They Are Thirteen Days: They Are the Best
As we enter the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah, we are reminded that these are not ordinary days. These are days chosen by Allah, filled with mercy, virtue, and reward. They come once a year and they come swiftly. We often speak of the “first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah” as the best days of the year, and rightfully so, based on the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” [Reported by Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood, and others]
But in truth, the virtuous season spans thirteen days, not just ten. Let us pause here. Thirteen days, from the first of Dhul-Hijjah until the thirteenth, inclusive of the Day of Arafah, the Day of Sacrifice, and the three days of Tashreeq. These days are unlike any others, and each one carries a unique shade of divine mercy.
The Day of Arafah — the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah — is the pinnacle. Fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the one to come. The Prophet ﷺ said: “I hope from Allah that fasting on the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the year before and the year after.”
[Reported by Muslim], It is also the greatest day for dua’a: “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.” [Reported by Malik]
Then comes the Day of Sacrifice (10th of Dhul-Hijjah) — the day of Eid, of slaughtering, of remembering Ibrahim’s submission and Ismaʿil’s trust. The Prophet ﷺ called it: “The greatest day in the sight of Allah is the Day of Sacrifice, then the Day of Rest (Yawm al-Qarr).”
[Reported by Abu Dawood, Ibn Hibban]
That next day, Yawm al-Qarr (the Day of Rest) — the 11th — marks the first of the three days of Tashreeq, when pilgrims rest in Mina, and all Muslims continue the remembrance of Allah. These are days of celebration, but also days of worship. The Prophet ﷺ described them as: “Days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah.” [Reported by Malik]
These three days — the 11th, 12th, and 13th — are referred to in the Qur’an as “the numbered days” (أيام معدودات), and are included in the wider praise found in the verse: “That they may mention the name of Allah on known days.” (Surat al-Hajj: 28), which Ibn Abbas (RA) explained as the first ten days, and the “numbered days” in Surat al-Baqarah as the days of Tashreeq.
So yes, they are thirteen. And they are the best.
But their excellence is not limited to fasting or sacrifice. Every righteous deed is magnified: prayer, charity, kindness, helping family, forgiving others, visiting the sick, and remembering Allah. Even a small good deed in these days may outweigh great actions on other days.
Let us not limit ourselves. Let us not lose this opportunity. If you cannot offer a sacrifice, then offer a smile. If you cannot fast, then speak a kind word. If you cannot stand on Arafah, then stand in prayer during the night. Allah accepts from every sincere heart.
As these days pass quickly and quietly, remember: they are a gift. Thirteen chances to draw nearer. Thirteen reminders that this life is not about routine, but about moments that can transform us forever.
Imam Jafar Hawa
The Mosque Foundation