The month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the most sacred times in the Islamic calendar. It is a month filled with unmatched blessings, spiritual reflection, and divine opportunities for worship. Muslims worldwide await this period with eagerness to draw closer to Allah through prayer, fasting, remembrance, and sacrifice. Remarkably, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the best days of the entire year, even better than the days of Ramadan.
What is Dhul Hijjah?
Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The name “Dhul Hijah” translates to “The Month of Pilgrimage,” and it holds great significance in the lives of Muslims across the world. It is during this sacred month that two major Islamic events occur — Hajj and Eid al-Adha. Both occasions are performed in total devotion to Allah (SWT), with hearts full of sincerity and gratitude.
Not many Muslims realize that the first ten days of Dhul Hjjah are greater in reward than all other days of the year. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Therefore, these days provide a golden opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and perform righteous deeds that are multiplied in reward.
Historical Events That Happened in Dhul Hijjah
Many important historical events occurred during Dhul Hijah, giving it even more religious importance for Muslims throughout history.
The Hajj of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, also known as the Farewell Pilgrimage, took place in this sacred month.
It was during this final pilgrimage that the Prophet delivered his famous Farewell Sermon to a large gathering of Muslims.
This month also includes the event of Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) to sacrifice his son.
This act of devotion became a symbol of submission and is remembered every year during Dhul Hjjah by millions of Muslims.
The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijah 2025
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah in 2025 are expected to start on May 28, 2025, depending on the moon sighting. The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah, will fall on June 5, 2025, and the 10th day, which marks Eid al-Adha, will be on June 6, 2025.
These sacred days shift every year because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, moving approximately ten days earlier annually. This continual shift gives Muslims the chance to experience Dhul Hijjah in all seasons over a lifetime.
Spiritual Benefits of Dhul Hijjah
The benefits of Dhul Hjjah are immense, especially for those who engage in righteous deeds during its first ten days. For those unable to perform Hajj, this is still a highly spiritual period full of reward and mercy.
Allah mentions these days in the Qur’an when He says:
“By the dawn, and by the ten nights.”
(Surah Al-Fajr 89:1-2)
According to many Qur’anic scholars, these “ten nights” refer to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. That’s why Muslims are encouraged to:
- Give charity.
- Fast during the first nine days.
- Maintain family ties.
- Increase in remembrance of Allah (dhikr).
- Make sincere du’a for forgiveness and blessings.
Remembrance During Dhul Hijah
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of dhikr (remembrance) during these days:
“There are no days greater in the sight of Allah, nor in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days. So during this time, recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed.”
(Ahmad)
Let’s explore these powerful words of remembrance:
- Tahleel: Laa ilaaha ill-Allah – There is no god but Allah.
- Takbeer: Allahu Akbar – Allah is the Greatest.
- Tahmeed: Alhamdulillah – All praise is for Allah.
- Tasbeeh: SubhanAllah – Glory be to Allah.
The companions of the Prophet would recite these loudly in public spaces, encouraging others to remember Allah together. Let’s revive this Sunnah and inspire our communities to glorify Allah during Dhul Hijjah.
Fasting in Dhul Hijjah: Rewards Beyond Measure
Fasting is one of the best acts a Muslim can perform during Dhul Hijjah, especially on the Day of Arafah, the 9th day. During these days fasting not only brings immense reward but also leads to forgiveness of past sins.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Fasting the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.”
(Muslim)
If you’re unable to fast the full nine days, try to fast as many as you can, especially the Day of Arafah. Fasting on these days is a Sunnah that brings you closer to Allah.
“All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Do Muslims Fast All 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah?
Muslims are encouraged to fast on the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting on the 10th day is prohibited because it coincides with Eid al-Adha. It is a day of celebration and gratitude, not fasting.
Therefore, fasting on the first nine days is a voluntary and highly recommended Sunnah. It allows Muslims to engage in acts of worship that purify the soul and earn Allah’s pleasure.
Things to Avoid During the 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
If you plan to offer Qurbani (sacrifice), there are specific guidelines to follow during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet (SAW) advised that anyone who intends to offer a sacrifice should refrain from cutting their hair and nails from the first day of Dhul Hijjah until after the sacrifice is done.
According to the Hanbali school of thought, it is considered haraam (forbidden) to cut hair and nails during this period if one is offering Qurbani.
Other scholars consider it makruh (disliked), so consult your local imam for guidance based on your school of thought.
This simple act helps emulate the pilgrims at Hajj and connects us spiritually to their journey.
The Virtues of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are better than any other days of the year in terms of worship and reward.
Fasting during these days, especially on the Day of Arafah, brings immense spiritual benefits and expiates sins for two years.
Allah swears by these days in Surah Al-Fajr: “By the dawn, and by the ten nights,” interpreted by many scholars as Dhul Hijjah.
