Introduction

One of the most blessed times in Islam begins on the first day of Dhul Hijjah. “What should I do on the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?” is one of the most frequently asked by Muslims worldwide.

These special days are a time to increase your worship, deepen your relationship with Allah, and prepare for Eid al-Adha.

What to do on the first day of Dhul Hijjah is explained in this article. Particularly for Muslims residing in the US, UK, and Canada, this essay will explain the best actions to conduct, Sunnah acts, and easy ways to make the most of this auspicious period.

When is Dhul Hijjah 2026?

Dhul Hijjah 1447 is expected to begin on Monday May 18, 2026, which will signify the beginning of the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The first ten days are particularly special and very significant. Some important days are: Arafat Day (9th Dhul Hijjah) on May 26, 2026, and Eid al Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah) on May 27, 2026 – depending on moon sighting.

Why is the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah important?

Most Desirable Deeds: The deeds done in these days (fasting, giving charity, and remembering Allah) are most desirable before Allah at any other time. 

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ مَا الْعَمَلُ فِي أَيَّامٍ أَفْضَلَ مِنْهَا فِي هَذِهِ يعني أيام العشر قَالُوا وَلَا الْجِهَادُ قَالَ وَلَا الْجِهَادُ إِلَّا رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ يُخَاطِرُ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ بِشَيْءٍ”

 that nothing exceeds the merits of these deeds even in jihad (fighting for the sake of Allah), except in a few exceptional cases.

Allah Swears by These Days in the Quran: Allah takes an oath in these ten days in surah Al-Fajr regarding their great value in the Holy Qur’an.

“وَٱلْفَجْرِ * وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍۢ ”

“By the dawn, and by the ten nights.” Surah Al-Fajr (89:1–2)

Day of Arafa (9th Dhul Hijja): Fasting on this day erases the sins of the past and coming year.

Contains Pilgrimage Activities: These days have activities of Hajj.

Deeds of Worship Together: These days are unique in performing all worship deeds at once, such as praying, fasting, spending in the way of Allah, and Hajj.

Repentance Days: These days provide an opportunity for repentance just like the month of Ramadan.

What to Do on the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah?

Fasting during the First Nine Days:

is highly recommended and carries great spiritual reward,  particularly starting from the very first day.

Frequent Dhikr:

Fill your daily activities with dhikr of Allah SWT by reciting Alhamdulillah (Tahmeed), La ilaha illa Allah (Tahleel), and Allahu Akbar (Takbeer).

Renew Repentance and Intentions:

Start these sacred days by renewing your repentance. Seek forgiveness from Allah SWT, purify your intentions, and resolve to perform more acts of obedience.

Abstain from Cutting Hair and Nails (for Qurbani):

In case you intend to sacrifice an animal in honor of Allah SWT, then it is the Sunnah practice not to trim your hair and nails from the first day of Dhul Hijjah to after the sacrifice.

Increase Quranic Recitation and Making Dua:

Utilize your valuable moments of this month by offering additional recitation of the Holy Quran and praying for blessings.

Charity Giving (Sadaqah):

Benefit from the abundant blessings by providing charity to the needy and poor.

Exemplary Prayers:

Attend all mandatory prayers in the mosque with punctuality and effort to offer more voluntary prayers.

For Hajj Performers (Pilgrims):

For Hajjis, start by assuming the state of Ihram and prepare yourself for the journey to Mina.

As you prepare during Dhul Hijjah, it’s important to also understand how to celebrate Eid al-Adha properly.

 Read our full guide: How to Celebrate Eid al-Adha 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

FQA about the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah:

What should be my priority on the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?

Make an intention, increase your dhikr, pray at the scheduled times, and start practicing good deeds like reciting the Quran and giving charity.

Is it okay to fast on the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?

Yes, fasting is recommended on the first nine days.

How can I make the best use of Dhul Hijjah while living in the West?

Establishing a routine, being consistent, and availing yourself of online resources can help you stay grounded in your religion while living abroad.

What are the first 10 days mentioned in surah Al-Fajr:

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are referred to as the “ten nights,” according to numerous Islamic scholars. 

 Conclusion:

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah provides you with an opportunity to embark on a spiritual journey that will bear fruit for you throughout the year.

