Fasting During the 10 of Dhū al-Ḥijjah

Q: What is the virtue of fasting during the first ten days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah?

A: It is recommended to fast during the first nine days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah. Although they are commonly referred to as “the ten,” the tenth day is Eid al-Aḍḥā, and fasting on the day of Eid is prohibited. Thus, the recommendation specifically concerns the first nine days.

These days are among the greatest days of the year, and righteous deeds performed during them are more beloved to Allāh than deeds performed during any other days.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allāh than these ten days.”

The Companions asked, “Not even jihād in the path of Allāh?” He ﷺ replied: “Not even jihād in the path of Allāh, except for a man who went out with his life and wealth and returned with nothing.”

The most emphasized fast among these days is the fast of the ninth day, Yawm ʿArafah, followed by the eighth day, Yawm al-Tarwiyah.

Regarding the fast of ʿArafah, the Prophet ﷺ said: “I hope from Allāh that it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”

This has generally been understood to refer to minor sins. If one has no minor sins, then it is hoped that major sins are lightened. If there are no major sins, then ranks are elevated and rewards multiplied.

At the same time, some of the scholars of hadith held that the wording of the narrations remains broad and unrestricted, and that the mercy and bounty of Allāh are greater and more expansive.

Despite the immense virtue of fasting on the Day of ʿArafah, it is not recommended for the pilgrim standing at ʿArafah itself to fast on that day, since the Prophet ﷺ prohibited fasting there and because fasting may weaken the pilgrim from duʿāʾ, dhikr, and worship during that tremendous station.

The exception mentioned is for the mutamattiʿ and qārin pilgrims who are unable to offer a sacrificial animal, as they may complete their three days of fasting in ḥajj by fasting on the Day of ʿArafah.

Sources: Sharḥ Muntahā al-Irādāt, Kashshāf al-Qināʿ, Maṭālib Ūlī al-Nuhā.