reading a short surah together after Maghrib, or putting a coin in a charity box each day. Our guide to teaching kids about Islam has more ideas.
If You Are Performing Hajj
For those on the pilgrimage, the rites are the focus. See our guide to Hajj for an overview.
Questions About Specific Practices
Some practices for these days, such as extra fasting or particular remembrance, are treated a little differently by different scholars. Ask your local imam about your own practice. If you would like help with reading or dua, a free trial lesson with our Tajweed course is a simple place to begin.