In the lunar calendar, Dhul Hijjah marks the last month of the Islamic year. In this reminder that Allah (SWT) has allowed us to experience another year, the month also brings many blessings to us, especially when we perform good deeds.
This is especially true during the first ten days, which are wildly regarded as the holiest days of the year. Many ahadith emphasise the immense rewards of performing acts of worship during these ten days. This includes this hadith, where Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." (Bukhari)
In this sacred month where we have the best opportunity to increase our rewards and our connection with Allah (SWT) beyond the blessed month of Ramadan, it is important to reflect on the significance of Dhul Hijjah and what we should do to make the most of it.
What Happens in Dhul Hijjah?
Within the month of Dhul Hijjah, there are many opportunities for Muslims to reap the best rewards for Allah (SWT). Two major events which are particularly significant for doing so during this sacred month are Hajj and Eid ul-Adha.
Hajj
In Arabic, Dhul Hijjah means "The Month of the Pilgrimage". The holy pilgrimage of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is performed on the eighth, ninth and the tenth of Dhul Hijjah. In this spiritual journey, pilgrims from all around the world come together in Makkah in the hope they will have all their previous sins forgiven upon completion.
The ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, also known as the Day of Arafah, in particular, is an important part of the rituals of Hajj. On this day, pilgrims gather together on Mount Arafah in a display of their devotion and worship to Allah (SWT). The location is significant as it is where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his final sermon to his Ummah after they completed Hajj before passing away.
Hajj is compulsory for every Muslim to perform at least once in their lifetime if they have the means and capacity to go. Going through the rituals of Hajj is a great opportunity for Muslims to walk on the blessed path set by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). An accepted Hajj also offers great rewards and blessings for us, as narrated in this hadith, in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “…an accepted Hajj brings no reward but Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Eid ul-Adha
The blessed festival of Eid ul-Adha is also celebrated within this sacred month. Much like Eid ul-Fitr, on this day, Muslims engage in prayers and gratitude towards Allah (SWT) for His blessings and spend time with family members and friends.
On the other hand, Qurban (the sacrificing of an animal) is also performed on this Eid. This ritual specific to Eid ul-Adha commemorates the sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was prepared to make for the sake of our Creator. As a test, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was asked by Allah (SWT) to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS). At the last moment before the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) performed a miracle and swapped Ismail (AS) for a ram. For this reason, Qurban is seen as a beloved act of worship to perform on Eid ul-Adha.
Sunnah to Follow During Dhul-Hijjah
Along with Hajj and Eid ul-Adha, there are specific sunnah Muslims can follow to reap the most rewards from Allah (SWT) during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
Increasing acts of worship that nurture our connection to Allah (SWT), such as reading Qur’an, increasing prayers, making dhikr, fasting and giving charity, are especially encouraged and beloved to our Creator during the best ten days. Making lots of dhikr and fasting, in particular, have specific hadiths associated with this blessed period.
For dhikr, our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed during them.” (Ahmad)
For fasting, it is Sunnah for Muslims to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah. In a hadith, the Prophet said: “Fasting the day of `Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.” ([Muslim)
With Dhul Hijjah upon us, we hope that this blessed month brings you and your family many blessings and sees our closeness to Allah (SWT) grow stronger than ever, insha Allah!