10 Ways to Reap the Rewards of Dhul Hijjah (Detailed Guide)

There is no other day more valuable or more rewarding to Allah. That alone should be enough to make us pause and reflect. SubhanAllah, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the most blessed in the whole year.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” (Bukhari)

Consider that for a moment. These are sacred days—they’re golden. An opportunity to reconnect with Allah, renew your intentions, and reap much—even in the smallest of acts.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to begin.

This guidebook will walk you through 10 intentional steps to maximize these blessed days—plain, genuine actions that can draw you closer to Allah and balance your scales with good actions, inshaAllah

1. Reflect on the Journey of Hajj (Even If You’re Not Going) 

Not everybody can perform Hajj—but you need not imply that you are not allowed to connect with it somehow. These sacred days of Dhul Hijjah are the most suitable days to learn, reflect on it, and prepare your heart to perform the pilgrimage, this year or at some point in the future.

Hajj is not so much a physical pilgrimage and more of a spiritual rejuvenation. From the donning of Ihram to waiting in the Arafah plains, each step is symbolic. The humility, the submission, the sole dependence on Allah—everything is on the path.

Tip for you:

Watch a documentary or lecture about Hajj rituals. Read others’ inspiring accounts of having performed Hajj. Open up a Hajj savings account. And most of all, pray in heartfelt intention: “Ya Allah, grant me the opportunity to visit Your House.” Your body might not be prepared to move yet, but do not cut your heart. Allah always considers the intention.

2. Give Sadaqah with Purpose 

Dhul Hijjah is not only the month of charity—it’s the month of charity with meaning. Every donation, large or small, is multiplied in return during these holy days. And don’t forget, Sadaqah does not necessarily mean monetary. It can be a soft word, an extended hand, or even a smile.

The Prophet ﷺ taught us:

“Sadaqah extinguishes sin the way water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)

Therefore, share what is precious. Share anonymously. Share in need. Help a friend in need. Prepare a meal for your family. Give your time to someone who just needs to be heard. When charity is done from the heart, it does more good than the receiver—more good for Allah.

3. Fast to Cleanse the Soul

Fasting in Dhul Hijjah—particularly on the Day of Arafah—is a sure means to cleanse your heart and wash away past errors.

The Prophet ﷺ explained:

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah obliterates the sin of the previous year and the sin of the coming year.” (Muslim)

A lifetime of wrongdoing—for a single day of authentic fasting.

But fasting is more than missing food and beverages. It’s about protecting your eyes, your words, your mind, and your actions. It’s about fasting, re-returning to Allah, and putting down distractions that lead you away from Allah.

4. Turn Back to Allah (Repent Deeply) 

Dhul Hijjah is a time of mercy—a window wide open for those who want to return to Allah. These days are made for reflection, for healing, and for starting over. If you’ve been distant, now is the time to come back.

Don’t be afraid to confess your sins. Write them down—not to feel guilty, but to really feel Tawbah deep in yourself. Set fire to the paper and raise both hands high up, knowing that Allah’s door of mercy remains open all the time.

The Prophet ﷺ narrated a strong Hadith Qudsi:

“O child of Adam, if you turn to Me and ask Me, I will forgive you for what you have done…”

Action Tip:

Perform wudu and perform two sincere rak’ahs of Salat al-Tawbah. Bare your heart in du’a. Beg Allah to release you from your extravagances and guide you to His pleasure. Do something about it—because sincere repentance is not lip service, but a turn-around.

Make Dhul Hijjah the page where you turned back—with honesty and optimism.

5. Purify Your Wealth (Give Zakat if Due)

Dhul Hijjah is a perfect time to give your Zakat if it’s Dhul Hijjah isn’t just a time for spiritual growth—it’s also the perfect time to purify your wealth. If your Zakat is due, don’t delay. Giving it now multiplies your reward and reflects true gratitude for all that Allah has given you.

Allah teaches in the Qur’an, “Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.” (Qur’an 9:103)

Zakat’s not mandatory—it’s a donation. It cleanses your income, assists the needy, and infuses barakah into your life. You’ll never notice how much it impacts your life, but somebody somewhere is blessing you because of it.

Tip for you.

Compute your Zakat carefully. Donate through Children’s Aid or to the poor. Let your wealth be a reflection of mercy—yes, for you—but for others as well.

