The Islamic calendar is rich with significant months and days that hold great spiritual and religious importance for Muslims worldwide. Among these, Dhul Hijjah stands out prominently. Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, contains the ten best days celebrated for their immense religious and historical significance. During these days, Muslims engage in various acts of worship, including prayer, fasting, and charity, aiming to gain Allah’s blessings and mercy. It contains “Dhul Hijjah: The 10 Best Days” celebrated for their immense religious and historical significance.
What is Dhul Hijjah?
Dhul Hijjah is a month of great importance in Islam. It is the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it holds a special place due to the occurrence of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. Dhul Hijjah, derived from Arabic, means “the month of pilgrimage.” It signifies the time when Muslims from all corners of the world gather in Mecca to perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj is mandatory for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime.
Read more: What’s Hajj?
The Significance of Dhul Hijjah: The 10 Best Days
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are particularly significant. These days are considered the best days of the year, surpassing even the last ten days of Ramadan in virtue. According to Islamic teachings, these days are a time for increased devotion, prayer, and good deeds. Muslims believe that the rewards for good actions performed during these days are multiplied many times over.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) specifically highlights the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah as better than all the other days of the year.
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.
“Sahih Bukhari“
Benefits of Dhul Hijjah
Engaging in worship and righteous deeds during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah brings numerous benefits. Firstly, these days offer a unique opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness and attain closeness to Allah. Fasting on these days, especially on the Day of Arafah, is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. This highlights the immense spiritual benefit of observing this fast.
Moreover, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are an excellent time for charitable acts. Muslims are encouraged to give more in charity, helping those in need and supporting community projects. Acts of kindness and generosity are highly rewarded, and this period serves as a reminder of the importance of social responsibility and compassion.
The Prophet used to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah and the day of Ashura, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays.
Hadith | Abu Dawood, 2/462
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, including the Day of Arafah, are incredibly significant in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of these days and the virtues of engaging in acts of worship, including the recitation of specific phrases of remembrance (dhikr). The following are the forms of dhikr that are especially recommended during these days:
- Tahmeed: “Al-hamdu Lillah” (All praises be to God)
- Tahleel: “Laa ilaha ill-Allah” (There is no god but Allah)
- Tasbeeh: “Subhaan-Allah” (Glory be to God)
- Takbeer: The Takbeer can be recited in various forms, one of which is:
- “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd.”
- Translation: “Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise.”
The Virtue of Dhikr during the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) 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)
Practice of the Companions
It is narrated that the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) would go to the marketplaces and recite the takbeer out loud. This communal act of worship not only served as a reminder to themselves but also encouraged others to join in the remembrance of Allah, thereby magnifying the collective spirit of devotion and reverence.
Encouraging Others
Following the example of the companions, Muslims are encouraged to recite these phrases frequently during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, including the Day of Arafah. By doing so, they can strengthen their connection with Allah and remind others of the importance of these blessed days.
How to Engage in Dhikr
- Personal Recitation: Engage in these phrases during personal prayer times, while walking, or during any other quiet moment.
- Family and Community: Encourage family members and community to engage in dhikr collectively, especially in gatherings.
- Public Spaces: Like the companions, consider reciting dhikr in public spaces where it can inspire others.
Important Events in the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
Several significant events take place during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. These events not only mark important historical and religious milestones but also provide Muslims with opportunities to reflect, learn, and grow spiritually.
1. The Day of Tarwiyah (8th Dhul Hijjah)
The Day of Tarwiyah is the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah. On this day, pilgrims who have arrived in Mecca for Hajj prepare to start their journey to Mina, a small town near Mecca. Pilgrims spend the day in Mina performing prayers and reflecting on their intentions for Hajj. This day marks the beginning of the sacred rituals of Hajj and is a time for pilgrims to prepare themselves mentally and spiritually for the days ahead.