Regardless of whether you live in the United States, UK, or Canada, small efforts each day can yield huge returns.

For those who wish to enhance their religious knowledge or instill a strong sense of Islamic teachings in their children, Noor Institute online Islamic courses. 

Book your free trial now.

Find nearby Islamic centers in the UK & US and Canada:

• Islamic Centre of Toronto, Canada
• London Central Mosque, UK
• Manchester Central Mosque, UK
• Birmingham Central Mosque, UK
• Islamic Center of America, Michigan, USA
• Islamic Foundation, Illinois, USA

Learn how UK Muslim kids can study Quran at home, Teaching the Quran to our children is one of the greatest investments we can make, not only for their spiritual growth but for their entire life. However, many parents aren’t quite sure how to teach Quran for kids in a way that’s both effective and engaging. It’s no secret that teaching children can be challenging, especially when it comes to something as sacred as the Quran.

Kids need special approaches, and we understand that. That’s why we’ve prepared some of the most effective methods and expert tips to help you, as parents, navigate this journey and raise children who truly love and value the Quran.

1- Build a strong foundation

Starting early is key when teaching your child the Quran at home.  Specialists say that kids can start picking up the fundamentals of the Quran as early as three, which helps them develop a genuine love for it from a young age. First, teach them the Arabic alphabet so they have the building blocks to grasp the text. After that, you can introduce them to shorter Surahs from juz Amma like surah Al-Ikhlas.

2- Use storytelling approach

Quranic stories are full of wisdom and universal morality lessons, and they are perfect for getting kids involved and engaged. By sharing age-appropriate stories about the prophets, you can teach significant values like patience, honesty, trust in Allah, in ways that children can relate to easily. By bringing these stories to life, children can connect emotionally with the lessons, helping them understand and remember Quranic teachings more deeply.

3- Leverage explanation videos

  Learn Muslim kids can study Quran at home, Introducing the Quran to children becomes much more impactful when you use captivating videos and animations. These visuals serve as interactive elements that grab their interest, turning learning into a delightful experience. Parents can effortlessly discover and download Quran-themed videos from reliable online sources, selecting ones that match their child’s age and learning pace. Once the video is done, spend a little time discussing it with your kid, posing straightforward questions to help them grasp the concepts better. To make learning even more fun, incorporate quizzes or riddles based on the video’s content, turning education into an engaging game that encourages curiosity and retention.

4- Relate Quranic lessons to everyday life

One of the best ways to reinforce a child’s grasp of the Quran is to connect its values to their daily behaviour. Instead of presenting verses in isolation, show how concepts such as compassion, honesty, or patience appear in simple, everyday decisions, such as whether to help a friend, when to wait their turn, or speaking gently. These real-life applications turn Quranic learning from theory into habit, making the Quran a living source of guidance rather than just a book to memorize,

5- Leverage online classes

Parents seeking structured and flexible learning options can benefit greatly from Quran online classes designed specifically for children. provide fun, age-appropriate courses that make Quran learning easily accessible from home. These classes, taught by experienced teachers, use interactive methods and foster a supportive atmosphere. They smartly blend convenience with top-notch instruction, helping children learn and grow with each step.

6 additional tips for teaching child to read quran

• Start small, and progress gradually:  Divide learning the Quran into small, achievable objectives, such as memorizing one verse or surah per week and then progressively increasing the amount.

• Introduce tajweed as a fundamental component: It is crucial to teach correct Tajweed from the start in order to avoid developing incorrect habits. It’s a good idea to find a well-qualified tutor or use dependable online materials to ensure your child learns the right way to pronounce and recite verses

• Develop the habit of reading the Quran every day: To make reading the Quran a habit, establish a daily or weekly learning schedule in a calm, distraction-free setting. Your child will see reading the Quran as a significant, continuous aspect of their day if they engage in this routine.

• Make every lesson an enjoyable experience: Use resources like flashcards and practical exercises to add excitement to each Quran lesson and encourage active student participation.

• Boost memory with fun challenges:  Use games that involve quizzes to keep classes engaging and help students remember the material.

• Encourage progress without pressure: Respect each child’s speed and create a serene atmosphere free of stress.

Learning Quran for children: Tips to help your child memorize 

• Engage multiple senses in learning: Use hearing, sight, and touch to make Quran lessons more memorable like listening to recitations or watching colorful visuals.

