Dhul Hijjah: A Sacred Opportunity You Don’t Want to Miss
As a Muslim, there are certain times of the year that we wait for with great anticipation. Dhul Hijjah should be one of them — a month so filled with blessings, mercy, and spiritual potential that you should find longing to make the most of every single moment.
Whether you are among the fortunate ones going for Hajj or staying home, please remind yourself that the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the greatest days in the Islamic year. The chance to earn immense reward, have sins forgiven, and come closer to Allah ﷻ — it’s all right here.
🌙 Why Dhul Hijjah Matters
1. It’s One of the Four Sacred Months
Allah mentions in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve… of them, four are sacred.”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)
And the Prophet ﷺ said:
“The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three in succession – Dhul-Qa‘dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram – and (the fourth) Rajab.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 2958)
These months are spiritually significant — a time to increase good and avoid sin, because actions are magnified.
2. The First Ten Days Are the Best of the Year
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 969)
Even better than the days of Ramadan (note this does not include the nights of Ramadan, in particular the last ten nights)
This is a time, as suggested in the Sahih Hadith above when every prayer, every fast, every sadaqah, and every remembrance of Allah earns multiplied reward.
3. The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)
Even though I may not be performing Hajj, I can still fast on this day — and the reward is immense.
“Fasting the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Sahih Muslim, 1162)
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.”
(Sahih Muslim, 1348)
It’s a day of du’a, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.
🙌 What We Should Try to Do in These Blessed Days
1. Increase in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
“So say frequently: La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, and Alhamdulillah.”
(Musnad Ahmad – authentic)
Try to say:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil-hamd
Especially from the 9th–13th Dhul Hijjah after every fardh prayer (known as Takbeer al-Tashreeq).
2. Fasting the First Nine Days
Aim to fast as many days — especially the 9th (Day of Arafah). It’s one of the greatest voluntary fasts of the year.
Al-Hakam ibn al-A’raj reported: I went to Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, and I said, “Tell me about fasting the day of Ashura.” Ibn Abbas said, “When you see the crescent of the month of al-Muharram, count the days and wake up to fast on the ninth day.” I said, “Is this how the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, fasted it?” Ibn Abbas said, “Yes.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1133. Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Muslim
Al-Nawawi said, “Al-Shafi’i and his companions, Ahmad, Ishaq, and others said it is recommended to fast the ninth and tenth of al-Muharram together, as the Prophet (ṣ) fasted the tenth and intended to fast the ninth.”
Source: Sharḥ al-Nawawī ‘alá Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1133
3. Giving in Charity
Whether it’s a small daily donation or something bigger, try to give more during these days. Every act of charity, even a smile, is rewarded.
4. Offering Udhiyah (Sacrifice)
If one can afford it, you must take part in Qurbani on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah — following the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام).
“It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim.”
(Ibn Majah, 3126 – Hasan)
And from the 1st to the 10th, avoid cutting my nails and hair out of respect for this ritual.
5. Making More Du’a and Extra Worship
These days are about turning inward — praying more, repenting more, making heartfelt du’a, and remembering Allah often.
“The best deeds during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are those that bring one closer to Allah — in worship and character.”
— Imam Ibn Rajab
💡 Dhul Hijjah Checklist
✅ Wake up early for tahajjud and pray Fajr in the masjid
✅ Read Qur’an daily
✅ Say takbeer, tahleel, and tahmeed often
✅ Make heartfelt du’a, especially on Arafah
✅ Fast the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (and more if I can)
✅ Arrange my Udhiyah early
✅ Give daily charity, even if it’s small
✅ Avoid cutting hair/nails (if offering Qurbani)
✅ Show good character — forgive, smile, be kind
🕊️ Final Thoughts
Dhul Hijjah is more than just a month — it’s an invitation from Allah ﷻ. A reminder of sacrifice, submission, and hope.
I may not be in Makkah, but I can still be present with my heart, tongue, and deeds.
As the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Days of virtue are gifts from Allah. The successful one is he who makes the most of them.”
So I ask Allah ﷻ:
Ya Allah, accept from me, forgive me, and bring me closer to You in these blessed days.
Ameen.
Feel free to share this post to remind others of the beauty of Dhul Hijjah. May Allah accept all our efforts.
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