In the Islamic lunar calendar, there is a series of vital months where many significant events and Islamic history occur. The month of Dhul Hijjah is one of these important months and is the 12th and final one. It is a holy month for every Muslim across the world due to the events that occur within it. These events build believers' spirituality and connection to Allah (SWT). The events that all fall in this month are the holy Hajj pilgrimage, Day of Arafah, Eid al-Adha and Qurbani. It is also one of the four sacred months where war and fighting are strictly forbidden because of the Hajj. This allows pilgrims to safely travel to and from Hajj to complete their religious obligation.
Other months that have been deemed sacred are Muharram, Rajab and Dhul Qadah. These months, including Dhul Hijjah, multiply the rewards of good deeds as they are more virtuous than in the other months of the lunar year. With this being said, it is always best to practice good deeds all year round to gain the reward of following the Sunnah. This is achieved when good deeds are done regularly, so Muslims should make time to give to those in need and perform acts of worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah (SWT) than these ten days” (Bukhari). This shows the importance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. It is recommended to fast on these days because the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship in the Laylatul Qadr” (Tirmidhi).
The month of Dhul Hijjah gets its name from the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. So, when it comes to the question “What is Dhul Hijjah?” it is the month of the Hajj. However, it is also so much more than this. It is one of the holiest times in Islam and gives Muslims intensified spirituality. Also, it is a month filled with devotion to Allah (SWT) with the Hajj, Eid al-Adha, Day of Arafah and Qurbani all taking place. On top of this, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are very special because they are more spiritually significant than all the other days in the year.
The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is a huge focus in this month. It is a spiritual time for Muslims across the globe and is rewarding for everyone who partakes. The Hajj is a religious obligation in Islam for all adult Muslims. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, so it must be done at least once in a believer’s lifetime- as long as they are physically, financially and emotionally able to. Hajj is a test of temperament and patience and challenges Muslims physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Dhul Hijjah is also about celebration, with the greater Eid falling in this month, known as Eid al-Adha. This holds more importance in terms of faith than Eid al-Fitr. This celebration encourages Muslims to get together with loved ones and the community. It is also a time to seek Allah’s (SWT) pleasure and earn reward. Within this celebration is the ritual of Qurbani. This major event happens on the first day of Eid after Eid Salah (prayer). It is when Muslims sacrifice an animal for Allah (SWT) to emulate the love and devotion for God that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had. The ritual commemorates the massive sacrifice the Prophet (AS) was willing to make of the one thing he loved most, his son Ismail, for Allah (SWT).
Dhul Hijjah 2026 starts when the moon is sighted. This is expected to be on May 18, which also begins the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. The Hajj pilgrimage should begin around May 24, and the Day of Arafah will fall on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah- this translates to May 25. Eid al-Adha will be on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, meaning in the Gregorian calendar it is expected to begin on May 26. These dates are all dependent on the sighting of the moon, so it is ideal to check with your local mosque near the time.
The importance of Dhul Hijjah lies in the first 10 days of the month. These are typically known as the best ten days of the year. The first days give Muslims a second chance at growing their faith after Ramadan.
Many Islamic scholars deem these days to be highly significant because Allah swore by them. Due to this, no matter if a believer does Hajj or not, these 10 days of Dhul Hijjah should be used to carry out as many good deeds as possible. This includes giving to charity to help those less fortunate, strengthening relationships with loved ones and forbidding evil.
Dhul Hijjah is often observed with increased worship, dua, dhikr, and Hajj. It is a time to grow spiritually and get closer to Allah (SWT), especially in the special first 10 days. Muslims also observe the month by giving to the needy, sharing their wealth and helping the ummah. Plus, giving to charity and the poor gives believers multiplied rewards in this sacred month.
The month of Dhul Hijjah is also observed through the sacrifice. Muslims must give Qurbani, if they are able to, as a way of commemorating the sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS). It is a chance to remember important Islamic history and bring commitment to Allah (SWT) into their lives. Qurbani must be given on the 10th, 11th, or 12th days of Dhul Hijjah and must be after Eid Prayer for Eid al-Adha.
On top of this, the month is observed in celebration of Eid al-Adha. The day starts with worship of Allah (SWT) through congregational prayer and then Qurbani. Muslims come together to celebrate and eat traditional dishes, and it is a chance to spread joy and strengthen bonds. Muslims spend time with family and friends, giving gifts to each other and visiting loved ones’ homes. Children also receive money (Eidi) and sweets throughout the days of Eid.
There have been several events that have taken place during the holy month of Dhul Hijjah. One was that Hamza bin Abdul-Muttalib (RA), the uncle of the Prophet (PBUH), accepted Islam. Three days after this, Umar (RA) did the same.
In 10 AH of Dhul Hijjah, the Prophet (PBUH) gave his farewell sermon. Allah (SWT) then revealed, “This day, I have perfected for you your religion and completed upon you my blessing and I have chosen for you Islam as (your) religion.”
It was also during Dhul Hijjah that Umar (RA) and Uthman (RA) were both killed. Umar (RA) was stabbed while leading Fajr prayer and passed away three days later, and Uthman (RA) was martyred in his home by assassins.
Giving charity, as well as other forms of worship, during this month can be very rewarding. Good deeds in Dhul Hijjah are more virtuous than in other months, so giving charity will ensure you reap the rewards, Insha’Allah. Donate to UKIM this Dhul Hijjah.
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