The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are often referred to as the best 10 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 performingHajjthis 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 9 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):
All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.
Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari
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.
Whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
Quran | Surah Al-Hasr: 59:7
Fasting Dhul Hijjah also helps to expiate sins, particularly fasting on the 9th Dhul Hijjah, which is theDay 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).
As for you staying till the evening in Arafah, then Allah descends to the sky of the Dunya and He boasts about you to the Angels, and says: ‘My slaves have come to Me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for My mercy, so if your sins were equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea I will forgive them. So go forth My slaves! Having forgiveness and for what or who you have interceded for.
Hadith | Tabarani
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 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, but not on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, which is the day ofEid al-Adha.
It is actually haram (prohibited) to fast on Eid day, as stated in the following Hadith:
He [the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] forbade fasting on the day of ‘Eid) al-Fitr and the day of al-Nahr (the day of sacrifice, i.e., ‘Eid al-Adha).
Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim
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 9 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 ofEid al-Adha.
If you are not able to fast the full 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, then try to ensure to fast on the 9th Dhul Hijjah at a minimum, which is theDay of Arafah. This was the day that Allah perfected His religion:
This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.
Qur'an | 5:3
There is great reward in fasting on the Day of Arafah, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
It expiates sins for the past and coming years.
Hadith | Muslim
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 10 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.
QurbanireflectsProphet 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 9 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 dependence on Allah.
There are three whose du’as is not rejected: a just ruler, the fasting person when he breaks his fast and the prayer of the oppressed person. It rises above the clouds and the gates of heaven are opened for it, and the Lord, may He be glorified, says, ‘By My Glory I will answer you even if it is after a while.’
Hadith | Tirimdhi
Find out more about Du’as to read in Dhul Hijjahhere.
Fasting in Dhul Hijjah Hadith
The importance of fasting in Dhul Hijjah is highlighted in the following Hadiths:
There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days
Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari
The Prophet used to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah and the day of Ashura, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays.
Hadith | Abu Dawood
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked about the observance of fasting on the day of Arafah. He said:
It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year.
Hadith | Muslim
The people of knowledge consider it recommended to fast on the Day of ’Arafah, except for those at ‘Arafat.
Hadith | Tirmidhi
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Page last reviewed: 30th May 2023
Qurbani resources
new director
Director of Network and Resource Development
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
General Counsel
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatrecompanies.
Adnan Hafiz
Director of Network and Resource Development
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Javed Akhtar
Director of Finance
Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Affan Cheema
Director of International Programmes
Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance. Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Dr Hossam Said
Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)
For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Martin Cottingham
Director of External Relations and Advocacy
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Tufail Hussain
Director of Islamic Relief UK
Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad
Chief Executive Officer
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.
