Dhul Hijjah
Dhul Hijjah, known as the Month of Pilgrimage, is considered one of the holiest months in Islam. In the Islamic calendar, four of the 12 months are considered especially blessed:
Indeed, the number of months with God is 12 [lunar] months in the register of God [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred” (Quran 9:36).
God gives us these special months for the opportunity to increase our rewards for this life and the Hereafter. Dhul Hijjah is mentioned in the Quran, attesting to the first 10 nights of Dhul Hijjah:
By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights” (Quran 89:1-2).
It is through God’s mercy and blessings to be able to gain the multitude of blessings from these special times of year.
The Prophet Muhammad, on him be peace said:
No good deeds can be done at a time better than these first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.”
It was asked, “Not even fighting in the cause of God?”
The Prophet said, “Not even fighting in the way of God.”
Good deeds are multiplied during Dhul Hijjah, but there are some good deeds that are specifically in our prophetic tradition for this time of year. Here are five ways you can fully reap the rewards of this month:
Fasting
(Sawm)
It is recommended to fast during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah.
There are no days more beloved to God that he be worshipped in them than the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting every day of them is equivalent to fasting a year, and standing every night of them (in Salah) is equivalent to standing on the Night of Qadr.”
— Prophet Muhammad, on him be peace
The most important of these days to fast is the Day of Arafah.
Fasting on the day of Arafah is expiation for two years: the year preceding it and the year following it. And fasting the day of Ashura is expiation for the year preceding it.”
— Prophet Muhammad, on him be peace
Praying
(Salah)
Offering extra prayers during this special time is recommended. The Prophet Muhammad, on him be peace said:
“There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him than the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year, and to offer tahajjud prayer (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the night of power, Laylatul Qadr.”
Remembrance of God
(Dhikr)
Prophet Muhammad, on him be peace, used to say the remembrances of God in abundance and aloud — in the mosque, at home, on the street, and in all permitted places during these special days of Dhul Hijjah, especially:
Takbîr — Allâhu Akbar (God is Great)
Taḥmîd — Alhamdulillah (All praise is for God)
Tahlîl — Lâ ilâha illa’Llâh (There is no God but Allah)
Tasbîḥ — Subḥân Allâh (Glory be to Allah)
Increase Supplications
(Make Dua)
Seek God’s forgiveness and ask for God’s mercy in the form of dua. God tells us:
“When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me.” — Quran 2:186
Tell God about what is on your mind. Seek God for assistance for your troubles and give thanks when you are blessed.
Giving Charity with Udhiyah
(also known as Udhiya or Qurbani)
One of the best deeds to bring one closer to God is offering a sacrifice, choosing a high-quality animal, fattening it, and spending on it for the sake of God.
The Quran, the Prophetic tradition and Consensus (Ijma‘) of our community all establish Udhiyah.
God tells us: “So perform the Salah [ritual Prayer] for your Lord and slaughter [an animal]” (Quran 108:2).
