In the Islamic calendar, the month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the greatest times. This is a month when people become more pious, and two very important events happen in honor of Allah (SWT): Hajj and Eid ul Adha.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days

Hadith | (Sahih al-Bukhari).

This is really important for the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Because these are holy days in the Islamic month, Muslims all over the world honor our Allah (SWT) more. Plus, they get ready for two big events: Hajj, which is the fifth pillar of Islam, and Eid al-Adha, which means “festival of sacrifice.”.

The Importance Of The Hajj

If you want to, you can try again after Ramadan. Those of us who did not make the Hajj journey this year can still enjoy a time of blessing and great reward.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are on the holy journey of Hajj right now. There are many ways for us to receive the gifts of this month, even if many of us can’t make the blessed journey this year.

Allah (Swt) Stands For Them

In the Quran Allah says:

“By the dawn and by the ten nights,”  (89:1-2)

This is powerful for many reasons. Allah has created the universe and beyond, with profound signs and lessons for us to reflect on. But when He chooses to take an oath by specific days – the first ten days and nights of Dhul-Hijjah, we must work to recognise their power, and to act upon the significance of the statement, by seeking Allah’s pleasure in these 10 days.

Dhul-Hijjah Is A Holy Month

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

Dhul-Hijjah is one of the four sacred months of the Islamic calendar, during which fighting is forbidden, the others being the months of Dhul-Qa’dah, Muharram and Rajab.

Our Religion Was Completed In Dhul-Hijjah

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Quran 5:3)

The Prophet’s (PBUH) work was finished during the good months of Dhul-Hijjah. This verse was revealed on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, which is also known as the Day of Arafah. Also, some experts think that this was the last ayah in the Quran that was found.

One Year Of Fasting In A Single Day

Yes, that’s correct. A beautiful narration by Abu Hurairah (RA) says:

“There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshiped in them than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Each day of fasting in it is equivalent to the fast of an entire year. And each night standing in prayer is equivalent to standing in prayer on the Night of Power.” (Tirmidhi)

SubhanAllah such an incredible opportunity for reward.

The Legacy Of Our Father Ibrahim (As) Is Continued

During the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the sacrifice of an animal is offered, following in the footsteps of the great sacrifice Ibrahim (AS) undertook when Allah asked him to slaughter his son, Ismail (AS). As we know, Ismail was spared at the last minute, and, in his place, a ram was slaughtered.

The Day Of Arafah

“Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation (of sins) for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it.” (Ibn Majah)

The Prophet (PBUB) also narrated that Allah said:

“Look at my servants disshelved, dustied, and fatigued. They have come from every far-off corner of the earth. They have not witnessed My mercy and they have not witnessed My punishment. And I do not see a day in which more people are saved from the Hellfire than the Day of Arafah.” (Haythami)

Forgiving sins from the past and the future is what fasting on the day of Arafah is all about. People who are on pilgrimage or who are celebrating the Day of Arafah at home can both learn a lot from this day.

The Greatest Acts Of Worship Are Performed

“The most apparent reason for the ten days of Dhul Hijjah being distinguished in excellence is due to the assembly of the greatest acts of worship in this period – salawat (prayers), siyam (fasting), sadaqah (charity) and the Hajj (pilgrimage). In no other periods do these great deeds combine.” (Fath al Bari).

Try to do better at each act of worship in a unique way. This will let you plant new prize seeds, do ibadah at different times, and connect with Allah in new ways.

Special Significance Given To Acts Of Worship

“No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul- Hijjah).” Then some companions of the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Not even Jihad?” He replied, “Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s sake) and does not return with any of those things.” (Tirmidhi).

This is a great time to exert your efforts in good deeds by fasting, doing dhikr, reading quran, helping a family member or a neighbour, and giving charity.

Allah Is Remembered Much

“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)

• 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)
• While there are different versions, the takbeer can also be recited as follows:

Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa iLaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa lilLaah hil-hamd.

Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise.

Eid Al-Adha Is Celebrated

It is Eid al-Adha on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah. We will be able to go back to Eid prayer at our churches, God willing, as long as we continue to keep our distance from each other safely. As we enjoy the best days of the year, may Allah bless us with the ability to do more good deeds and honor Him more, and may our hearts be open, full, and happy. Ameen.

Conclusion

Dhul Hijjah is a sacred month in Islam, filled with immense blessings and opportunities for spiritual growth. The first ten days hold particular significance, encouraging acts of worship such as fasting, prayer, and charity. Through these righteous deeds, Muslims strengthen their connection with Allah and embrace the spirit of sacrifice.