2. The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)
The Day of Arafah, the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, is one of the most important days in Islam. On this day, pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat, located outside Mecca, to stand in prayer and supplication. The standing at Arafat is the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage and is considered the moment when pilgrims are closest to Allah. It is believed that on this day, Allah forgives the sins of those who stand in Arafat with sincere repentance. It was the day when Allah (SWT) perfected Islam. The day He completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and approved Islam as a way of life.
For non-pilgrims, fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. This highlights the immense spiritual significance and the mercy of Allah bestowed on this day.
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah.”Hadith | Muslim
3. Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah)
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah. This festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to Allah’s command. However, Allah, in His infinite mercy, replaced Ismail with a ram, which Ibrahim sacrificed instead.
On Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world perform the act of Qurbani (sacrifice), which involves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, goat, or cow. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then distributed among family, friends, and the needy. This act of sacrifice symbolizes obedience to Allah, gratitude for His blessings, and the spirit of sharing and compassion.
Celebrating Eid al-Adha
Acts of Worship During Dhul Hijjah: The 10 Best Days
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah offer Muslims a unique opportunity to engage in various acts of worship. These acts are not only a means of drawing closer to Allah but also serve to purify the soul and increase one’s spiritual awareness.
1. Increased Prayer and Recitation of the Quran
During these blessed days, Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayers and recitation of the Quran. Performing additional voluntary prayers (nawafil) and engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) are highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of these days, stating that there are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.
2. Fasting
Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, especially on the Day of Arafah, holds great merit. It is an act of worship that brings numerous spiritual and physical benefits. It is a means of seeking forgiveness, attaining piety, and increasing one’s awareness of Allah’s presence. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged fasting on these days, highlighting the immense reward and expiation of sins it brings.
All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.
Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari
3. Giving in Charity
Charity is a central tenet of Islam, and during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims are encouraged to increase their charitable giving. Acts of charity include giving money, food, and clothing to those in need, supporting community projects, and helping those who are less fortunate. The spirit of giving during these days reflects the teachings of Islam on social justice and compassion for others.
4. Performing Hajj and Umrah
For those who are able, performing Hajj during Dhul Hijjah is one of the most significant acts of worship. Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey. The rituals of Hajj, including Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and standing at Arafat, are deeply symbolic and spiritually enriching.
In addition to Hajj, performing Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) during Dhul Hijjah is also highly recommended. Although not obligatory, Umrah holds great merit and serves as a means of drawing closer to Allah.
5. Sacrificing an Animal (Qurbani)
The act of Qurbani, or sacrificing an animal, is a significant part of the Eid al-Adha celebration. This act commemorates the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and is a demonstration of obedience and gratitude to Allah. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one part for the family, one part for relatives and friends, and one part for the poor and needy. This distribution emphasizes the importance of sharing and helping those in need.
Historical Significance of Dhul Hijjah: The 10 Best Days
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are rich in historical events that have shaped Islamic history and tradition. Understanding these events provides a deeper appreciation of the spiritual significance of these days.
1. The Construction of the Kaaba
One of the significant historical events associated with Dhul Hijjah is the construction of the Kaaba by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail. The Kaaba, located in the heart of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, is the holiest site in Islam. Muslims around the world face the Kaaba during their prayers. The construction of the Kaaba marks a pivotal moment in Islamic history and is commemorated during the rituals of Hajj.
2. The Revelation of Surah Al-Hajj
Another significant event is the revelation of Surah Al-Hajj (Chapter 22) in the Quran. This chapter emphasizes the importance of Hajj and the sacredness of the rituals performed during this pilgrimage. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance of Hajj and the lessons of sacrifice, obedience, and devotion to Allah.
Conclusion
Dhul Hijjah, the month of pilgrimage, holds immense significance in Islam. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah offer Muslims a special opportunity for worship, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah. The benefits of these days are numerous, encompassing spiritual growth, increased piety, and social responsibility. By understanding the historical events and religious significance of these days, Muslims can deepen their appreciation and make the most of this blessed period.