Why giving in Dhul Hijjah matters
Giving in Dhul Hijjah is charity offered during the first ten days of the last month of the Islamic year. These are the best 10 days of the year for every good deed. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that no days are more beloved to Allah (SWT) for righteous deeds than these ten (Sahih al Bukhari 969). Charity, fasting, prayer and remembrance all carry greater weight in this window.
In 2027 the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are expected to run from Friday, May 7 to Sunday, May 16. They include the Day of Arafah and Eid al Adha. This guide shows what to give, when to give it and how to plan your giving in Dhul Hijjah so that no day passes empty.
| Day of Dhul Hijjah 1448 | Expected date in 2027 | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friday, May 7 | The ten days begin |
| 8, Yawm al Tarwiyah | Friday, May 14 | Pilgrims travel to Mina |
| 9, Day of Arafah | Saturday, May 15 | The peak of Hajj and the best day to fast and give |
| 10, Eid al Adha | Sunday, May 16 | Eid prayer and Qurbani |
| 11 to 13, Days of Tashreeq | Monday, May 17 to Wednesday, May 19 | Qurbani continues, with eating and remembrance |
These dates follow the Umm al Qura calendar. Your local date may fall one day later, depending on moon sighting.
Why these are the best 10 days of the year
Allah (SWT) swears by these days in the Quran: “By the dawn, and by the ten nights” (Surah Al Fajr 89:1 to 2). Most commentators, including Ibn Abbas (RA), hold that the ten nights are the first ten of Dhul Hijjah. An oath from Allah marks the worth of the thing sworn by.
Scholars explain why these days stand apart. Ibn Hajar wrote that every major act of worship meets in them: prayer, fasting, charity and Hajj. No other time of year brings all four together.
| Evidence | What it establishes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| No days are more beloved to Allah for good deeds than these ten | All deeds, including charity, are at their most rewarded | Sahih al Bukhari 969 |
| Fasting the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year | The ninth day is the peak of the ten | Sahih Muslim 1162 |
| Allah frees more people from the Fire on Arafah than on any other day | Arafah is the best day to seek forgiveness through good deeds | Sahih Muslim 1348 |
| The greatest day in the sight of Allah is the Day of Sacrifice | The tenth day carries its own rank | Sunan Abi Dawud 1765 |
| Allah multiplies charity like a grain that grows seven ears with a hundred grains each | Charity grows many times over | Surah Al Baqarah 2:261 |
Dhul Hijjah compared with the last ten nights of Ramadan
Both periods are honored. Ibn Taymiyyah gave the well known answer: the days of the first ten of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of the year, and the last ten nights of Ramadan are the best nights. Laylat al Qadr falls in the nights of Ramadan. The Day of Arafah falls in the days of Dhul Hijjah.
The practical lesson is simple. Many Muslims give generously in Ramadan and then stop. A donor who gives again in Dhul Hijjah catches the second great season of the year, when fewer people are giving and need has not fallen.
What to give in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah
Five forms of giving belong to these days. Two are tied to an obligation or a set time. Three are open to every Muslim on every day.
| Form of giving | Status | When in Dhul Hijjah | Who benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Sadaqah | Voluntary | Every day, days 1 to 10 | Anyone in need |
| Sadaqah Jariyah | Voluntary | Any day, often on Arafah | Communities, for years |
| Qurbani (Udhiyah) | Wajib in the Hanafi school for those above the Nisab. A confirmed Sunnah in the other schools | After the Eid prayer on day 10 until sunset on day 12, or day 13 in the Shafi’i school | Poor families who receive the meat |
| Zakat | Obligatory when your lunar year completes | Any day, if it is due or paid early | The eight categories in Surah At Tawbah 9:60 |
| Feeding people | Voluntary | Any day, and at Iftar on Arafah | The hungry and those who fast |
Daily Sadaqah
A small gift on each of the ten days ensures your charity lands on the best of them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that the deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if small (Sahih al Bukhari 6464). Read our guide to Sadaqah in Dhul Hijjah for the best forms of Sadaqah.
Sadaqah Jariyah
Sadaqah Jariyah is charity whose benefit continues. A person’s deeds end at death except for three, and ongoing charity is the first of them (Sahih Muslim 1631). A water well, a school or a wheelchair given in these ten days joins the best time with the longest lasting deed.
Qurbani
Qurbani is the sacrifice of a sheep, goat, cow or camel in the days of Eid al Adha. It follows the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). A sheep or goat counts for one person. A cow or camel holds seven shares. Allah says that neither the meat nor the blood reaches Him, but your piety does (Surah Al Hajj 22:37).
If you intend to offer Qurbani, do not cut your hair or nails from the first of Dhul Hijjah until the sacrifice is done (Sahih Muslim 1977). See Qurbani Rules 2027 and Qurbani Prices 2027.
