Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a significant month for Muslims worldwide, particularly because it is the month during which the annual Hajj pilgrimage takes place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia along with many other important religious observances.

Dhul Hijjah is considered sacred and holds great religious importance. Many Muslims also engage in fasting, acts of worship, and charitable deeds during this month. It is a time of reflection, devotion, and celebration for the Muslim community.

Here are some key points about Dhul Hijjah you must know:

The Virtues of Dhul Hijjah

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, particularly the ninth day (known as the Day of Arafah) and the tenth day (known as Eid al-Adha), hold great significance. These days are considered among the most blessed days of the Islamic calendar, and engaging in acts of worship and good deeds during this time is highly encouraged.

The month of Dhul Hijjah holds great significance for Muslims around the world, particularly due to the following virtues:

Hajj Pilgrimage 

Dhul Hijjah is the month in which the Hajj pilgrimage takes place in Mecca. Millions of Muslims from around the world travel to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. 

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a mandatory religious duty for financially and physically capable Muslims. 

It is a profound spiritual journey to the holy city of Mecca that commemorates the actions of the Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Ibrahim, where Muslims perform specific rituals, seeking forgiveness, purification, and spiritual renewal.

Performing Hajj during this month is considered one of the greatest acts of worship in Islam, carrying immense spiritual rewards.

The Day of Arafah

The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah is known as the Day of Arafah. It is a day of fasting and intensive supplication. Pilgrims performing Hajj gather on the plain of Arafah, offering supplications,

and prayers, and seeking forgiveness from Allah. It is believed that sincere repentance and prayers on this day are highly accepted by Allah and also can lead to the forgiveness of past sins.

Eid al-Adha

The 10th day of Dhul Hijjah marks the beginning of the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. 

Muslims worldwide commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. On this day, Muslims who are not performing Hajj offer prayers, share meals with family and friends, and participate in the sacrifice of an animal (such as a sheep, goat, or cow) to symbolise Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice.

Takbeer

Reciting the Takbeer (a specific proclamation) from the beginning of Dhul Hijjah until the 13th day is highly encouraged. Muslims glorify and praise Allah by saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) to express their gratitude and devotion.

This is done to announce the arrival of the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah and to express gratitude to Allah.

Voluntary Fasting

Observing voluntary fasts during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, excluding the Day of Eid, is highly recommended. These fasts are believed to be rewarding and offer an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Charity and Good Deeds

Like other sacred months in Islam, Dhul Hijjah is a time to increase acts of charity, kindness, and good deeds. Muslims are encouraged to engage in various acts of generosity and help those in need during this blessed period.

Sacrificial Animal

Many Muslims choose to perform a sacrifice (known as Qurbani or Udhiyah) during Eid al-Adha. It involves offering an animal as an act of obedience and gratitude to Allah, with the meat being distributed among the needy.

This Eid commemorates the obedience and submission of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to Allah's command to sacrifice his son. It is a time for Muslims to remember the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and compassion by offering animal sacrifices and sharing the meat with the less fortunate.

Recommended acts of worship

Dhul Hijjah offers various opportunities for acts of worship, including voluntary fasting, recitation of the Quran, engaging in the remembrance of Allah (dhikr), giving in charity, and performing extra prayers. These acts enable Muslims to purify their souls, increase their faith, and earn numerous rewards.

Engaging in acts of worship and good deeds during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is highly recommended. These can include fasting, offering voluntary prayers, reciting the Quran, giving charity, and seeking forgiveness. Muslims who are not performing Hajj can also fast on the Day of Arafah, as it is considered highly rewarding.

Spiritual Reflection and Renewal

Dhul Hijjah is a time for Muslims to reflect upon their faith, seek closeness to Allah, and renew their commitment to Islam. It encourages self-improvement, selflessness, and piety. Muslims strive to strengthen their relationship with Allah and strive to emulate the noble qualities of Prophet Ibrahim and his family.

Conclusion

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered among the most blessed days of the year. These days offer numerous opportunities for worship, remembrance of Allah, and good deeds. Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of devotion, such as fasting, prayer, recitation of the Quran, and seeking forgiveness.

Overall, Dhul Hijjah is a sacred month in which Muslims engage in acts of worship, reflect upon their faith, and strengthen their spiritual connection with Allah. It is a time of immense significance, carrying opportunities for personal growth, forgiveness, and expressing gratitude to the Creator. At Afiyah, we strive to give the best for the Muslim community to stay in line with their faith while reaching their financial goals.