• Study the Quran as a family: Establish an proactive, motivated environment involving all members of the family in conversations that support and encourage their children’s learning of the Quran. 

• Set achievable goals: Set manageable targets when learning the Quran, so your children have a real chance of maintaining positive motivation and focus.

• Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and reward progress to encourage continued effort and confidence.

• Repeat many times: Remind your child about the importance of reviewing their verses many times to help establish memorization to improve long term retention. 

• Create a learning schedule: Setting up a regular learning schedule is also really helpful. By creating a daily or weekly routine, you give your child the structure they need and help them stick with learning the Quran.

Noor Institute: trusted online platform for Quran learning

Choosing the right teacher is essential because the foundation of a child’s Quran learning journey depends on receiving accurate and authentic knowledge from the very beginning. At Noor Institute, we offer the best online Quran classes for kids, led by expert instructors with years of experience who understand how to teach Quran for kids effectively.

They make learning easy, interesting, and fun by utilising creative and kid-friendly methods. By combining traditional teaching methods with modern technology, Noor Institute guarantees that your child not only learns the Quran correctly but also cultivates a lifelong love for it.

Conclusion

 Learn UK Muslim kids can study Quran at home, Guiding your child through Quranic studies at home is a deeply rewarding experience, one that requires patience, regular effort, and proper instruction. Understanding how to teach child Quran at home is crucial for fostering an environment where your child can flourish both spiritually and intellectually.

Platforms like Noor Institute offer expert-led online classes that complement home teaching by providing structured, engaging lessons tailored for kids. They leverage the right tools and resources to help parents ensure their children develop a strong, lasting connection with the Quran.

Enroll your child today!

Frequently asked questions 

• How to foster Quran love in children?

To foster a love for the Quran in children, lead by example. Recite and listen to the Quran daily, even if just for a few minutes. When children see your genuine affection and respect for the Quran, they are more likely to develop the same love and connection, insha’Allah.

• How to teach Quran to children the easiest way?

The easiest way to teach Quran to children is by choosing a reputable online platform with expert teachers who understand how to engage and teach kids effectively. This approach ensures your child learns correctly while staying motivated and interested.

• How to teach the Quran in a fun way?

To teach the Quran in a fun way, incorporate games, quizzes, and hands-on activities. You can easily find many engaging ideas and resources online to make learning enjoyable for children.

 

🌙 Do you dream of seeing your child recite the Quran confidently and learn Arabic with joy — all from the comfort of home? Parents across London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester, and Glasgow are already giving their kids this opportunity through Noor Institute’s trusted online courses. Our expert teachers make Quran recitation and Arabic learning simple, engaging, and tailored for non-Arabic speaking families in the UK.

 

✨ Start today with our most popular programs:

Quran for Kids Online

Arabic for Kids UK

Tajweed Made Easy

📍 Plus, connect with your local Muslim community through the Islamic Cultural Centre London for extra encouragement and support.

 

Give your child the gift of Quran and Arabic — a foundation for faith and success in this life and the next. 🌟

How Difficult Is It to Learn Arabic in the UK? A Guide for Kids & Parents

If you are a non-Arabic speaker let me surprise you, Arabic isn’t as difficult as it seems. How Difficult Is It to Learn Arabic in the UK? It often has a reputation for being one of the hardest languages to learn, but that’s not entirely accurate. So, how difficult is it to learn Arabic? The truth is, it only feels challenging because it’s unfamiliar. Like anything new, it may seem overwhelming at first, but once you begin learning and engaging with the language, you’ll quickly realize that it’s much more approachable than you expected.

In just a few minutes as you read this blog, we’ll show you that Arabic is easier to learn than you think.

Looking for Arabic lessons for your kids in London or Birmingham? Our structured programs are designed with UK children in mind.

Why Arabic Seems Hard for English-Speaking Children

Learning a language can feel difficult for many reasons, such as:

• Linguistic distance: how different the language is from your native one
• Complex grammar rules: unusual sentence structures or verb forms
• Difficult pronunciation: it can be hard to produce sounds that don’t exist in your native language.
• Large vocabulary and idioms: many new words and expressions to memorize
• Cognitive load: the mental effort needed to learn and remember
• Lack of regular practice: without consistency, progress is slow
• Age and motivation: younger learners or highly motivated people often learn faster

 

 

How difficult is it to learn Arabic?

So, the answer depends on your perspective. The real challenge lies not in its complexity, but in how different it is from English. Unlike European languages, Arabic shares very few similar words (cognates) with English, which means you can’t rely on familiar vocabulary to get you started. Additionally, Arabic includes unique sounds that don’t exist in English, making pronunciation and listening a new experience. Grammar structures and writing direction may also take time to get used to. Still, these differences don’t make Arabic impossible but just unfamiliar. With consistent effort and the right approach, learners can absolutely master the language, especially given how widely spoken and culturally rich it isWhether you’re in Manchester, Leeds, or Glasgow, our online Arabic classes fit perfectly into your child’s after-school routine.

  Why Arabic Seems Hard for English-Speaking Children

Arabic is often seen as a hard language for English speakers because of several key differences:

• According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute, it falls into Language Group V, which is the hardest category for English speakers.
• The grammatical rules are complex, with unfamiliar sentence structures and rules.
• It uses a right-to-left writing system, which can feel completely new.
• Letters change depending on where they’re located in the word.
• Many sounds in Arabic don’t exist in English, which can make pronunciation hard.
• Few shared vocabulary words (cognates) mean more memorization is needed.
  

Despite these challenges, you still can learn Arabic and unlock its richness. With the right methods and mindset, many people have mastered it and discovered its beauty.

 

 

 6 Reasons Arabic is Easier Than You Think

1- Arabic is a phonetic language

Arabic is written the way it sounds. This means once you know the alphabet you can usually pronounce the words correctly just by reading them. Unlike English or French, where spelling and pronunciation often don’t match, Arabic’s phonetic consistency helps learners read and speak with more confidence, faster.

2- Consistent verb patterns

Arabic verbs follow clear and regular patterns, especially in Modern Standard Arabic. Once you understand a root and the pattern it belongs to, you will be able to easily recognize and create other forms of the word.

3- There is only 28 Letters

In comparison with languages such as Chinese that use thousands of characters, the Arabic alphabet is easy with only 28 letters. And while the letters change shape depending on their position in a word, they follow a consistent logic that becomes easier with practice.

4- Simple grammar

Arabic grammar might seem overwhelming at first glance, but it’s actually more straightforward than many European languages. Unlike German for example, which rely on complex verb conjugations and rigid gender rules, Arabic focuses more on consistent patterns and clear sentence structure. Once you learn the basic forms of nouns and verbs, forming sentences becomes easier than expected.

5- Abundant learning resources

Thanks to growing global interest, Arabic learners today have access to countless resources. This makes it easier than ever to find help, practice, and stay motivated throughout the learning journey.

6- Millions of speakers to practice with

Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world with more than 400 million speakers. This means you will always find someone to practice with.

We’ve helped families across Leicester, Sheffield, and Luton start their Arabic journey—now it’s your turn!”

Discover how easy Arabic can be with Noor Institute

No matter how difficult you think Arabic might be, Noor Institute understands that anything unfamiliar can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we don’t just teach the language instead, we walk with you through every step. At Noor Institute, we embrace your challenges and turn them into progress by offering some of the best Arabic classes online. Our step-by-step approach is designed to simplify the learning process, helping you gradually navigate every challenge with confidence. Once you join Noor Institute Arabic classes, you’ll quickly realize how easy and enjoyable learning Arabic can truly be.

Sign up today and unlock the beauty of the Arabic language.

 

 

The Arabic language is remarkable for its extensive vocabulary, encompassing more than 12 million words, which makes it the most linguistically abundant language globally. What is even more interesting is that some words can express meanings that are opposite, depending upon the context in which they are used. This linguistic depth is further enhanced by the language’s eloquence; each word has multiple synonyms that vary with the situation, adding layers of expression.

With millions of words to explore, it’s smart to start small. Here, we will start with the most popular Arabic words, and in a few minutes you will be familiar with some common phrases that are used every day by millions of speakers across the Arab world.

In this blog, we’ve picked around 14 widely-used Arabic words and phrases that are appropriate for learners of any level. These are helpful and meaningful words and phrases with cultural implications. We’ll also share with you some tips to allow you to identify, memorize, and use them effortlessly in communication.

Number of native Arabic speakers

According to the recent numbers revealed by Babble magazine, about 362 million people speak Arabic as their native language, making it the fourth most spoken native language worldwide, according to Babbel Magazine. But these figures only tell part of the story.

Arabic is not just one single language. Similar to Chinese, Arabic is made up of a variety of dialects that can differ so much that speakers cannot understand each other, depending on which region they are from. The Modern Standard Arabic used in the media and taught in schools is based on Classical Arabic (Quran’s language) and is the formal, standardized form, which unifies the Arab world. However, in day-to-day exchanges, each country has its own slang and local dialect, which provides amazing diversity, but also makes spoken Arabic extraordinarily different across the region.

Source: Babble magazine 

Different dialects in the Arabic language

Over time, various Arabic dialects have developed. While there are roughly 25 different Arabic dialects spoken today, the language is generally categorized into three main varieties: Classical Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), and Colloquial or Daily Arabic.

4 main categories of Arabic dialects:

1. Gulf (Khaliji): Spoken in GCC countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, this dialect is similar to Iraqi and Yemeni Arabic.
2. Levantine: Covers Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan, with minor differences between urban and rural speech, such as in Amman.
3. Egyptian: Known for its unique pronunciation, this dialect is widely understood across the Arab world thanks to popular Egyptian media. Egypt also has several regional dialects.
4. Maghreb: Spoken in North African countries from Libya to Mauritania, this dialect group is quite distinct and often hard for other Arabic speakers to understand.

Most popular Arabic words you need in everyday conversations

• Hello (أهلاً – مرحباً): Welcoming phrases used to greet others at any time of day.

• Good morning (صباح الخير): A common greeting in the morning.

• Peace be upon you (سلام عليكم): A respectful greeting widely used in the Arab world.

• Good evening (مساء الخير): Used to greet people at night in a polite and friendly way.

• Goodbye (مع السلامة): A common phrase used when parting or leaving.

• Please (لو سمحت – من فضلك): A nice phrase people say to ask someone to do something.

• Thank you (شكراً): Used to express gratitude and appreciation.

• You’re welcome (عفواً): A polite response when someone thanks you.

• Yes (نعم): Used to confirm, agree, or respond to someone calling you.

• No (لا): A direct way to refuse or say no.

• Sorry (آسف): This expression is a common way for apology and expressing regret.

1. How are you (كيف حالك): Warm phrase to ensure the person is feeling good.

Best ways to learn to learn Arabic 

• Start Simple: Begin with the basics like letters, simple words, and common everyday phrases. This foundation makes learning easier and less overwhelming.
• Immerse Yourself: Surround yourself with Arabic in your daily life. Start by listening to Arabic podcasts, then gradually move to speaking and applying what you hear in real conversations.
• Practice Always: Like any language, practice is essential. If you stop practicing, you’ll quickly forget what you’ve learned.
• Enroll in Language Classes: Whether online or in person, joining Arabic language classes gives you structure, proper guidance, and support as you navigate the complexities of the language.
• Set Realistic Goals: Avoid setting goals that pose a burden for you. Focus on small, achievable steps that keep you moving forward without stress.
• Keep Motivating Yourself: Stay positive, be patient, and celebrate small achievements, it keeps you encouraged and consistent.

Speak Arabic fluently & confidently with Noor Institute 

Learning a new language, especially one as rich and complex as Arabic, can be a challenging experience. But at Noor Institute, we make it easier for Muslims in the UK, the USA, and around the world to learn Arabic online — wherever they are.

Our qualified native tutors guide you step by step to build a strong foundation in Quranic and conversational Arabic. You’ll be able to understand your prayers better, communicate confidently with Arabic speakers, and connect more deeply with the beauty of the Arabic language and Islamic culture.

Explore our online Arabic courses for Muslims in the UK and USA and book your free trial today to start your Arabic learning journey.

Frequently asked questions

• How much does it take to master Arabic?

The answer differs from person to person as multiple factors contribute to this. It may take around 3 to 4 years of dedication. 

 

• Is Arabic a difficult language to learn?

Arabic is considered one of the hardest languages. However, it is important to remember that by time and dedication you will easily navigate any complexities.