The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are often referred to as the best days of the year and a second chance to have our sins forgiven, and to gain nearness to Allah (SWT) after Ramadan.
Many Muslims will be performing Hajj this Dhul Hijjah, but even for those at home, these blessed days are a great time to gain rewards.
Our good deeds earn multiplied rewards during Dhul Hijjah, which is one of the 4 sacred months in the Islamic calendar, and particularly in the first 10 days. We should make the most of this precious time and focus on our relationship with Allah (SWT), with the aim of maximising our worship and good deeds, as well as improving our character.
Muslims who are not performing Hajj are encouraged to fast on the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah. As an important sunnah, Dhul Hijjah fasting brings great rewards and forgiveness of sins.
Indeed, fasting is one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah (SWT):
All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.
Fasting during Dhul Hijjah is extremely beneficial to Muslims because of the blessings Allah bestows during this time.
Muslims also fast in Dhul Hijjah because it is a sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who would fast in the first 9 days, as well as during the White Days.
Whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
Fasting in Dhul Hijjah also helps to expiate sins, particularly fasting on the 9th Dhul Hijjah, which is the Day of Arafah.
Allah forgives sins on the Day of Arafah even if they are many. Indeed, we should not underestimate the immense mercy of Allah (SWT).
As for you staying till the evening in Arafah, then Allah descends to the sky of the world and He boasts about you to the Angels, and says: ‘My slaves have come to Me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for My mercy, so if your sins were equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea I will forgive them. So go forth My slaves! Having forgiveness and for what or who you have interceded for.
Fasting the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah is not mandatory as Ramadan is, but it is highly recommended to do, as they are the most blessed days of the Islamic year. It is also a sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to fast on these days.
The rewards and blessings of fasting on these holy days are immense, and can help us to purify our hearts and gain nearness to Allah. The benefits of doing so will help us throughout the whole year.
Muslims who are not performing Hajj should fast for the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, but not on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, which is the day of Eid al-Adha.
It is actually haram (prohibited) to fast on Eid day, as stated in the following Hadith:
He [the Prophet (PBUH) forbade fasting on the day of ‘Eid al-Fitr and the day of al-Nahr (the day of sacrifice, i.e., ‘Eid al-Adha).
Eid-ul Adha, or 10th Dhul Hijjah, is a blessed day and although we should not fast, we are encouraged to engage in increased dhikr and acts of worship such as reading more Qur’an and sending salawat (salutations) upon the Prophet (PBUH), particularly during the night proceeding Eid.
The best days to fast in Dhul Hijjah are the first 9 days, as they are the most blessed days of the year and fasting these days is a sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is prohibited (haram) to fast on the 10th Dhul Hijjah, which is the day of Eid al-Adha.
If you are not able to fast the full 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, then try to ensure to fast on the 9th Dhul Hijjah at a minimum, which is the Day of Arafah. This was the day that Allah perfected His religion:
This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.
There is great reward in fasting on the Day of Arafah, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
It expiates sins for the past and coming years.
However, pilgrims who are performing Hajj do not fast as they are travellers, and fasting would be difficult for them. The main focus for them on this day is du’a.
Outside of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, it is also virtuous to fast on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as on the White Days (13th, 14th and 15th days of each Islamic calendar month) in order to follow the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Fasting is one of the best ways to train our nafs (desires) and to help cultivate patience, obedience and submission to Allah Almighty.
Qurbani reflects Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s willingness to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail, for the sake of God and is a means for Muslims to reach the level of submission shown by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Fasting the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, despite it not being compulsory, is a means to also demonstrate sacrifice for the sake of pleasing Allah, as we abstain from food and drink during daylight hours.
The prayers of a fasting person are also more beloved to Allah, as we show our humility and dependence on Allah.
There are 3 whose du’as is not rejected: a just ruler, the fasting person when he breaks his fast and the prayer of the oppressed person. It rises above the clouds and the gates of heaven are opened for it, and the Lord, may He be glorified, says, ‘By My Glory I will answer you even if it is after a while.’
Find out more about du’as to read in Dhul Hijjah here.
The importance of fasting in Dhul Hijjah is highlighted in the following hadiths:
There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these 10 days.
The Prophet used to fast on the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah and the day of Ashura, and 3 days each month, the first Monday of the month and 2 Thursdays.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about the observance of fasting on the day of Arafah. He said:
It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year.
The people of knowledge consider it recommended to fast on the Day of ’Arafah, except for those at ‘Arafat.
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Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.