Dhul Hijjah — The Month of Hajj
Suggest editThe Status of Dhul Hijjah
Dhul Hijjah (ذو الحجة), 'the month of Hajj,' is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months in which warfare was prohibited in pre-Islamic Arabia. It reaches its spiritual apex in the first ten days — a period the Prophet declared to be the greatest days of the year for righteous action. He said: 'There are no days in which righteous action is more beloved to Allah than these ten days' — and when asked about even jihad in Allah's path, he said: 'Not even jihad in Allah's path, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth and does not return with anything' (Sahih al-Bukhari). This is an extraordinary elevation of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah above all other periods of the year for voluntary worship.
The First Ten Days: Recommended Acts
Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet recommended increasing four acts during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah: tahlil (La ilaha illallah), takbir (Allahu Akbar), tahmid (Alhamdulillah), and tasbih (SubhanAllah). The Companions would go out in the market declaring the takbir aloud during these days — a practice that is Sunnah and has been revived in many Muslim communities. Fasting the first nine days (or at least the ninth, the Day of Arafah) is another emphasized practice. Voluntary prayer, Quran recitation, charity, and repentance are all especially recommended in this period.
The Day of Arafah: The Heart of Hajj
The ninth of Dhul Hijjah — the Day of Arafah — is the central pillar of Hajj (the Prophet said 'Hajj is Arafah') and one of the greatest days of the Islamic year for all Muslims, not only pilgrims. The Prophet said: 'There is no day on which Allah frees more servants from the Fire than the Day of Arafah' (Sahih Muslim). For those not performing Hajj, fasting this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year (Sahih Muslim). The Day of Arafah is also when the verse 'This day I have perfected your religion for you' (5:3) was revealed — one of the greatest verses of the Quran, revealed on the greatest day of the year.
Eid al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice
The tenth of Dhul Hijjah is Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice — the greater of the two Islamic festivals. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son at Allah's command, and Allah's mercy in providing a ram as substitute. The udhiyyah (animal sacrifice) on this day and the three days following (Ayyam al-Tashreeq) is an emphasized Sunnah for every Muslim household with the financial means. The Prophet said: 'Whoever can afford it and does not sacrifice has no right to approach our prayer place' (Ibn Majah, authenticated by al-Hakim and others). The meat is divided: one-third for the family, one-third for neighbors and friends, one-third for the poor.
Hajj: The Fifth Pillar
Dhul Hijjah is the month of Hajj — the fifth pillar of Islam, obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able. The rites of Hajj were established by Ibrahim and revived in their pure form by the Prophet Muhammad in his only Hajj (the Farewell Pilgrimage, 10 AH). Tawaf around the Ka'bah, sa'i between Safa and Marwa, the standing at Arafah, the stoning of the Jamarat, and the head-shaving or hair-cutting are among its essential rites. The Prophet said: 'An accepted Hajj has no reward other than Paradise' (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). For those unable to perform Hajj in Makkah, worship in the first ten days and the Eid sacrifice are ways of participating in the spiritual season of Dhul Hijjah from wherever they are.