Hajj is more than a ritual, it’s a return. A return to our origin, our purpose, and ultimately, our Creator. It reminds us why we’re here and where we’re going. It’s a journey back to Allah. And even if we’re not going for Hajj, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are still full of blessings for all of us. The Prophet ﷺ said, “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days” (Bukhari). Allah ﷻ swears by these days in the Qur’an: “وَالْفَجْرِ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ” “By the dawn, and by the ten nights” (89:1–2). These days are a rare opportunity to gain closeness to Allah, earn forgiveness, and renew your soul. Here are some of the most rewarding actions to focus on during these days:

1. Increase Your Dhikr

The Prophet ﷺ said: “So during these days, recite a great deal of tahleel (La ilaha illa Allah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and tahmeed (Alhamdulillah).” (Ahmad)
Say them out loud with presence and reflection, especially after prayers and during your daily routine.

2. Fast, especially on the Day of Arafah

For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (the Day of Arafah) is a major opportunity: “It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Muslim)
If you can’t fast all ten days, at least try to fast on ‘Arafah.

3. Make Sincere Duaa and Repentance

The Day of Arafah is the day Allah frees more people from Hell than any other day (Muslim). It’s a powerful time to raise your hands, pour your heart out, and ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and whatever your soul longs for.

4. Give in Charity

Charity during these sacred days is multiplied. Even a small act… feeding someone, helping a neighbor, or giving to a cause, becomes beloved in the sight of Allah.

5. Pray Extra and Be Consistent

Try to pray your Sunnah prayers, the night prayer (Tahajjud), and the Duha prayer in the morning. These consistent acts build strong habits that can last beyond Dhul Hijjah.

6. Reflect on Hajj and the Legacy of Prophets

Read or listen to the stories of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajar (AS), and the steps of Hajj. Think about how their trust in Allah shaped the rituals we follow today and apply that same trust in your own life.

Even if we are not among the millions who travel for Hajj, we are still invited to share in the spiritual power of these days. Each stage of Hajj holds deep meaning for every believer. Wearing the white garments of ihram reminds us that before Allah, we are all equal; stripped of titles, status, and pride. The tawaf around the Kaabah symbolizes centering our lives around Allah, just as the universe revolves around Him. The saee between Safa and Marwah, retracing the steps of Hajar (AS), is a lesson in faith, struggle, and never giving up hope. Standing on the plains of ‘Arafah with hands raised in duaa resembles the Day of Judgment, but on this day, Allah pours out His mercy. Sleeping under the sky in Muzdalifah and stoning the pillars in Mina teaches us to let go of comfort, pride, and sin. The sacrifice offered on Eid al-Adha is more than an animal, it is a symbol of our willingness to give up what we love most for Allah’s sake, like Ibrahim (AS).

For those at home, the blessings are still vast. Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah wipes away the sins of two years (Muslim), and every moment of dhikr is heavier on the scales during these days. Ibn al-Qayyim said, “Hajj is a journey of the soul, returning to Allah with humility and longing.” These days are a reminder that life itself is a journey to Allah, and we are all travelers. Let these sacred days move your heart, purify your intentions like ihram, center your life like tawaf, struggle with hope like saee, pour your heart out like ‘Arafah, and let go of sins like ramii.

These are days to change your story, to reconnect with your purpose, and to walk back toward Allah with hope and humility. So raise your hands, soften your heart, and let Dhul Hijjah be your turning point. The path to Allah is never closed and perhaps these ten days are your invitation back to Him. Whether your feet walk the desert or not, make your soul walk back to the One who created it. That is the most beautiful Hajj of all.

By Sh. Hassan Natour