Let’s be honest when we think of fasting, our minds usually go straight to Ramadan. It’s the month where the ummah unites, the iftar tables are full, and the masjids overflow. But did you know there’s another time of the year where fasting is incredibly beloved to Allah?
Welcome to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, days so special that fasting during them can draw you closer to Allah in ways you may never have realized.
Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah is a highly recommended Sunnah, one the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never forgot. In fact, it was narrated:
كان النبي ﷺ يصوم تسع ذي الحجة…
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah…” (Abu Dawood 2437, authenticated by Al-Albani)
Think about while many of us are preoccupied with Hajj or Eid prep, the Prophet was fasting quietly, consistently, devotedly.
Why? Because these are not ordinary days.
He (peace be upon him) said:
ما من أيامٍ العملُ الصالحُ فيها أحبُّ إلى اللهِ من هذه الأيامِ
“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” (Bukhari 969)
Fasting is one of the greatest personal acts of worship, because it’s done for Allah alone. As Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi:
الصومُ لي، وأنا أجزي به
“Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it [personally].” (Bukhari 7492)
So in these ten days, when good deeds are multiplied and especially beloved to Allah, fasting becomes a powerful tool to reconnect with Him.
It’s narrated that Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) once saw a man eating on one of the first days of Dhul-Hijjah and asked him, “Don’t you know these are the days when the Prophet used to fast?”
Even the companions knew how important these days were. It wasn’t about culture or routine it was about love for Allah and imitating His Messenger.
In conclusion, fasting in Dhul-Hijjah might not be trendy or well-known, but it’s deeply beloved to the One who matters most: Allah.
Start small. Even one fast counts. Even if no one else sees you trying, Allah does and that’s what makes it priceless.
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“Indeed, Allah does not allow the reward of the doers of good to be lost.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:120)