Zakat
Zakat has no fixed month. It is due when your wealth has stayed above the Nisab for one lunar year. If your Zakat date falls near Dhul Hijjah, or you wish to pay early, these ten days are a blessed time to give it. Zakat cannot be replaced by Qurbani or Sadaqah. Our guide to Qurbani vs Zakat vs Sadaqah explains the differences.
Feeding people
Feeding the hungry is among the best deeds in Islam (Sahih al Bukhari 12). Many Muslims fast the first nine days. Providing Iftar on the Day of Arafah serves those who fast on the greatest day of the ten.
A 10 day giving plan for Dhul Hijjah 2027
A plan removes the risk of missing a day. Set one total, divide it once and schedule it before the month begins. The plan below pairs each day with one act of giving.
| Day | Expected date | What to give |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friday, May 7 | Set your intention and total budget. Give your first Sadaqah |
| 2 | Saturday, May 8 | Feed a family |
| 3 | Sunday, May 9 | Give toward clean water |
| 4 | Monday, May 10 | Support an orphan |
| 5 | Tuesday, May 11 | Book your Qurbani so it is ready for Eid |
| 6 | Wednesday, May 12 | Give for education or Qurans |
| 7 | Thursday, May 13 | Give on behalf of a parent or a loved one who has died |
| 8 | Friday, May 14 | Pay Zakat if it is due. Give Friday Sadaqah |
| 9 | Saturday, May 15 | Day of Arafah. Fast, make dua and give your largest gift |
| 10 | Sunday, May 16 | Eid al Adha. Qurbani is offered and the meat reaches the poor |
How to split your budget
Give every day, and place the most weight on the two greatest days. One simple split keeps eight equal daily gifts and reserves the rest for Arafah and Eid.
| Period | Share of budget | Example with 500 dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 8 | 5% each day, 40% in total | 25 dollars a day, 200 dollars in total |
| Day 9, Arafah | 30% | 150 dollars |
| Day 10, Eid al Adha | 30% | 150 dollars |
This is a suggestion, not a ruling. A donor with 50 dollars can follow the same shape with 2.50 dollars a day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to guard yourself from the Fire even with half a date (Sahih al Bukhari 1417).
Time zones matter for US donors
Your gift is received by people many hours ahead of you. In May, Uganda is 8 hours ahead of Chicago. Pakistan is 10 hours ahead and Bangladesh is 11. Eid morning there begins while it is still Saturday evening in the USA.
- Book Qurbani by day 5 so animals can be bought and checked in time.
- Give Eid gifts for children at least three days before Eid.
- Schedule your Arafah gift for the morning of May 15 in your own time zone.
- Follow your local mosque for the date of Arafah where you live.
The Day of Arafah
Arafah is the ninth day and the heart of the ten. Pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah from noon to sunset. For those not on Hajj, fasting this day expiates two years of sins (Sahih Muslim 1162). The best dua is the dua of Arafah (Jami at Tirmidhi 3585). Giving while fasting joins three acts of worship in one day. Read more in our Day of Arafah guide.
Give in Dhul Hijjah through MWA Charity
MWA Charity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in the Chicago area, EIN 83-0841269. We deliver 100% of your donation to the project you choose in Africa, India and Pakistan. We then send photo and video proof, so you see your gift arrive.
| Your intention | MWA project |
|---|---|
| A gift on each of the ten days | Daily Donations |
| Water as Sadaqah Jariyah | Build a Water Well |
| Mobility for a disabled child | Give Mobility for 350 dollars |
| Knowledge that continues | Sponsor Qurans and Build a School in Uganda |
| A house of Allah | Build a Community Mosque |
| Your obligatory charity | Zakat for Those Most in Need |
Choose your project today and schedule your gifts before May 7, 2027. May Allah (SWT) accept your giving in the best days of the year.
Frequently asked questions
When are the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah in 2027?
They are expected from Friday, May 7 to Sunday, May 16, 2027. Local dates may fall one day later.
Is charity in Dhul Hijjah better than in Ramadan?
The days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of the year. The last ten nights of Ramadan are the best nights. Give in both.
Which day is best for giving?
The Day of Arafah, expected on Saturday, May 15, 2027, is the greatest of the ten. Give every day so that you do not miss it if your local date differs.
Does Qurbani count as my Sadaqah or Zakat?
No. Qurbani is its own act of worship. It does not replace Zakat, and Sadaqah does not replace Qurbani.
Can I pay Zakat in Dhul Hijjah?
Yes. Zakat can be paid on any day once it is due, and most scholars permit paying early.
Do the 10 days include the Days of Tashreeq?
No. The ten days end on Eid al Adha. The Days of Tashreeq follow on the 11th, 12th and 13th. Qurbani and the Takbir al Tashriq continue in them.
Can I give on behalf of someone who has died?
Yes. A man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) whether charity for his late mother would benefit her, and he said yes (Sahih al Bukhari 1388). See also Qurbani for the Deceased.
How much should I give?
There is no minimum for Sadaqah. Give an amount you can repeat on all ten days.
