Fasting in Dhul Hijjah

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are often referred to as the best ten days of the year and a second chance to have our sins forgiven and 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 are multiplied in reward during these holy 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. 

Fasting in Dhul Hijjah

Muslims who are not performing Hajj are taught to fast on the first nine days of the Islamic month 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): 

Why do Muslims fast in the month of Dhul Hijjah?

Fasting Dhul Hijjah is extremely beneficial to Muslims because of the blessings Allah bestows during this time. As fasting is one of the most virtuous acts of rewards, fasting Dhul Hijjah is highly recommended. 

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 nine days, as well as during the white days. 

Fasting 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). 

Is it mandatory to fast on Dhul Hijjah?

Fasting the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is not mandatory like the days of Ramadan, but it is highly recommended to do, as they are the most blessed days of the entire Islamic year. It is also Sunnah (tradition) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 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. 

Fasting for 9 or 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?

Muslims who are not performing Hajj should fast for the first nine 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:

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 (peace be upon him), particularly during the night proceeding Eid. 

Can you fast any 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?

The best days to fast in Dhul Hijjah are the first nine days, as they are the most blessed days of the year and fasting these days is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 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 nine 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:

There is great reward in fasting on the Day of Arafah, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)  said:

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 ten 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 (peace be upon him). 

Significance of fasting the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah 

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 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 nine 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 dependance on Allah.

Find out more about Du’as to read in Dhul Hijjah here. 

Fasting in Dhul Hijjah Hadith 

The importance of fasting in Dhul Hijjah is highlighted in the following Hadiths: 

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked about the observance of fasting on the day of Arafah. He said: