What is Dhul Hijjah and Why is it Important?

The Prophet (SAW) said about the virtue of Dhul Hijjah:

What is Dhul Hijjah?

Dhul Hijjah is one of the most spiritually significant and sacred months in the Islamic calendar that Allah (SWT) has made as one of the four sacred months. It is the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar and is one of the holiest times in Islam, which allows Muslims all over the world to grow their faith and strengthen their connection to Allah (SWT). The month is named after the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which occurs within it, and is filled with devotion to Allah (SWT) through various forms of worship and celebration.

The main focus of the month is the Hajj pilgrimage. This is a spiritual time for Muslims around the world and is extremely rewarding for everyone who takes part in the pilgrimage. Hajj is a religious obligation for all adult Muslims and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, meaning that it must be done at least once in a believer’s lifetime if they are physically, financially and emotionally able to do so. The pilgrimage tests temperament and patience and challenges Muslims physically, emotionally and spiritually.

As well as this, Dhul Hijjah is a time for celebration due to Eid al-Adha falling within it. This is known as the greater Eid and holds great spiritual importance. The celebration encourages Muslims to come together with loved ones and the community, uniting the ummah and spreading joy to everyone. It’s also a time to seek Allah’s (SWT) pleasure and earn reward through an important act of worship, known as Qurbani. This is a ritual that takes place within Eid al-Adha and is an animal sacrifice to show devotion to Allah (SWT) that reflects the love and commitment that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had. It commemorates the story of the Prophet (AS) who was willing to sacrifice his only son, Ismail (AS), for Allah (SWT).

The Importance of Dhul Hijjah

Dhul Hijjah is very important because of the acts of worship and events that Allah (SWT) has included within it. Muslims all over the world can gain immense blessings and rewards by fulfilling the acts of worship during this time, such as the Hajj pilgrimage and the Qurbani sacrifice. It’s a time to strengthen connections to Allah and Islam, while achieving spiritual and personal growth and renewal. It is also a time to commemorate the extraordinary sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and embrace the spirit of submission through honouring and devoting yourself to Allah (SWT). Allah says in the Quran:

What Are the Important Events in Dhul Hijjah?

So, what are the important events in Dhul Hijjah? There’s so much more to this month than just the Hajj pilgrimage, which the month is named after. However, Hajj is one of the most important acts of worship that Muslims can do during the twelfth month. The pilgrimage is the fifth pillar for those who are financially and physically able to do it at least once during their lifetime. It takes believers on a deeply spiritual journey that visits important historic sites in Islam and involves acts of worship throughout, leaving Muslims closer to their faith and renewed.

Alongside Hajj, Eid al-Adha and the act of Qurbani are important events in this month. This celebration is a joyful time for every Muslim and brings the ummah together to share traditional meals with loved ones, pray, connect to Allah (SWT) and spend time with the community. It begins on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and continues for three days afterwards, the 11th, 12th and 13th. Qurbani is done within this, where Muslims sacrifice an animal to show their trust and loyalty in Allah (SWT) and commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). This begins after the Eid prayer on the first day and continues until sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.

What are the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah?

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are considered to be the most important of the month. These days are usually known as the best ten days of the whole Islamic year due to them providing Muslims with a second chance at growing their faith, connecting to Allah (SWT) and eradicating sins after Ramadan.

Most Islamic scholars also determine that these days are highly significant because Allah swore by them. Because of this, no matter if a Muslim does Hajj or not, these 10 days should be used to carry out as many good deeds as possible. This means that it should be a time to give charity to help the less fortunate, strengthen relationships with loved ones and eradicate sins and evil. The Hajj pilgrimage also starts during these first 10 days, beginning on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, and the next day, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, is the Day of Arafah. This is when pilgrims travel to Arafah and stay there until sunset to complete the essential acts of worship in Hajj. Everyone else, who isn’t doing Hajj, is encouraged to fast on this day and engage in sincere supplication because it’s seen as a day of acceptance.

The Prophet (SAW) said about fasting on the day of Arafah:

The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is the day of sacrifice for all Muslims. It is also the first day of Eid al-Adha. The Prophet (SAW) stressed the significance of this day in the following hadith:

10 Days of Dhul Hijjah Importance

When it comes to the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah and their importance, the focus is mainly on the rewards and blessings, and the chances for engaging in acts of worship that the month provides. The first 10 days of the last month of the Islamic year are seen as the most virtuous days of the year because Allah (SWT) swears by them. This means they are a time to spend in deep worship and focusing on your faith. They are ideal for giving to the poor, praying, fasting and reflecting to gain rewards and eradicate sins. Doing this earns believers huge blessings and rewards and provides them with a chance to grow their faith even more after Ramadan.

What to do in Dhul Hijjah

Many people ask questions about what happens in Dhul Hijjah. The month has specific acts that need to be carried out by believers, which are the noble acts of worship, such as fasting, praying and Qurbani. This includes established Sunnah practices mentioned in hadith. According to a hadith, the Prophet (SAW) said:

Takbeer

This hadith encourages believers to engage in remembrance of Allah (SWT) by way of dhikr and tasbih. This means declaring the Oneness and greatness of Allah (SWT) in words recommended from the Quran and hadith. The recommended forms of dhikr include ‘Allah-u-Akbar, Subhan Allah, Alhumdulillah, la ilaha illallah.’

It is Sunnah to recite takbeer in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah and the days of Tashreeq, which are the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Reciting takbeer after prayers is also recommended in the days of Eid al-Adha until sunset on the last day of Tashreeq. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

Fasting – Do you fast in Dhul Hijjah?

Fasting in the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is a Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and is an act of worship that pleases Allah (SWT) and earns reward from Him. According to a report in hadith:

Hadith on Cutting Hair and Nails

It is recommended for those carrying out the Qurbani sacrifice to refrain from cutting their nails or hair in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah until the time of the sacrifice. The Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said:

Qurbani and Hajj

Hajj beings on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and is the first major event in the month. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, it is an obligatory act of worship for all able Muslims. An accepted Hajj provides great reward, as mentioned in authentic hadith.

Qurbani is an important act of worship in the days of Dhul Hijjah and provides the gift of nutritious meals to those in desperate need during the days of Eid, giving them relief from their hunger and offering joy and hope during the celebration. Donate your Qurbani to Orphans in Need this Eid al-Adha and help our team support those suffering from hunger and starvation around the world.