The significance of Dhul Hijjah in Islam is truly undeniable. This important month contains equally important and supreme 10 days that provide Muslims with a chance to worship. This month is known as the month of increased spirituality and blessings along with having two highly important Islamic virtues.
Let’s move on further and understand the true spirit of Dhul Hijjah along with learning the virtues of this holy month of the Islamic calendar.
What is Dhul Hijjah?
According to the Lunar calendar, Dhul Hijjah comes at the end, which also makes it the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar. Dhul Hijjah holds massive significance as Allah (SWT) has blessed this month beyond imagination. Muslims who truly respect this month and indulge in worship find themselves at the receiving end of blessings that Allah (SWT) endlessly showers throughout this month.
The importance of Dhul hijjah can be seen through the fact that Allah (SWT) chose this month to contain two highly important Islamic events, which are the holy pilgrimage Hajj and the festival of sacrifice, Eid ul-Adha.
However, most people are not familiar with the virtues of Dhul Hijjah and the fact that how supreme the starting ten days of this month are. Did you know, that the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered better than any days throughout the year.
Furthermore, Dhul Hijjah acts as a chance for Muslims to succeed and continue their spiritual growth even after the holy month of Ramadan ends, guaranteeing ceaseless blessings and rewards along with the erasure of sins.
Owing to this immense significance of Dhul Hijjah, generally, Muslims all over the world indulge in worship and actively make efforts to stay away from sins, especially in the starting ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
What are the Virtues of Dhul Hijjah?
The starting ten days of Ramadan are very special as they are the supreme ten days that hold massive significance. You can derive the importance of these 10 great days through this saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
\”There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than on these days.\” (Meaning: the first ten days of Dhul al-Hijjah). (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Now let’s move on to discussing the virtues of Dhul Hijjah that make this month stand out among other months of the Islamic calendar.
1. Hajj – The Holy Pilgrimage
The holy pilgrimage known as Hajj in simple language is performed during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Hajj is also the fifth and final pillar of Islam that is mandatory to be done at least once in a lifetime for those who can afford it. Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to the holiest city of the world, Mecca.
Millions of Muslims from all over the world come together and perform Hajj during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, putting out a strong message of unity. While performing Hajj the pilgrim remembers the remarkable journey of Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ismail, while performing the rituals set forth by Allah (SWT).
2. Eid ul-Adha – The Festival of Sacrifice
Apart from Hajj, another important virtue attached to Dhul Hijjah is the festival of sacrifice, generally known as Eid ul-Adha. This Eid is known as the greater Eid, among two types of Eids celebrated in Islam. The sacrifice made by millions of Muslims all over the world on Eid ul-Adha is actually in remembrance of the remarkable sacrifice that Prophet Abrahan was prepared to make in Allah’s (SWT) name.
Eid ul-Adha is that time of the year when Muslims remember the exceptional devotion and submission of Prophet Abraham towards Allah (SWT). In order to follow in the footsteps of Prophet Abraham, Muslims globally perform Qurbani: the sacrifice of a sacrificial animal such as a cow, goat, sheep, lamb, or camel.
Other than Qurbani, Muslims indulge in additional worship and prayers in order to ask for blessings from Allah (SWT). On this occasion, Muslims should remember those in need by donating the Qurbani meat.
3. Day of Arafah – Islamic Holiday
This sacred day is actually a part of the rituals of the holy pilgrimage Hajj. On this blessed day, all the pilgrims assemble on mount Arafah in absolute dedication towards Allah (SWT). The mount Arafah holds immense importance in Islam as it is widely believed that this is the location where Adam and Eve united after they were sent down from heaven to earth.
Furthermore, this is the exact same spot where the Prophet (PBUH) delivered his infamous last sermon before leaving the world.
Every year, on the day of Arafah pilgrims, arrive on Arafah plain and since their arrival, they indulge in prayers in order to repent and ask for forgiveness until the sun sets.
When is Dhul Hijjah 2022?
According to the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah 2022 will begin on June, 30th, 2022. Hajj will begin on July, 7th, 2022 while the day of Arafah will fall on July, 8th, 2022. Eid ul-Adha 2022, will take place on July, 9th.
What happens on the days of Dhul Hijjah?
Generally, on the days of Dhul Hijjah mentally, physically, and financially able Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca to perform Hajj. During the 8th, 9th, and 10th of Dhul Hijjah all these Muslims proceed to complete their Hajj by following certain rites and rituals as set forth by Allah (SWT).
Other than this, Muslims who couldn’t perform Hajj indulge in additional worship and prayers at their homes. Typically, Muslims start giving out more in the name of charity during these ten days. Furthermore, they practice more dhikr and regular recitation of the Holy Quran.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of Dhul Hijjah?
Dhul Hijjah is the final month of the Islamic calendar that consists of ten highly significant days, one of which is the day of holy sacrifice and holy pilgrimage.
What should I do during the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?
You should make sure to indulge in as much worship as you can by following a strict timetable and not wasting a single second on something that is unnecessary. Apart from this, you need to make sure to offer all your prayers on time with pure intentions. Furthermore, try offering tahajjud prayers and prayers in general.
Do I have to fast for all 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?
Fasting on these ten days of Dhul Hijjah is a beloved act in front of Allah (SWT). Fasting on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah is especially highly preached, like fasting on this day erases all our former sins. The practice of fasting on ten days of Dhul hijjah isn’t an Islamic obligation however it is Sunnah and it is highly recommended.
Final Note on Dhul Hijjah
Nothing can ever deny the significance of starting ten days of Dhul Hijjah. These ten days are truly supreme and hold tons of potential to change your life around if you genuinely spend them the way you’re supposed to. Hence, try indulging in as much worship and prayers as possible by realizing the true virtues of Dhul Hijjah.
Furthermore, elevate your ranks in the court of Allah (SWT) through practicing charity and giving out to those in need during these supreme 10 days. For making donations come forward and support Ekplatebiryani through your funds in order to gather the blessings that Allah (SWT) continually showers throughout Dhul Hijjah.
