Introduction

Dhul Hijja is the last month of the Islamic (lunar calendar) and is considered an important time for Muslims worldwide. We perform Hajj this month, one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation on all Muslims who can afford to make the journey. Moreover, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijja, where Muslims observe the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by sacrificing an animal in the name of Allah.

There are many other reasons why Dhul Hijja is considered an excellent time for engaging in different acts of worship, such as fasting, charity, extra prayers, and Dhikr. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the (first) ten days of Dhul- Hijjah. They said: “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He said: “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah unless a man goes out with himself and his wealth and does not bring anything back.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1727)

According to this Hadith, we must consider this month an opportunity to get closer to our religion and Allah. It is a time of great significance and a chance to reflect on virtuous deeds and spirituality. Furthermore, increasing our worship this month can mark a productive end to the Islamic year. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of this month and how we can maximize our blessings during this time.

Importance of Dhul Hijja

“Indeed, the number of months with Allāh is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allāh [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” (Quran 9:36).

In the Holy Book, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ talks about the four months that are most sacred among the twelve months in the Islamic calendar. These four months are Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab. Each of these months is significant for many reasons, as is Dhul Hijja, mainly because of Eid Al-Adha and Hajj.

This month’s first ten days are considered sacred, virtuous, and important. There are many Hadith and Sunnahs to prove that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to increase his prayers and acts of worship at this time. He has also encouraged Muslims to make the most of these days for many reasons.

Firstly, Dhul Hijja is linked to the Hajj pilgrimage, and the 9th day is the Day of Arafat which is when the pilgrims gather to seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ . It is a critical time because this act of worship is obligatory for Muslims who can afford it and are in good health to perform it. The Day of Arafat is the most essential Hajj Day, making Dhul Hijja a critical month. It is believed that on this day, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ forgives the sins of those who sincerely repent and seek His forgiveness.

Secondly, there is a promise of high rewards for good deeds in the first ten days of Dhul Hijja. The rewards are multiplied many times over, andAllah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) loves when His servants increase their hours of worship by fasting, reciting Quran, making Dua, giving charity, and performing Nafil Salah.

Significant supplications during these ten days are “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha ill Allahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa Lilla Hil Hamd,” which translates to, “Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah, and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest, and all praises are for Allah only.”

Last, Eid al-Adha occurs on the 10th day of Dhul Hijja. It is a globally celebrated Muslim holiday that honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his sheer belief in Allah’s plan. He was ready to sacrifice his son Ismail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) on Allah’s command as an act of obedience.

But Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) generously replaced the son with a sheep. To commemorate this, we celebrate Eid al-Adha every year by sacrificing an animal like sheep, cow, goat, or camel and distributing the meat to friends, family, and people in need.

Perform Good Deeds

Engaging in good deeds during the first ten days is highly advised, particularly during the holy month of Dhul Hijja. The following are a few of the most valuable activities that Muslims can carry out at this time:

Performing Prayers: Muslims are urged to offer more prayers, particularly during the first ten days of Dhul Hijja. These days are also suitable for performing the Nafil prayer, which are a few rakahs we can offer at any time, especially during the late-night hours in Tahajud, for greater rewards.

Fasting: It is strongly advised to observe a fast during the first nine days of Dhul Hijja, excluding Eid al-Adha (the tenth day). Fasting throughout these days is believed to have enormous benefits and blessings.

Reading the Quran: Quran is a book full of guidance and a complete code of conduct for Muslims. Throughout the first ten days of Dhul Hijja, Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran and think about its teaching. Doing so may strengthen their spiritual ties to God and receive direction on how to lead moral lives.

Performing Sacrifice on Eid Al-Adha: “So pray and sacrifice to your Lord alone.” (Quran 108:2). As discussed before, we celebrate Eid Al-Adha as an act of worship and sacrifice to remember the gift that our Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Prophet Ismail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Sacrificing an animal bought with our own money and raised with love and care symbolizes our loyalty to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). There is an excellent reward for Muslims who sacrifice and distribute the meat.

Giving Zakat and Sadqah: Muslims are urged to support those in need and donate to charity, particularly during the first ten days of Dhul Hijja. It could come in cash, food, or any other required help.

Making Dua: During the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijja, we should make dua (supplication) and seek forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness is believed to help one’s soul be cleansed and ready for the Day of Judgment. Especially during this period because it is thought that one’s prayers are more likely to be heard.

We can deepen our spiritual bond with Allah and receive enormous benefits and blessings by doing good deeds during the month of Dhul Hijja and the first ten days in particular. We can benefit from this sacred time and developour faith by fasting, praying, offering charity, reading the Quran, and making dua.

Make the Most of the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijja

Muslims are advised to make the most of the first ten days of Dhul Hijja by engaging in charitable activities and acts of prayer, as they are thought to be the most blessed days of the year. Muslims can maximize the first ten days of Dhul Hijja in the following ways:

Fasting on Day of Arafat: The day of Arafat, which falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijja, is regarded by Muslims as a particularly significant day of the year and is observed by fasting. Fasting on this day is strongly advised because it is said that doing so will atone for one’s sins from the previous and subsequent years.

