How to Make the Best of the Last Few Days of Dhul Hijjah

The last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah, is considered one of the most prestigious and blessed months of the whole year. However, what’s sad is that despite the blessings of these times, most Muslims remain religiously inactive.

So, how does one make the best use of these last few days of Dhul Hijjah?

Benefits of Dhul Hijjah

These blessed days of Dhul Hijjah provide us with a chance to draw closer to Allah and earn multiplied rewards.

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered among the most blessed days of the year, as emphasised by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He said that there are no good deeds that are as beloved to Allah as those done in these ten days. Y

es, not even good deeds from Jihad.

One of the most important events in Dhul Hijjah is the Hajj pilgrimage, a pillar of Islam that every able Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime if they have the means.

Another major act of worship during this month is the celebration of Eid al-Adha, which marks the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command.

Disconnect So You Can Connect to Allah (SWT)

Here’s the thing: it’s not too late. Not even close. Here’s how you can make the most of these remaining days of Dhul Hijjah.

1. Reignite Your Intention

First, pause. Take a breath. Remind yourself why these days matter. These are days filled with the echoes of takbir (Allahu Akbar), the remembrance of the sacrifices of Ibrahim عليه السلام, and the mercy that Allah pours down upon His servants during Hajj.

Say to yourself: “Ya Allah, I might have started late, but I’m here now. Accept me.”

That alone is a beautiful beginning.

2. Make Dhikr Your Companion

You don’t need a quiet room or perfect focus; just let your heart whisper to Allah in the busyness of life:

• Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)
• Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)
• SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)
• La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah)

Ibrahim عليه السلام taught Prophet ﷺ that when reciting dhikr (Allahuakbar, Subhanallah, Alhamdulliah), there is a soil in jannat that pops out plants each time we recite it.

Say them while doing the dishes, while walking to work, or sitting in traffic. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged abundant remembrance in these days. It’s simple, but the reward is massive.

3. Fast if You Can — Especially on the 9th

The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) is one of the most powerful days in the Islamic calendar. Fasting on this day expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year. That’s 730 days’ worth of forgiveness in one fast.

“Fasting every single day of these days is equivalent to fasting for the entire year”

If you’re able, mark that day. Even if you can’t fast the whole day, fast part of it. Make dua during it. Pour your heart out to Allah. The Day of Arafah is not just for those on Hajj—it’s a day for all of us.

4. Donate Even if It’s Small

Charity isn’t about how much—it’s about the heart that gives it. Give a few coins. Share a meal. Buy someone a coffee. Donate to a cause close to your heart. In these sacred days, the reward is multiplied beyond what we can imagine.

And remember: smiling at someone, calling a lonely friend, or making dua for someone else are all acts of charity.

5. Connect with the Qur’an Again

Even if you read one verse a day, let the Qur’an speak to your heart. Reflect. Don’t rush. Let one verse change your day, or maybe even your life.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Whoever says, La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ala kulli shay`in qadir’ will have (a reward) equivalent to freeing 10 slaves, 100 good deeds will be recorded for him and 100 bad deeds will be erased from him, and he will be protected from the devil for that day until evening comes.

“No one can do anything better than what he has done except one who says it more than that.”

Other Important Minor Deeds

• Don’t leave your obligatory prayers at any cost
• Increase your nafil prayers
• Recapture your Ramadan goals again
• Repent to Allah
• Seclude with Allah SWT (Ibn Abbas (RA) was a very accessible person, but during these days, he intentionally became very inaccessible because he was busy with Allah SWT)

So use what remains of Dhul Hijjah to realign your heart. Be intentional, even in small things. Ask Allah for forgiveness, for guidance, for peace. And trust that even a few sincere moments can outweigh days of heedlessness.

May these days be full of barakah, light, and closeness to your Creator. Ameen.