Allah Swore by These 10 Days in the Quran — Are You Making the Most of Them?

When Allah swears an oath by something in the Quran, it is a sign that what He is swearing by carries extraordinary importance. Allah does not swear by the sun and moon for no reason. He does not swear by time and the soul without purpose.

And in Surah Al-Fajr, Allah swears by the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah:

Ibn Abbas (RA), Ibn Kathir, and the majority of scholars of tafsir say that "the ten nights" refers to the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah. These are days so sacred that Allah chose to swear by them in His eternal Book.

The Hadith That Changes Everything

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

Read that carefully. The Companions — people who lived and breathed for the sake of Allah — could not believe that anything would surpass striving in Allah's path. And yet the Prophet ﷺ confirmed: the good deeds done in these ten days are more beloved to Allah than any other deeds, including the highest form of sacrifice.

This is not a small statement. This is one of the most extraordinary things the Prophet ﷺ ever said about a specific period of time.

Why Are These Days So Special?

The scholars explain that these ten days combine all the major pillars of worship in Islam simultaneously:

Salah — prayer happens every day. Sawm — fasting on the Day of Arafah and optionally on other days. Zakat and Sadaqah — giving generously in this season. Hajj — the fifth pillar of Islam is performed entirely within these days. Dhikr — remembrance of Allah is specifically encouraged throughout.

No other ten days of the year carry this combination. This is why they are uniquely beloved.

What to Do Each Day

1. Pray All Fard Prayers On Time

This is the foundation. The Prophet ﷺ said the most beloved deed to Allah is prayer at its proper time. Make sure every fard prayer is prayed on time, with presence of heart, in these ten days.

2. Say Takbeer, Tahmeed, Tahleel, and Tasbeeh Abundantly

Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah (RA) used to go to the marketplace in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah saying Takbeer loudly, and the people would say Takbeer when they heard them. This was a public, joyful, communal expression of the greatness of Allah. Revive this sunnah in your home and your community.

3. Fast — Especially on the 9th (Day of Arafah)

The Prophet ﷺ used to fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah. At minimum, fast on the 9th — the Day of Arafah — for the extraordinary reward of having two years of sins expiated.

4. Give Sadaqah Daily

Since good deeds are multiplied in these days, giving even a small amount in sadaqah every single day carries enormous weight. Make it a habit: every day of these ten days, give something — money, food, time, a kind word.

5. Read Quran with Reflection

Set a daily Quran goal for these ten days. Even one page read slowly with understanding is better than rushing through chapters without reflection. Let these be ten days of deep connection with the words of Allah.

6. Make Tawbah — Sincere Repentance

These days are an opportunity to return to Allah. Make sincere tawbah for every sin you remember, and ask Allah's forgiveness for every sin you have forgotten. The doors of repentance are open and wide in this season.

7. Perform Qurbani (Sacrifice) on Eid-ul-Adha

Those who intend to sacrifice an animal on Eid should not cut their hair or nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until the sacrifice is performed. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever intends to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove any of his hair or nails." — (Muslim)

A Practical Daily Schedule

Wake for Fajr. Say morning adhkar. Read one page of Quran with meaning. Say Takbeer 100 times throughout the day. Give sadaqah — even 10 rupees. Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha on time. Make personal dua before sleeping. Say evening adhkar. Sleep.

This is not a complicated plan. It is a simple, consistent one. And in these ten days, consistency is rewarded with something that surpasses jihad in the path of Allah.

Do not let these days pass like ordinary days. They are not ordinary. They are the most beloved days to Allah in the entire year. Use them.