Virtue of the Month of Dhul-Hijjah
By the Name of Allah, praises be to Allah, prayer and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah! There are twelve months in the Hijri year; among these months are four sacred months, and one of these sacred months is the month of Dhul-Hijjah.
Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and last month of the Hijri year. This month bears great significance and several virtues to all Muslims. And here we are going to discuss these virtues in the light of Islam.
Importance and Virtues of the Month of Dhul-Hijjah:
1) Dhul-Hijjah as a Sacred Month
Allah the Al-Mighty said: “Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” These four sacred months are Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab.
These months are called sacred because Allah has forbidden fighting during them. They also have special sanctity because committing evil deeds and sins during them is severe and punishable more intensely than committing them in other months. This urges Muslims to consider this blessed month’s sanctity and not violate Allah’s prohibitions during it.
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2) Additional Chance after Ramadan
Dhul-Hijjah is an additional opportunity after Ramadan. These blessed days urge Muslims to do their best to draw near to Allah. Anyone who missed the chance to worship Allah in Ramadan can compensate by offering much worship in the month of Dhul-Hijjah.
3) The Month of Hajj
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for every Muslim capable of performing it physically and financially. This obligation is to be performed in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, which gives this month a high rank among other months.
REGISTER NOW 4) The First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best days at all. They are even better than the days of Ramadan. Good deeds are more beloved by Allah during these blessed days. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Moreover, Allah has sworn by the nights of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Allah the Al-Mighty said: “(I swear) by the dawn, * and by the ten nights.” Most scholars agree that the ten nights mentioned in this verse are nights of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Swearing by these nights indicates their greatness and significance for Allah. So it is dutiful to exploit these blessed days and nights in various acts of worshipping to gain Allah’s Pleasure.
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5) Fasting the First Nine Days of Dhul-Hijjah
It is from the Sunnah to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah. It was reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to fast during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah. Fasting is one of the greatest acts of worshipping for which Allah grants great reward that He only knows. Therefore, a mindful Muslim should not miss this great opportunity.
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6) The Day of ‘Arafah
The day of ‘Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah. It is also called the day of Hajj as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Hajj is ‘Arafah.” It is one of the greatest days of all, during which Allah the Al-Mighty descends to the lowest heavens as the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him said: “When the day of ‘Arafah comes, God descends to the lowest heaven and praises them to the angels saying, “Look at my servants who have come to me dishevelled, dusty and crying out from every deep valley. I call you to witness that I have forgiven them.” Then the angels say, “My Lord, so and so was being suspected of sin, also so and so and such and such a woman.” He said that God, who is great and glorious, replies, “I have forgiven them.” God’s messenger said, “No day has more people set free from hell than the day of ‘Arafah.”
This shows the great reward Allah grants to pilgrims on the day of ‘Arafah. Non-Pilgrims can also attain this great reward by performing various good deeds, among them fasting. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast on this day and showed the great reward of fasting. He said: “Fast the Day of ‘Arafah, for indeed I anticipate that Allah will forgive (the sins) of the year after it, and the year before it.” How Generous Allah is! You fast one day, and He forgives (your minor sins) of two years, the previous and the following.
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7) The Day of Sacrifice
The day of sacrifice is the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah. It is the day following the day of ‘Arafat also called the day of ‘Eid Al-Adha, one of the two ‘Eids of Muslims. It is one of the greatest days to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The greatest day in God’s sight is the day of sacrifice.” During this day, the pilgrims often offer sacrifices to prepare for the minor Tahallul (break) of Ihram. Muslims all over the world, other than pilgrims, can also offer sacrifice, which is considered one of the greatest rituals for Allah.
8) Three Days of Tashriq
The days of Tashriq are the three days following the day of sacrifice. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said about them: “The days of Tashriq are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of God.” During these days the pilgrims complete the remaining rituals of Hajj, including offering sacrifices, throwing the pebbles and circumambulating the Ka’ba. Offering sacrifices begins after offering the ‘Eid prayer on the day of sacrifice and lasts until the ‘Asr prayer on the third day of Tashriq.
9) Sacrifices as Food to the Poor
Offering sacrifices reflects the majesty of Islam which cares for poor and needy people. Meats of these sacrifices are to be distributed among the poor and their relatives. This strengthens relations among Muslims and pleases the poor, especially on the days of Eid.
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10) Recommended Acts during the Month of Dhul-Hijjah
All the above-mentioned virtues of the month of Dhul-Hijjah reflect the great reward for righteous deeds performed during it. It is recommended that Muslims exploit every day of this month for several righteous deeds, including fasting the first nine days, reciting the Qur’an, giving to charities, and reciting much remembrance of Allah.
11) Remembrance of Allah on the Month of Dhul-Hijjah
Remembrance of Allah is one of the greatest acts of worship recommended during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar; Allah is the Greatest) begins from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah until ‘the Asr prayer of the third day of Tashriq, and this is the Absolute Takbir. It can be said at any time.
Also, there is a Restricted Takbir that begins from the sunset of the day of ‘Arafat until the ‘Asr prayer on the third day of Tashriq. This Restricted Takbir is to be recited only after obligatory prayers.
Conclusion:
Finally the glory of the month of Dhul-Hijjah has become evident. It is the month of Hajj, the month of forgiveness, and the month of ‘Eid al-Adha. It is important to make use of every second of this great month by keeping on righteous deeds and keeping away from evil deeds to get close to Allah and gain His Pleasure.
May Allah grant us the favor of this blessed month and the opportunity to perform the obligation of Hajj!