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The [first] ten days of Dhul-Hijjah; [regarding] these ten days the Prophet ﷺ said about them:
«There are no days during which righteous deeds are better and more beloved to Allaah than these ten days» [i.e. the first ten days of Dhul- Hijjah.]
They said: “O Messenger of Allaah! Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?” He said:
«Not even Jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself with his wealth, and does not return with anything.» [i.e. he expends all his wealth and is martyred.] – transmitted by al-Bukhaaree, Abu Daawood and Ibn Maajah.
And based on this noble hadeeth, we should strive to perform righteous deeds during these ten days [of Dhul-Hijjah] – such as fasting, remembrance [of Allaah], reading the Qur.aan, increased prayer, charity, kindness toward creation, and other actions that draw one nearer to Allaah سبحانه و تعالى.
For indeed, righteous deeds performed during these ten days are superior to those performed in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan.
This is because the Prophet ﷺ made a general and emphatic statement:
«There are no days during which righteous deeds are better and more beloved to Allaah than these ten days» [i.e. the first ten days of Dhul- Hijjah.]
And it is also the responsibility for students of knowledge to raise awareness among the people regarding the virtues of these ten days, as many people are neglectful of them, and unaware of their great merit. So they need to be reminded, taught, and informed.
And the most important day for fasting is the Day of ‘Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah),
The Prophet ﷺ was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah, and he said:
As for what some people do – specifically fasting the 7th, 8th, and 9th [days of Dhul-Hijjah], believing that these days have special merit – then this is a mistake.
Yes, [so] whoever regularly fasts three days each month, and happens to fast on the 7th, 8th, and 9th – as part of their regular practice, then there is no harm [in that].
But to say it is from the Sunnah to fast the 7th, 8th and 9th, then there is no basis (proof) for that.
Originally published on 21 May, 2025.
