What is Dhul Hijjah?
The month of Dhul Hijjah, is among the most sacred times in the Islamic calendar. In a month marked by increasing spirituality, we witness the Hajj and Eid ul Adha, two very unique occasions dedicated to Allah (SWT).
Many people are unaware that the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are, without exception, the best ten days of the year, superior to all other days. SubhanAllah, they surpass the days of Ramadan in quality.
Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is highly revered and held in high regard by Muslims. Islamists travel to Makkah to see the sacred Kaaba during this month’s Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj is done on the eighth, ninth, and tenth days of this month, which has the literal meaning of “possessor of the pilgrimage.”
Zu al-Hijjah and Dhu al-Hijjah are alternate spellings. Muslims commemorate Allah, the Almighty, during the blessed days of the year during this month’s sacrifice festival in order to get gifts from him. Muslims think that fasting during Dhul Hijjah is noble and that doing good activities during this time will atone for sins. To make the most of Dhul Hijjah, people who are committed to remembering Allah and keeping a fast should be aware of the following information.
Significance of fasting during Dhul Hijjah
For Muslims, the month of Dhul Hijjah is significant. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) claimed that there are no deeds more brilliant than those carried out throughout these 10 days in a Dhul Hijjah Hadith. When asked if even Jihad was not equivalent to it after hearing it, the Prophet responded negatively and said that not even Jihad was equal to it until a man went forth risking his life and riches and returned empty-handed. Because of this, Muslims think that performing acts of worship and doing good deeds during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah will win Allah’s favor. Additionally, since Islam regards fasting
as one of the greatest deeds and the highest form of prayer, it is advised to observe a fast on Dhul Hijjah.
In another Hadith, it is mentioned that there are no days more beloved to God than the
first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.وَالْفَجْرِ ﴿1﴾ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ
Fasting every day during this time is equivalent to fasting the whole year and standing in prayer at night is like standing on the night of Qadr. From this Hadith, one can be certain that fasting during these days and praying Tahajjud at night is one of the best ways to maximize rewards. Further, sacrificing sleep, food, and drink for Allah during these days helps in reaping the benefits of the sacred month. However, for people, who are unable to observe fast during the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, all hope is not lost, since only fasting on the day of Arafah (the ninth day of the month) is also beneficial. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that fasting on the day of Arafah redeems the sins of the past and the coming year.
Dhul Hijjah Fasting Benefits
Observing fast during this time of the year earns the following benefits:
- Equal to going without food for a year
The 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are regarded as being more dear to the Almighty than any other time of the year by Muslims who think that the Prophet of Allah mentioned this. One who fasts during Dhul Hijjah receives the same blessings as one who abstains from food during the entire year.
- Contributes to the atonement for sins
On the blessed day of Arafah, the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, abstaining from food has several benefits. Fasting on Arafah, in the words of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), atones for sins committed in the previous and coming year. Thus, fasting on Dhul Hijjah is advised.
- Release of the soul from hellfire
According to the ardent followers of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that on no other day, Allah sets as many souls free from the fire of hell as he does on the day of Arafah. Thus, Dhul Hijjah fasting and praying earn protection from hellfire.
How to pray during Dhul Hijjah?
One can earn several rewards by fasting during the blessed days as Dhul Hijjah fasting benefits are numerous. Besides practicing abstinence from food, Muslims also engage in prayers and reading Duas to please god. Reciting the following prayers and offering thanks and praise to Allah during the sacred month is considered a good deed:
1. Recite Takbeer, Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, and Tahleel
Muslims believe that it is Sunnah to recite Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahleel (La Ilaha Ill-Allah), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), and Tasbeer (Subhanallah) during the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. One should recite these prayers abundantly during Dhul Hijjah fasting whether he/she is at home, on the streets, in the masjid, or on his/her way to work. Remembering and glorifying Allah in this way is a virtuous act.
2. Read Takbeerat-e-tashreeq
Besides Dhul Hijjah fasting, one should try to please Allah during the last month of the Islamic calendar by reading Takbeerat-e-tashreeq. Men can recite this prayer after every Fard Salah beginning from the Fajr of the ninth day to the Asr of the 13th day in a loud voice. However, according to spiritual guides, women should offer their prayers to god silently.
3. Recite Tahlil
During the holy month, the believers of Islam frequently read Tahlil (there is no god but Allah) to please the almighty. Making this Dua on the day of Arafah, after facing the Qiblah and raising hands in complete submission, reaps benefits. Sincerely asking Allah for forgiveness when practicing Dhul Hijjah fasting and offering the mentioned Dhikr earn forgiveness.
Recommended acts for the month of Dhul Hijjah
Dhul Hijjah is a beloved month of Allah, and to make the most of it, believers should engage in the following deeds:
i. Offer Sacrifice
To please Allah, one should offer a sacrifice to God and earn his blessings. Aishah, the third and the youngest wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), narrated that the Prophet once explained that offering a sacrifice is the best action that a Muslim can perform on Eid.
ii. Perform Hajj
Muslims should go on the holy pilgrimage of Hajj during the month of Dhul Hijjah. Going on the sacred journey to Kaaba will please Allah. People who decide to go on Hajj during the blessed 10 days of the month should remember that they do not need to observe Dhul Hijjah fasting.
iii. Practice Repentance
During the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, one must seek repentance from Allah and pray for forgiveness. Some Muslims believe that reciting Subhan-Allahi Wa Bihamdihi and offering praise and glory to Allah 100 times a day during the holy month of Dhul Hijjah will earn forgiveness and wipe away all sins.
The month of Dhul Hijjah is the ideal time for seeking the blessings of Allah by practicing Dhul Hijjah fasting, undertaking the holy journey of Hajj, and praying to the almighty during the night. Performing good deeds and sacrificing food during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah month will atone believers of their sins.