6. Reconnect with the Qur’an 

These Holy days of Dhul Hijjah, when can you return to the Qur’an—your light, your clarity, your peace. The world intrudes and we go astray. But the Qur’an keeps you out in front of us, to heal, to guide, and to remind.

Allah reminds us that even a verse a day will restore your heart.

Allah says:

 “Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most upright…”

(Qur’an 17:9)

Let the Qur’an guide your heart and remind you of direction. Those first ten days are less about more worship practice—more connection. Let the Word of the Divine catch you up.

Pro Tip

Open it every day—even for five minutes. Read with intention. Ponder on one ayah. Memorize the meaning of your favorite Surah. Pass on what speaks to your heart—either with family and friends, or even on social media. Let the Qur’an become your friend this Dhul Hijjah, and let it be your guide to

7. Fill Your Day with Dhikr 

Dhul Hijjah is a period during which every word of remembrance bears more than one reward. The Prophet ﷺ told us to pass these days with dhikr—the easiest of things, yet one of the closest to Allah.

Say it with love. Say it constantly. Make your tongue and heart cling to each other.

Allahu Akbar – Takbeer

Alhamdulillah – Tahmeed

La ilaha illa Allah – Tahleel

SubhanAllah – Tasbeeh

Allah reminded us in the Qur’an:

“Thus so that they might behold and invoke Allah on distinct days.” (Qur’an 22:28)

Tip for you:

Comply with calming dhikr at home. Repeat it when cooking, driving, or walking. Bite it between tasks. Play and turn it into a game with your kids. Involve your tongue with praise, and your heart near the One Who hears everything.

8. Honor Loved Ones Through Good Deeds

If a loved one has passed away, Dhul Hijjah is a sacred period to remember them affectionately—and to do acts of goodness on their behalf. Your acts of goodness will be a cause of reward for them in the hereafter.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “When any one of you dies, his deeds are cut off except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah, knowledge he has taught, or a child who prays to Allah for him.” (Muslim)

You can’t regain them, but reward them until their graves like a soft light. Your efforts do count—even today.

9. Go Above and Beyond with Good Deeds

No act of goodness goes unseen on these early ten days of Dhul Hijjah—no matter how big or small. Whether it’s a smile, holding the door open for someone else, assisting your parents, or making a quiet du’a—Allah sees everything.

This is your time to take the next step. Stretch yourself slowly, crying. Be even more bountiful. Forgive earlier. Speak softer. Pray more intently. You have no idea what small ‘step’ can bring you victory.

The Prophet ﷺ narrated:

 “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are few.” (Bukhari)

Tip for you:

Create a daily to-do list of small, tangible acts. Smile intentionally. Phone an old friend you haven’t seen for years. Say two additional rak’ahs. Volunteer at home without a reminder. Mark off each good act at night—and sleep free of conscience that you spent every minute wisely.

10. Offer Your Qurbani with Sincerity

Eid al-Adha is not about the meat—it’s about meaning. Through Qurbani, we’re reminded of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was ready to give Allah what he desired most—just to obey Allah. That kind of loyalty, submission, and love is what we’re being asked to remember.

Allah instructs:

“It is not your flesh or your blood that reaches God, but piety on your part that reaches Him.” (Qur’an 22:37)

So perform your Qurbani in a true sense. Don’t lip-sync it—use it to connect with what it symbolizes. Have it as an act of connecting and not ritual.

Action Tip for you

Saying a genuine du’a while offering your Qurbani. Choose a reputable institution that distributes amongst really poor people. Give the meat to your people or poor people abroad. And take some time out to remind your kids of the story of Ibrahim (AS)—the story of love, faith, and sacrifice.

Final Reflection

Dhul Hijjah is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a divine invitation. An invitation to pause, to realign, and to rise. These ten days are among the most beloved to Allah… and not everyone is gifted the chance to witness them.

So if you’re reading this now, know this: you’ve been chosen. Chosen to worship, to grow, to let go of the past, and to step into something better.

You don’t have to do it all. Do what you can—conscientiously, with integrity, and with a hurting heart to serve Allah. One honest act might sometimes be worth more than a hundred done without thought.

How am I going to make these ten days special? What am I going to do today that my soul will bless me for tomorrow? Make this Dhul Hijjah your turning point. May you be closer to Allah than ever before.