Allah (SWT) has made some months and time periods better than others, in order to boost our motivation and iman.

In Ramadhan, for example, we dedicate 30 days to increasing our worship, training ourselves to be better Muslims.

Dhul Hijjah is another important month, but it’s one that many of us neglect, despite its first 10 days being more blessed than the last 10 days of Ramadhan.

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” (Bukhari)

If you’re determined to reap the rewards of Dhul Hijjah, keep reading to find out about 10 easy deeds that you can perform.

We’ve even turned this post into a 10 Days of Good Deeds checklist, so you can plan and track your deeds with ease.

Download it here.

  1. Give your Qurbani

Dhul Hijjah is marked by the act of sacrificing an animal for Allah’s (SWT) sake and distributing its meat to charity.

This worship is in memory of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and the obedience and love he showed Allah (SWT) when he prepared to slaughter his son at Allah’s (SWT) command.

The son of Adam does not perform any action on the Day of Sacrifice that is more endearing to Allah than the sacrifice of animals…”– Prophet Muhammad (SAW) (At-Tirmidhi)

At HHUGS, we perform the sacrifice on your behalf and then hand deliver the meat to our beneficiary families here in the UK. That way, we’re making sure that members of our own community are being taken care of. 

“If there are poor people in one’s own country, then it is better to give it to them so as to meet their needs…it is preferable to slaughter it in the country where you are.” (Ibn Jibrin)

When choosing the animals, we go for quality sheep that have been reared and slaughtered in the best conditions, and according to the Quran and Sunnah.

Performing your sacrifice with excellence means you’re paying a little more for your Qurbani, but it also means you’re offering the best meat available to families in need.

“The finest Qurbani is that which is expensive in price, and very fat.” – Prophet Muhammad (SAW) (Ahmad)  

To give your Qurbani through HHUGS,visit our donation page now.

  • Recite more dhikr

During these special 10 days, it’s Sunnah to increase the amount of dhikr and dua that you make.

Recite takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), tahleel (Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), and tasbeeh (SubhanAllah) whenever you can – especially on Eid.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “The best of dua is dua on the Day of Arafah, and the best that I and the Prophets before me said is ‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer [There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the dominion, to Him be praise, and He has power over all things].” (Al-Tirmidhi)

If you look closely, you’ll find countless opportunities in your day to remember Allah (SWT), whether you’re driving, making breakfast, or walking to work.

  • Fast

It’s recommended that you fast the first nine days of the month, but if you’re unable to, try your best to at least fast on the ninth day (also known as the Day of Arafah).

Fasting on the Day of Arafah is the key to Allah (SWT) forgiving your sins for two whole years.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) told us: “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” (Muslim)

Even in the afterlife, this day is special – and Allah (SWT) marks it by extending His mercy to the people of the Hellfire.  

“There is no day on which Allah (SWT) frees people from the fire more so than on the Day of Arafah” (Muslim)

  • Give it up for HHUGS

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are about Muslims following in the footsteps of Ibrahim (AS) and sacrificing that which we love for Allah (SWT).

So if it’s difficult for you to give to charity, join our fundraising challenge ‘Give it up for HHUGS’ instead.

We’re asking you to do a sponsored sacrifice that sees you raise £100 for struggling believers.

Give up guilty pleasures like junk food, caffeine or even social media! All you need to do is ask 10 friends to give £10.

You’ll raise £100 in no time and Allah (SWT) will reward you for every single donation.

“Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like one who did it.” – Prophet Muhammad (SAW) (Muslim)

Ready to Give it up for HHUGS? Sign up for our challenge here.

  • Ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness

Repent to Allah (SWT) and beg Him to shower you and your family with mercy and love.

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah – especially the Day of Arafah – give you the chance to attain Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness, to save yourself from Hellfire, and to have your sins wiped away so you can put them behind you and live a life that is pleasing to Allah (SWT).

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) told the Sahaba: “O people, Jibreel came a while ago, delivered the greetings of Allah to me and said, ‘Allah has forgiven the people of Arafah and the people of the Mash‘ar [Muzdalifah]…’ This is for you and all the people who come after you until the Day of Judgment.” (Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr)

  • Perform voluntary deeds

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are about increasing the good that you do.

Allah (SWT) isn’t asking you to move mountains on day one, but you do need to take small steps towards incorporating more good deeds into your daily routine.

You might start by praying two rakat of the Night Prayer (Qiyam) or the Sunnah prayer for Fajr, before gradually moving on to the other ten voluntary rakat. 

When the first ten days would start, Ibn Jubayr would say: “Do not turn off your lights during the nights of the first ten days [of Dhu’l-Hijjah].” (Al-Lataaif)

Don’t forget: there’s value in small but consistent deeds too. So why not sign up to become a regular volunteer for HHUGS?

Get the reward of relieving a believer’s distress or providing practical support by driving families to their prison visits.

“Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” (Ibn Majah)

  •  Read and reflect over the Quran

Just as we increase our Quran recitation in Ramadhan, we should also do the same in Dhul Hijjah.

But this isn’t about reading as much as you can. It’s about strengthening your connection with Allah’s (SWT) Book.

So if you don’t understand Arabic, try reading a translation of the Quran alongside it. Let the words sink in and forever impact your thoughts and actions.

  • Increase your giving

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Muslim)

We should take this hadith literally and know that charity does the complete opposite of decreasing our wealth; in fact, it blesses and increases it.

Push yourself a little and give more than you usually would (as long as its within your means). Trust that Allah’s (SWT) promise is true.

HHUGS has a range of projects that you can donate to this Dhul Hijjah.

You can even sign up for automated giving. Our smart giving system allows you to schedule your donations for the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah in advance, so you don’t miss a single reward.

How does it work?

1. Sign up

2. Decide how much to give

3. Schedule your donations

It’s as simple as that.

Whether your donation empowers a struggling single mother by covering the cost of her training course; unites a family that’s been torn apart by incarceration; or makes a child’s Eid by sending them a special gift, your support is desperately needed.

Set up your 10 days of giving now.

  • Replace your sins with good deeds

As much as Dhul Hijjah is about increasing the good that you do, it’s also about leaving the sins you’ve grown accustomed to.

“So do not wrong yourselves therein [in Dhul Hijjah].” (Qur’an 9:36)

Any sins committed during this time period are magnified. Thankfully, the same goes for good deeds too.

For every sin that you leave, try to replace it with something that pleases Allah (SWT).

As well as gaining the reward of abandoning sin, you’ll also gain the reward of doing good.

  1.  Pray the Eid Prayer

Some scholars say the Eid prayer is mandatory for every adult male and female; others say it’s Sunnah.

Either way, attending the prayer can only be a good thing. Not only will Allah (SWT) reward you, but you’ll get to spend Eid morning celebrating with the Muslim community.

When you meet them, greet them as the Prophet (SAW) and the Sahabah greeted each other on Eid: “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum.”

“May Allah accept [this worship] from us, and from you.”

Before you go… remember to download your 10 Days of Deeds checklist here.

Make a lasting impact by donating to one of our many projects this Dhul Hijjah, or by giving your Qurbani through HHUGS.