While the holy month of Ramadan is most widely known for fasting, the act of fasting is actively encouraged at certain points throughout the Islamic calendar. Another important fasting month for all Muslims worldwide is the 12th month, Dhul Hijjah, also known as the month of the Hajj or the pilgrimage.
There are a number of special events during this month. While the first 10 days are regarded as the best days for fasting, the last three days of fasting coincide with the Hajj pilgrimage, which starts on 4 June this year. The Day of Arafah takes place on 5 June, followed by Eid al-Adha on 6 June 2025.
It is important to know exactly when to fast in Dhul Hijjah 2025 to ensure that you maximise the rewards and benefits of fasting during this most sacred of months. In 2025, the month of Dhul Hijjah begins on 28 May. Fasting normally takes place during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said of the fasting of Dhul Hijjah:
“One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship in the Laylatul Qadr.” (Tirmidhi).
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah (SWT) than these ten days.” (Bukhari).
Every day during the first 10 days is the best day, though, unlike Ramadan, there are no fines to pay if you do not manage to fast every single day.
Beyond these 10 days, there is also a deep virtue to fasting on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the other months of the Islamic calendar. That virtue can be further increased by fasting on what are known as ‘White Days,’ which tend to take place on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each of the other Islamic calendar months.
We have already seen how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has elevated fasting during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah as a righteous celebration of beloved deeds. Yet the benefits of fasting during Dhul Hijjah actually go far deeper than that for devout Muslims.
Fasting is also known as Sawm, and the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is seen as a way to learn control and discipline over your life, qualifying you as a good servant for Allah (SWT). Learning to control your impulses and manage your mind is indicative of a strength that can place you closer to Allah (SWT), achieving a higher status in paradise.
There are many studies that showcase the benefits of fasting to your physical health. It has been proven to reduce inflammation and insulin sensitivity, increasing metabolism and cellular repair. While weight loss can be achieved, the anti-ageing effects of fasting take place on the inside.
However, there are similar studies that highlight how it can also benefit an individual emotionally, clarifying their thinking and promoting spiritual growth. As the body repairs, so does the mind, improving cognitive performance and brain function.
The more times a Muslim fasts during the Islamic year, the more that individual is demonstrating themselves worthy of worshipping Allah (SWT). Dhul Hijjah fasting is more than a health fad – it is the representation of steps towards achieving sacred status.
“All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” (Bukhari).
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than on the day of Arafah.”
“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten.” (Tirmidhi).
“There are no days more beloved to Allah (SWT) that He be worshipped in them than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah; fasting every day of them is the equivalent of fasting a year, and standing every night of them (in prayer) in the equivalent of standing on the Night of Qadr.” (Tirmidhi)
“A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up; to act justly between two people is charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting his belongings onto it, it charity; a good word is charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim).
Giving charity when fasting during the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah is virtuous. Donate to Muslim Aid to maximise your virtue and reap the greater rewards of fasting.
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