In the Lunar Calendar, the month of Dhul Hijjah is the last month of the Islamic year. It is also known as – The Month of the Pilgrimage”. Dhul Hijjah is extremely important as Allah S.W.T. has immensely blessed it.
The believers who engage in good deeds and practices and avoid sins are eligible to obtain these many blessings and rewards.
Hajj During Dhul Hijjah
The holy Pilgrimage of Hajj is performed during the first ten days of this month. Believers worldwide come together in Makkah to fulfill Hajj, the Fifth Pillar of Islam, hoping they will have all their previous sins forgiven upon completion.
Performing Hajj is the most significant act of worship, and it is the best deed a Muslim can do during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, as Allah Almighty has promised those who perform and complete Hajj sincerely to entire Paradise.
Our Beloved Prophet said: “An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.” – Ibn Majah.
Eid ul-Adha During Dhul Hijjah
The blessed festival of Eid ul-Adha is another virtue associated with the holy month of Dhul Hijjah. The uniqueness of this Eid comes with its meaning, as it is associated with Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the sacrifice he was prepared to make from his devotion and submission to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. Therefore, Eid ul-Adha is a time for all Believers to celebrate and remember his devotion (AS) and submission to Allah Almighty.
Back in the days of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Allah Almighty asked Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his only son, the one thing He (AS) loves the most – As a test – Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (AS) accepted to submit to Allah (S.W.T.) with devotion.
At the last moment, just before Ibrahim sacrifices his son Ismail, Allah the Most Merciful swapped him for a ram to sacrifice instead of his son.
And this is why Muslims around the world sacrifice an animal in this holy month, which is known as Qurbani.
Today, Muslims worldwide perform prayers and give gratitude to Allah for all the blessings He grants us. It is a time to spread love, appreciation, and warm intentions to all our Muslim brothers – family and friends – in the community to celebrate all the blessings Allah Almighty has bestowed upon us.
The Day of Arafah During Dhul Hijjah
Arafah is a sacred place in Islam, because it’s where Adam (AS) and Eve reunited with each other after being sent down to Earth, and it is where our Beloved Prophet ﷺ gave his final sermon to the believers before passing away.
‘A’isha (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger ﷺ as saying, “There is no day when Allah sets free more servants from hell than the day of ‘Arafa. He draws near, then praises them (Literally, ‘boasts of them.’) to the angels saying, ‘What do these want ?”’(The reference is probably to their undertaking the vicissitudes of the Pilgrimage) – Muslim transmitted it.
On the day of Arafa, pilgrims gather together on Arafah Mountain in complete devotion and supplication to Allah SWT.
Pilgrims arrive at noon and spend that time until sunset in prayers and worship, pleading for forgiveness from Allah Almighty.
“There is no blame on you for seeking the bounty of your Lord ˹during this journey˺.1 When you return from ’Arafât,2 praise Allah near the sacred place3 and praise Him for having guided you, for surely before this ˹guidance˺ you were astray.” – Surah Al-Bakarah – Verse 198.
The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the best ten days of the year. Whether for pilgrims or believers who are not performing the Hajj Pilgrimage, these ten days will hold a great time of blessings and immense rewards for all Muslims.
These ten days hold the most sacred events in Islam; the Hajj pilgrimage and the festival of the holy sacrifice, Qurbani Eid ul-Adha.
Allah Almighty has sworn by them in the Qur’an: “By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights.” – Surah Al-Fajr.
Therefore, we should increase our acts of worship during this sacred time.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than in these (ten) days.” – Abu Dawud.
Here are nine Sunnah actions you should follow to seek Allah’s forgiveness and maximize your reward during the best ten days of the year:
- Dhikr.
- Fast to the first nine days.
- Recite Qur’an.
- Remember loved ones.
- Pray Tahajjud.
- Give sadaqah.
- Repent.
- Pray Eid prayer (Salah al-Eid).
- Give Qurbani “if you can.”.
Fasting in Dhul Hijjah
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fast the Day of Arafah, for indeed I anticipate that Allah will forgive (the sins) of the year after it, and the year before it.”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ has greatly encouraged His companions to fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, especially the day of Arafah for those who are not performing the pilgrimage of Hajj, for what it holds of great rewards from Allah Almighty.
Donate Your Qurbani
In the commemorates of the devotion and submission of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Allah Almighty, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal to reflect this great act of worship – a cow, a sheep, a goat, or a camel – the meat then is divided, in which ⅓ of the meat, at least, must go to the poor and vulnerable. Donating Qurbani is a greatly encouraged act of worship for every Muslim who is financially capable of doing so.
You can donate your Qurbani to certified charities or Islamic centers/ organizations – Like Bonyan Organization – that will divide and distribute your Qurbani in the best ways.
FAQ
When is Dhul Hijjah 2023?
The month of Dhul Hijjah in 2023 will come on 27 June/ 2023.
What is so Special about Dhul Hijjah?
It is the month that holds the best ten days of all days in the year, as These ten days hold the most sacred events in Islam; the Hajj pilgrimage and the festival of the holy sacrifice, Qurbani Eid ul-Adha. Allah Almighty has sworn by them in the Qur’an: “By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights.” – Surah Al-Fajr.
What is Dhul Hijjah in Islam?
According to the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the year. Dhul Hijjah literally means ‘The month of the pilgrimage’ because Hajj begins on the eighth day of the month.
What are the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah?
These ten days are the best days, with no exception. The Messenger of Allah talked about these days, saying: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”_ Bukhari.