He (ﷺ) was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Arafa (9th of Dhu’I-Hijja), whereupon he said, “It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim 1162b)

Voluntary acts of worship during these ten days: During the first ten days of Dhul Hijja, we should enhance our voluntary acts of worship, such as offering more prayers, reading the Quran, donating to charity, and supplicating to Allah. It is said in Hadith that compared to other times of the year, the reward for doing good things during these days is increased many times.

Completing the Quran’s recitation: During the first ten days of Dhul Hijja, Muslims are urged to finish reciting the Quran. It can be done these days by reciting a passage from the Quran daily.We can complete the Quran in ten days by pre-planning and appropriately dividing the chapters.

Reflecting on Prophet Ibrahim’s Sacrifice: The 10th day of Dhul Hijja, or Eid al-Adha, is dedicated to remembering the sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his son Ismail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Muslims are encouraged to think about Prophet Ibrahim’s and his son’s obedience and sacrifice and seek inspiration from their story.

Sacrifice an Animal

A great worship act in Islam occurs during Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. This ceremony honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) readiness to offer his son Ismail (Ishmael) as a sacrifice in submission to Allah.

Immediately before Prophet Ibrahim offered the sacrifice, Allah changed Prophet Ismail into a lamb. Therefore, offering animals on Eid al-Adha represents a believer’s readiness to give up something dear to them to serve Allah.

This act of worship is regarded as highly gratifying in Islam. Allah pardons the sins of the one who performs sacrifice and distributes the flesh of the sacrificed animal to friends, family, and anyone in need.

Allah says in the Quran, “Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. It is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for what He has guided you to and give good news to the good-doers.” (Quran 22:37)

Islamic teachings offer instructions for offering the sacrifice in a dignified and humane manner. A good health and mind Muslim shall slaughter the animal, which must be an adult sheep, goat, cow, or camel. Before the sacrifice, the animal should be cared for and not harmed or mistreated. While uttering the name of Allah, the animal should be promptly sacrificed by having its throat cut with a sharp object.

The meat is split into three portions after the sacrifice: one for the family, one for friends and neighbors, and one for the less fortunate. Sharing is a technique to encourage unity in society and guarantee that everyone has good food to eat during the festivities.

Attend Eid Prayers

One of Islam’s two major holidays, Eid al-Adha, concludes the Hajj, or annual pilgrimage to Mecca. It honors the death of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his son Prophet Ismail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), readiness to die by Allah’s instruction. This festival is observed on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah.

Eid prayers are essential to the festivities, and Muslims congregate in mosques or public places to offer them. Two rak’ahs make up these prayers, which an imam leads. Muslims express gratitude and thankfulness for Allah’s blessings through performing these rituals, which are done with zeal and joy.

It cannot be stressed how important celebrating Eid with fellow Muslims is. It promotes Muslim solidarity and brotherhood and offers a chance to forge new connections with neighbors and create a sense of neighborhood. It’s a time to spread joy, send greetings and presents, and visit friends and family.

Strengthen Relationships

Islam places great importance on maintaining family bonds, and this is especially true during the month of Dhul Hijja. Muslims are urged to visit their family and friends to deepen ties with their kin and promote harmony within the community. As Islam strongly emphasizes reconciliation and forgiveness, now is the time to forgive people and ask for forgiveness.

Anas ibn Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Anyone who wants to have his provision expanded and his term of life prolonged should maintain ties of kinship.” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 56)

Hence, Muslims need to uphold close family relationships and resolve any issues that may have developed. It is an approach to make society a more loving, peaceful, and harmonious place while also making Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) happy.

Reflect and Repent

Islam stresses the importance of self-reflection as an essential part of spiritual development. It is beneficial to pinpoint areas of contention and ask Allah for forgiveness.

It was narrated from Anas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,”Every son of Adam commits sin, and the best of those who sin are those who repent.’ (Sunan Ibn Majah 4251) Thus, Muslims are asked to confess their sins, ask Allah for forgiveness, and recommit to doing good deeds and leading a life of virtue.

In Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says, “Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful.” (Quran 24:31)The significance of repentance and returning to Allah for guidance and pardon is emphasized in this verse.

Muslims can endeavor to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and that brings blessings and rewards in this life and the hereafter by considering their failings, asking for forgiveness, and resolving to do better.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Muslims worldwide ponder, refresh, and grow spiritually throughout the month of Dhul Hijja. It is a time to do good deeds, ask for forgiveness, and improve relationships within the family.

We can get closer to Allah and seek His pleasure by engaging in acts of devotion and worship like fasting, praying, giving charity, and making animal sacrifices. We can work to improve as people and make contributions to a more harmonious and peaceful society by considering our failings, asking for forgiveness, and reaffirming our commitment to leading a decent life.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR