Dhul Hijjah: The Spiritual Significance of Fasting During Islam’s Sacred First Nine Days

By
ZAINAB TANIMU
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Dhul Hijjah: The Spiritual Significance of Fasting During Islam’s Sacred First Nine Days

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna Northwest, Nigeria

Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, known as the “month of pilgrimage”. It is one of the four sacred months in Islam, characterized by intense spiritual significance, increased rewards for good deeds, and the performance of Hajj. The first 10 days of this month are regarded as the best days of the year, even superior to the days of Ramadan.
 The recommended fasts for the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah begin on Monday, May 18, 2026 (1st of Dhul Hijjah).
 It is highly recommended to fast for the first 9 days of the month.
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the Day of Arafah, which is Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Fasting on this day is a sunnah that expiates the sins of both the past and the coming year.

Fasting the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah (specifically up to the Day of Arafah on the 9th) is highly virtuous in Islam, as these are considered the best ten days of the year for righteous deeds, loved most by Allah. It offers immense spiritual rewards, forgiveness of sins, and is a way to emulate the devotion of Hajj pilgrims.

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Key significance of fasting these days includes:

 

  • Highest Reward for Deeds: According to a Hadith, “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days”.
  • Expiation of Sins (Day of Arafah): Fasting on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah) is highly recommended for non-pilgrims, as it cleanses the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
  • Emulating Pilgrims: Although not physically at Hajj, fasting allows those at home to share in the spirituality, discipline, and devotion of the pilgrims.
  • Sunnah Practice: It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah.
  • Opportunity for Repentance: It is a time to reconnect with Allah and maximize good deeds, often seen as a second chance for spiritual renewal after Ramadan.
A time for Muslims to renew their faith, increase in remembrance of Allah (Dhikr), perform charity, and read the Qur’an.
  • Hajj: The Hajj pilgrimage takes place on the 8th, 9th, and 10th days of this month.
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  • Qurbani (Sacrifice): On the 10th day, Muslims worldwide commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion by performing the ritual sacrifice (Qurbani/Udhiyah).
 It is important to note that to fast on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the day of Eid al-Adha is prohibited.
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