Dhul Hijjah
ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة
"The Month of Pilgrimage"
Significance of Dhul Hijjah
Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months and holds immense significance as the month of Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the best days of the year.
Major Events
- 1Hajj pilgrimage (8th-13th Dhul Hijjah)
- 2Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) - the most important day of Hajj
- 3Eid al-Adha (10th-13th Dhul Hijjah) - Festival of Sacrifice
- 4Days of Tashriq (11th-13th Dhul Hijjah)
Recommended Practices
- Performing Hajj for those who are able (once in lifetime obligation)
- Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th) for non-pilgrims - expiates sins of two years
- Fasting during the first 9 days (highly recommended)
- Increased worship, dhikr, and good deeds in the first 10 days
- Sacrifice of an animal (Qurbani/Udhiyah) on Eid al-Adha
- Takbir (saying 'Allahu Akbar') from Fajr of the 9th through Asr of the 13th
- Avoiding cutting hair and nails for those intending to sacrifice (from 1st Dhul Hijjah)
- Eid prayers and celebrations
- Distributing meat to family, friends, and the poor
Fasting in Dhul Hijjah
Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) is highly encouraged for those NOT performing Hajj. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said this fast expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is also recommended, as these are among the best days of the year for worship. However, pilgrims performing Hajj should not fast on the Day of Arafah as it may weaken them for the intensive worship of that day. Fasting is prohibited during Eid al-Adha (10th-13th Dhul Hijjah) - the Days of Tashriq.
Historical Context
Dhul Hijjah commemorates the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family. The Hajj rituals re-enact Ibrahim's journey and his unwavering obedience to Allah, including his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) - an act that Allah replaced with a ram. This sacrifice is commemorated by Muslims worldwide through Qurbani during Eid al-Adha. The Day of Arafah holds special significance as it was on this day that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his Final Sermon during his Farewell Pilgrimage in 10 AH, where he completed the message of Islam. The verse 'Today I have perfected your religion for you' was revealed on this day.
Spiritual Lessons from Dhul Hijjah
Complete submission to Allah's will (as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim)
The virtue of sacrifice for the sake of Allah
Unity of the Muslim Ummah (global community) gathering in one place
Equality before Allah - all pilgrims wear simple white garments
Humility and spiritual renewal through Hajj rituals
The importance of the first 10 days - taking advantage of blessed times
Gratitude and sharing through animal sacrifice
Seeking forgiveness on the Day of Arafah
Following the footsteps of the Prophets