As the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah commences, millions of Muslims across the world prepare for the sacred journey of Hajj. Yet while many hearts long to stand on the plains of Arafah, the mercy and blessings of these sacred days are not reserved only for the pilgrims. For those of us remaining at home in the UK, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are still among the greatest opportunities of the entire year to draw closer to Allah. While our hearts yearn to perform Hajj soon, these sacred days allow us to spiritually accompany the pilgrims through worship, remembrance and longing for Allah’s House.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no better days in the sight of Allah than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah.” (Ibn Hibban)
He ﷺ also said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Allah Himself has honoured these days above all others. They are the days of worship, repentance, sacrifice and remembrance – a precious chance to spiritually reset and reconnect with our faith before another year slips away.
The Prophet ﷺ also said regarding the virtue of these days:
“The day of Jumu‘ah within the ten days of Dhul Hijjah is more virtuous than Jumu‘ah on other days.” (Fath al-Bari)
Fast the Blessed Days
One of the most powerful Sunnahs of Dhul Hijjah is fasting, especially during the first nine days. The greatest of these is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah – the Day of Arafah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“It expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim)
This incredible reward is for those not performing Hajj. Through a single day of fasting, Allah grants forgiveness for two years of minor sins.
The Day of Arafah is also the greatest day of the year.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is no day in which Allah frees more souls from the Fire than on the Day of Arafah. On that day Allah draws near to the earth and says to the angels: ‘What do these servants of Mine desire?’” (Sahih Muslim)
The Best Day for Dua
The Day of Arafah is a day of immense supplication.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best dua is the dua of the Day of Arafah.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi)
This is a day to ask Allah sincerely for everything – forgiveness, guidance, ease, barakah and Jannah. Make dua for your family, your children, the Ummah and the suffering Muslims across the world. Often, we underestimate the power of sincere dua. Yet these blessed days remind us that Allah loves to hear from His servants. No matter how distant we may feel, the door of repentance remains open.
Among the greatest words to repeat throughout the day is the declaration of tawhid.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of what I and the Prophets before me have said is:
Lā ilāha illAllāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.”
“There is no god but Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs all dominion and all praise, and He has power over all things.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi)
Revive the Sunnah of Takbeer
An important Sunnah of Dhul Hijjah is the recitation of takbeer. During these blessed days, the companions would fill their homes, streets and marketplaces with the remembrance of Allah.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And mention the name of Allah during the appointed days.” (Surah al-Hajj 22:28)
Takbeer al-Tashreeq is recited after the five daily prayers from Fajr on the Day of Arafah until Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah:
Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, lā ilāha illAllāh, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, wa lillāhil-ḥamd.
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Allah.
The Importance of Qurbani
One of the greatest acts of worship during Dhul Hijjah is qurbani – the sacred sacrifice offered in remembrance of the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام.
When Allah commanded Ibrahim عليه السلام to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail عليه السلام, he submitted completely to the will of Allah. Qurbani commemorates that legacy of obedience, sincerity and sacrifice.
For many vulnerable families around the world, qurbani may be the only time in the year they eat meat. Organisations such as Islamic Relief UK facilitate qurbani distributions across dozens of countries, helping feed millions of people in need.
A Sacred Opportunity
Dhul Hijjah is a gift from Allah – a sacred season that returns only once each year. Not everyone who witnessed these days last year is here to witness them again.
May Allah accept our worship and allow us to embrace the blessings of Dhul Hijjah with sincerity and consistency.