10th of Dhul-Hijjah: Complete Guide (2026)

Introduction

The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, known as Yawm al-Nahr (يوم النحر), is among the most sacred days in Islam. It marks the Day of Sacrifice, the culmination of Hajj, and the celebration of Eid al-Adha across the Muslim world.

This day is not merely a ritual—it is a powerful reminder of submission (Islam), sacrifice, and obedience to Allah. It connects the legacy of Prophet Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, bringing together millions of pilgrims in Makkah and billions of Muslims globally in a unified act of worship.

1. What Is the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (Yawm al-Nahr)?

The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is the third major day of Hajj and the first day of Ayyām al-Tashreeq (11–13 Dhul-Hijjah).

Qur’anic Foundation

Allah says:

وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْدُودَاتٍ

“And remember Allah during the appointed days.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:203)

Scholars such as Ibn ‘Abbās رضي الله عنه explain that these “appointed days” include Yawm al-Nahr and the days that follow.

Meaning of Yawm al-Nahr

“Yawm al-Nahr” means “Day of Sacrifice”, referring to the slaughtering of animals for Allah’s sake. It is the day when the Prophet ﷺ:

• Performed Rami (stoning)
• Offered Qurbani
• Shaved his head
• Completed major rites of Hajj

It is, therefore, the most action-packed and spiritually intense day of Hajj.

2. Importance of This Day in Islam

Among the Best Days of the Year

The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهَا أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ

“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days.”

(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 969)

These refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, with the 10th being the peak.

The Greatest Day Before Allah

أَعْظَمُ الْأَيَّامِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ يَوْمُ النَّحْرِ

“The greatest of days before Allah is the Day of Sacrifice.”

(Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1765)

This shows that the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is not just important—it is one of the greatest days in the entire Islamic calendar.

3. The Story Behind the Sacrifice (Prophet Ibrāhīm عليه السلام)

The essence of this day lies in one of the greatest tests in human history.

Allah commanded Prophet Ibrāhīm عليه السلام in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son. Without hesitation, he submitted to Allah’s command.

Qur’anic Narrative

فَلَمَّا أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُ لِلْجَبِينِ

وَنَادَيْنَاهُ أَن يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ

قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّؤْيَا

“Then when they both submitted and he laid him down upon his forehead,

We called out to him: ‘O Ibrahim,

You have fulfilled the vision.’”

(Surah As-Saffat 37:103–105)

Divine Replacement

وَفَدَيْنَاهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ

“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.”

(Surah As-Saffat 37:107)

This event established the tradition of Qurbani, which continues every year on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah.

4. Hajj Rituals on 10th Dhul-Hijjah (Step-by-Step)

This day includes four major rites that complete the core of Hajj.

1. Rami al-Jamarat (Stoning Shayṭān)

Pilgrims throw 7 pebbles at Jamarat al-Aqaba.

Hadith

The Prophet ﷺ performed Rami saying:

الله أكبر with each throw

(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1294)

Spiritual Meaning

• Rejecting Shayṭān
• Renewing faith
• Following Ibrāhīm عليه السلام

2. Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice)

After Rami, pilgrims offer sacrifice.

Qur’anic Command

فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ

“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice.”

(Surah Al-Kawthar 108:2)

Hadith

نَحَرَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ بِيَدِهِ

“The Prophet ﷺ sacrificed with his own hands.”

(Bukhārī & Muslim)

3. Halq or Taqsir (Hair Removal)

Pilgrims shave or trim hair.

Hadith

اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمِ الْمُحَلِّقِينَ

“O Allah, have mercy on those who shave.”

(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)

4. Tawaf al-Ifadah

Pilgrims perform Tawaf in Makkah.

Qur’anic Evidence

وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ

“And let them circumambulate the Ancient House.”

(Surah Al-Hajj 22:29)

5. Difference: Pilgrims vs Non-Pilgrims

For Pilgrims (Hajj)

• Perform Rami
• Offer sacrifice
• Shave/trim hair
• Perform Tawaf

For Non-Pilgrims

• Perform Eid prayer
• Offer Qurbani
• Engage in Takbeer & Dhikr
• Celebrate within Islamic guidelines

👉 This distinction is important for SEO and user intent — many readers search based on their situation.

6. Fiqh of Qurbani (Important Rulings)

Who Must Perform Qurbani?

• Adult Muslim
• Financially capable (above nisab level)

Conditions of Animal

• Healthy and defect-free
• Minimum age requirement (goat, sheep, cow, camel)

Distribution

• 1/3 for yourself
• 1/3 for relatives
• 1/3 for the poor

Spiritual Purpose

Allah says:

لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ

“Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah, but your piety reaches Him.”

(Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)

7. Takbeer Tashreeq and Duas

Takbeer

الله أكبر، الله أكبر، لا إله إلا الله، الله أكبر، الله أكبر، ولله الحمد

Translation:

Allah is the Greatest… all praise is for Allah.

Timing

• From 9th Dhul-Hijjah (Fajr)
• Until 13th Dhul-Hijjah (Asr)

Recommended Duas

• Istighfar
• Personal duas
• Acceptance of Hajj/Qurbani

8. Spiritual Lessons of Yawm al-Nahr

This day teaches:

1. Complete Submission

Ibrāhīm عليه السلام obeyed without hesitation.

2. Sacrifice of Desires

True sacrifice is giving up what you love for Allah.

3. Taqwa Over Ritual

Allah values sincerity, not just action.

4. Unity of the Ummah

Millions perform the same acts at the same time.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Treating Eid only as celebration
• Ignoring Takbeer
• Delaying Qurbani
• Not understanding rituals
• Rushing Hajj rites dangerously

10. Practical Tips for 2026

For Pilgrims

• Follow Saudi guidelines
• Avoid peak rush hours
• Stay hydrated
• Stick to group schedules

For Non-Pilgrims

• Pray Eid early
• Perform Qurbani correctly
• Increase Dhikr
• Help the poor

Conclusion

The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (Yawm al-Nahr) is a day where faith, sacrifice, and obedience reach their peak.

It is a day that:

• Honors the legacy of Ibrāhīm عليه السلام
• Follows the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
• Unites Muslims worldwide

Whether in Mina or at home, this day is an opportunity to draw closer to Allah, purify intentions, and perform deeds that are among the most beloved to Him.

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