Understanding Dhull Hijja and How to Make the Most of It

We are getting close to the month of Dhull Hijjah-the month of the Pilgrimage. The Hajj season is a special time for Muslims. This most blessed and sacred month contains a number of important events and holidays for Muslims–all of which are contained in the first 10 days. We are going to go over what is in the first 10 days of Dhull Hijjah, and some ways to celebrate this holy month.

The First 10 days:

Hajj

Everyone is familiar with Hajj. The pilgrimage to Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam–it is a compulsory trip to Mecca for anyone who can afford it and it physically able. All Muslims dream of making the trip to the birthplace of Islam. When someone makes an accepted Hajj, their sins are forgiven, and the reward is no less than paradise.

“The reward for an accepted Hajj is no less than Jannah”
- Sahih Bukhari

Day of Arafah

Referred to as the holiest day of the year, the Day of Arafah is the day that Allah perfected Islam. On this day, Allah (SWT) forgives sins, and those who are not performing Hajj fast.

This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. Surah Al-Maida 5:3

Eid Al Adha

Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, on this day Muslims celebrate the Prophet Abraham’s obedience and willingness to sacrifice his only son at the command of Allah

During this most blessed holiday, Muslims perform sacrifices on livestock, normally a sheep or goat. A meal is prepared from the meat of the sacrificed animal, and the meat is distributed among the needy. On this holiday, Muslims also wear their finest Eid clothing for EId prayers and family meals.

Whoever offers a sacrifice after the (Eid) prayer has completed his rituals (of Eid) and has followed the way of the Muslims.”  Sahih Bukhari

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is
piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah
for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.”
Quran 22:37

Some ways to make the most of Dhul Hijja:

During the blessed first 10 days of Dhul Hijja, good deeds are rewarded, sins are forgiven. These days are like a second chance, and we should make the most of them. Therefore, we should aim to increase our acts of piety and devotion. During Dhul HIjja, take extra care to:

-Read Qura’an and strengthen your bond and knowledge to the words of Allah.
-Make Dhikr as a strong sign of devotion, and a fortified spirit.
-Give Sadaqah (charity) to open your heart, and help those who are in need.
-Seek forgiveness from Allah from those who you have wronged. Dhul Hijjah is a time to make amends.