In addition to fasting, Muslims increase their prayers, Quran recitation, and charity to earn Allah’s favor during these days.
The rewards for good deeds performed in Dhul Hijah are multiplied, making it the perfect time to improve one’s faith.
Giving Qurbani During Dhul Hijjah
Offering Qurbani is a major Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. Every eligible Muslim should honor this practice by offering a Qurbani animal during Eid al-Adha.
In 2024, over 3 million people received Qurbani meat from Islamic charities. For many, this is the only time in the year they eat meat. Giving Qurbani not only fulfills a religious duty but also brings joy to those in need.
“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)
Your donation can feed families, support global communities, and earn the pleasure of Allah.
Giving Zakat and Sadaqah During Dhul Hijjah
Charity in Dhul Hijah carries multiplied rewards. The early ten days are ideal for paying Zakat and giving Sadaqah to those in need. It reflects your gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings.
Acts of kindness such as feeding the poor, donating to relief efforts, or helping local charities are all encouraged. The reward for giving during these blessed days is far greater than giving on ordinary days.
So, whether it’s your Zakat or voluntary Sadaqah, give sincerely and generously.
Hajj in Dhul Hijjah: A Life-Changing Journey
The pilgrimage of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, takes place in Dhul Hijah. Millions of Muslims gather in Makkah to perform this sacred journey of devotion, remembrance, and sacrifice.
While not every Muslim can attend Hajj each year, we can share in the spirit of this journey by increasing our acts of worship and praying that Allah grants us the chance to perform it in the future.
The Day of Arafah: The Pinnacle of Dhul Hijjah
The Day of Arafah, the 9th day of Dhul Hijah, is the most important day of the Hajj. It is when pilgrims stand in prayer on the plain of Arafah, and it is a day when Allah frees more people from Hell than on any other day.
Even for those not at Hajj, it is highly recommended to fast, pray, and make abundant du’a on this day.
Pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafah, seeking forgiveness and making dua, marking the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage.
For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah erases the sins of the past year and the upcoming year.
The Prophet ﷺ emphasized that no day has more people freed from Hellfire than the Day of Arafah during Dhul Hijah.
Therefore, Muslims globally prioritize this day for repentance, spiritual reflection, and remembrance of Allah.
Eid al-Adha: The Celebration of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha, the 10th day of Dhul Hijah, is the second major Islamic festival. It commemorates the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Muslims celebrate by performing Eid prayers, offering Qurbani, visiting family, and distributing meat and meals to the less fortunate. It is a joyful celebration grounded in submission to Allah.
Acts of Worship Recommended in Dhul Hijah
Various forms of worship are strongly encouraged in Dhul Hijjah, including prayer, fasting, dhikr (remembrance), and charity.
Muslims are urged to make sincere repentance, avoid sin, and increase their connection with Allah during this sacred time.
Saying “Allahu Akbar,” “Alhamdulillah,” “La ilaha illa Allah,” and “SubhanAllah” frequently is highly recommended in Dhul Hijjah.
Additionally, performing extra voluntary prayers like Tahajjud and giving Sadaqah can elevate a person’s spiritual status greatly.
These simple yet powerful acts can draw the believer closer to Allah during the sacred days of Dhul Hijjah.
The Importance of Sacrifice (Qurbani) in Dhul Hijjah
One of the major highlights of Dhul Hijjah is the ritual of Qurbani, which symbolizes devotion, faith, and compassion.
Qurbani reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice what was dearest to him for the sake of Allah.
Performing Qurbani is an obligation for financially capable Muslims and must be done between the 10th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
This sacrifice teaches the lesson of giving up worldly attachments for Allah’s pleasure and supporting the less fortunate.
The act is deeply meaningful and connects Muslims with the prophetic tradition every Dhul Hijjah through shared rituals of faith.
How to Teach Children About Dhul Hijjah
Teaching children about Dhul Hijjah helps them appreciate its significance and build a strong Islamic identity from an early age.
Parents can engage kids through storytelling, craft activities, simple lessons on Hajj, and the values behind Eid al-Adha.
Incorporating fun, age-appropriate methods allows children to understand the purpose and blessings of Dhul Hijjah more easily.
Also, involving them in Qurbani, preparing meals for the poor, or fasting the Day of Arafah builds love for Islamic traditions.
This early connection with Dhul Hijjah nurtures their faith and encourages them to cherish these spiritual moments forever.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Dhul Hijjah
Dhul Hijjah is more than a month—it is a divine gift. Its first ten days are unmatched in their virtue and potential for reward. Whether you’re fasting, giving Qurbani, or simply increasing your remembrance of Allah, every deed counts.
Don’t let these days pass you by. Renew your intentions, increase your worship, and strive for closeness to Allah in these blessed days. May Allah accept our good deeds, forgive our sins, and bless us with the ability to make the most of Dhul Hijjah, Ameen.