Dhul Hijjah — The Month of Hajj
Suggest editThe Sacred Month
Dhul Hijjah (ذو الحجة) is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, one of the four sacred months. It contains the Hajj pilgrimage, the Day of Arafah, and Eid al-Adha. The Prophet said: 'There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days,' referring to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (Bukhari). These days are considered even more virtuous than the last ten days of Ramadan (though the nights of Ramadan are superior).
The First Ten Days
The recommended acts during the first ten days include fasting (especially the Day of Arafah for non-pilgrims, which expiates sins of the previous year and the coming year), abundant dhikr (saying Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illAllah, and Alhamdulillah), extra prayers, charity, and recitation of the Quran. Those intending to offer a sacrifice (udhiyah) should not cut their hair or nails from the first of Dhul Hijjah until after the sacrifice.
The Day of Arafah
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the Day of Arafah, the most important day of Hajj. Pilgrims stand at the plain of Arafah from noon until sunset, supplicating and remembering Allah. The Prophet said: 'Hajj is Arafah' (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah), meaning that standing at Arafah is the essential pillar of Hajj. For non-pilgrims, fasting this day is the most meritorious voluntary fast of the year.
Eid al-Adha
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah. Muslims worldwide perform the Eid prayer and offer an animal sacrifice (udhiyah). The meat is divided into thirds: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor. The days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th) continue the celebration with additional takbir and festivity. These are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah.