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

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.