Dhul-Hijjah: A Month for Reflection, Renewal, and Reverence
What is Dhul Hijjah?
Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar, holds immense importance in Islam. During this sacred month, the annual pilgrimage of Hajj takes place, drawing millions of Muslims from around the world to Mecca. Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam represents a journey of spiritual purification and devotion, commemorating the actions and trials faced by Prophet Ibrahim(as) and his family.
What is the Meaning of Dhul Hijjah?
"Dhul Hijjah” means "the month of pilgrimage" or "the month of Hajj" in Arabic.
First Ten Days Of Dhul Hijjah
Beyond the pilgrimage, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the best days of the year. Prophet Muhammad said there are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days.
1. The Days of Hajj: The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah coincide with the annual pilgrimage of Hajj.
2. The Day of Arafah: The 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah is the Day of Arafah. It is a day when Muslims gather at the plain of Arafah, seeking forgiveness from Allah (swt).
3.Eid al-Adha: The 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah marks the culmination of the pilgrimage with the celebration of Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (as), as an act of obedience to Allah (swt). Muslims commemorate this event by offering Qurbani/Udhiyah, which involves sacrificing animals and distributing their meat to the needy.
4.The Opportunity for Worship: Just like the last ten days of Ramadan, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah offer another opportunity for Muslims to increase their worship, engage in acts of charity, seek forgiveness, and become closer to Allah (swt), in turn earning rewards.
When is Dhul Hijjah in 2024?
Dhul Hijjah begins on 7th June, 2024. The 9th of Dhul Hijjah, also known as the Day of Arafah, will be on 15th June, 2024. Eid Al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. This year Eid Al Adha is anticipated to fall on 16th June, 2024.
Duas for Dhul Hijjah
Since the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered some of the holiest days of the Islamic calendar, there are many duas that you can recite to seek forgiveness from Allah (swt).
“There is no day in which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ‘Arafah’), and then He reveals before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking."
Dua for the Day of Arafah
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٍ
“Lailaha illalahu wahadahu lasharikalahu lahulmulku walahu hamdu wahuva alakulli shayin kadir”
”There is no God but Allah alone Who has no partner, to whom dominion belongs, to whom praise is due, and who has power over everything.”
You can also follow the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (saw) and recite Tahleel (‘Laillaha illalah’), Takbeer (‘Allahuakbar’), Tahmeed (‘Allhamdulillah’), and Tasabeeh (‘Subhanallah’) on the day of Arafah.
Dua for Eid Al-Adha
Starting from the 9th to the 13th Dhul Hijjah, it’s recommended to recite Takbeer-e-Tashreeq after prayers.
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْد
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd”.
“Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest and all praise is for Allah alone.”
May our prayers be accepted during this auspicious month, and may Allah (swt) forgive us.
This Eid Al-adha offer your Qurbani in eight locations around the world with Muslim Hands Canada
Read Blog: Your Questions Answered: Qurbani and Eid Al Adha
