The month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the most sacred times in the Islamic calendar. It is a period filled with immense blessings and opportunities for spiritual growth. The first ten days, in particular, are of great significance, and Muslims around the world strive to make the most of this precious time. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan and make the most out of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

Dhul Hijjah Essential dua's

As the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah approach, it's important to equip ourselves with the spiritual tools that can maximise our connection with Allah. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through the recitation of essential duas (supplications). By incorporating these supplications into our daily routine, especially during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, we can ensure that we are making the most of this sacred time and drawing closer to our Creator.

Dua for forgiveness

رَبَّنَآ إِنَّنَآ ءَامَنَّافَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
Rabbanaaa innanaaa aamannaa faghfir lanaazunoobanaa wa qinaa ‘azaaban Naar’
Our Lord! surely we believe, therefore forgive us our faults and save us from the chastisement of the fire
Al-Imran, 3:16

Dua for protection

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ رِضَاكَ وَالجَنَّةَ ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ وَالنَّارِ
Allaahumma innee as-aluka Ridaaka wal Jannah wa a’audhu’bika min sakhatika wan-naar
O Allah, I ask of Your pleasure and for Paradise, and I seek refuge from Your displeasure and from the Hellfire.

Dua for ummah

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ أُمَّةَ مُحَمَّدٍ اللَّهُمَّ فَرِّجْ عَنْ أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْ أُمَّةَ مُحَمَّدٍ
Allahumma aslih Ummata Muhammad. Allahumma farrij ‘an Ummati Muhammad. Allahumma Rham Ummata Muhammad [sallAllahu alayhi wasalam]
O Allah! Improve (help) the state of the Ummah of Muhammad. O Allah! Grant ease to the Ummah of Muhammad. O Allah! Have mercy on the Ummah of Muhammad.

Dua to be kept steadfast

يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِى عَلَى دِينِكَ
Ya Muqallib al-quloob thabbit qalbi 'ala deenik
“O Controller of hearts, make my heart firm in Your religion.”
Dua for receiving good in the Dunya and Akhira
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِىْ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِىْ الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid dunya hasanatan wa fil Aakhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar
“Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

Ibadah during Dhul Hijjah 

Performing good deeds during Dhul Hijjah, such as fasting, dhikr, reciting the Quran, giving sadaqah and seeking forgiveness, not only purifies our hearts but also strengthens our faith

Fast

Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is highly encouraged, especially on the Day of Arafah (the 9th day). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one" (Muslim). Fasting purifies the soul and brings you closer to Allah.

Dhikr

Make a habit of frequently reciting Tasbeeh (SubhanAllah), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), and Takbeer (Allahu Akbar). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so recite a great deal of Tahleel (La ilaha ill-Allah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah)” (Ahmad).

Quran 

Dedicate more time to reading the Quran. Reflect on its meanings and how they apply to your life. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a hasanah (good deed) from it, and the hasanah will be multiplied by ten" (Tirmidhi). Reciting the Quran during these blessed days brings immense reward and deepens your connection with Allah.

Sadaqah

Increase your acts of charity. This could be in the form of monetary donations, providing food to the needy, or simply helping others in their daily tasks. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Charity does not decrease wealth" (Muslim). During Dhul Hijjah, particularly with the practice of Qurban, the importance of giving is emphasised. Distributing the meat from your Qurban to those in need is a significant form of charity. 

Seek forgiveness

Make it a routine to seek forgiveness (Istighfar) frequently. Reflect on your past actions and ask Allah for forgiveness for any shortcomings. The Quran says, “And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah?” (Quran 3:135).

The MAA Challenge

Much like the challenges you see during Ramadan, we have created a challenge for the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah to help increase your Ibadah. 
Join us in this journey of spiritual growth and let’s make the most of these ten precious days by performing meaningful and impactful deeds.