Dhu al-Hijjah

By Yusuf Azmi

What do the start of Hajj, the sacrifice of Qurbani/Udhiyah, the celebration of Eid al-Adha, and the best 10 days of the year all have in common? They all occur during the first 10 days of Dhu al-Hijjah. 

During the twelth and final month of the Hijri calendar, the first 10 days of Dhu al-Hijjah hold a special significance in the hearts of every Muslim. The importance of these days can be found in both Qur’an and Hadith.

“By the dawn; by the ten nights” (al-Fajr 89:1-2)

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the (first) ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah. (Sunan Ibn Majah)

The spiritual significance of these days can’t be understated and are a special time for all Muslims. A time when our good deeds earn us even more rewards from Allah (SWT), a time when remembrance will bring us closer to Him, and a time when we make a sacrifice that will support our brothers and sisters in need. 

If you’re looking to seek Allah’s favor during these 10 days, then it’s encouraged to seek Allah’s forgiveness through repentance, and fast during the first nine days, especially on the ninth day of Arafat. 

Abu Qatadah reported that that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Fasting the Day of Arafat will be credited with Allah by forgiving one’s sins of the previous year and the following year.” (Muslim)

It’s also encouraged to make dhikr to Allah by reciting the Tasbeeh (SubhanAllah), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), Tahleel (La ilaha ill-Allah), and Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), repeating this during the day and especially after Fard prayers. But one of the most important acts during this blessed time is the obligatory act of Qurbani/Udhiyah. Sacrificing an animal in the name of Allah, and donating the meat to those in need, who would otherwise be unable to afford that luxury. 

“Whoever can afford to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer.” (Ibn Majah: 3123)

It’s important to take in that Qurbani/Udhiyah is an act of remembrance. Remembering the sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim made to Allah in his willingness to forgo his son in the name of Allah. Remembering those less fortunate, and exercising our willingness to bring them joy during this special time. Remembering how fortunate we are, for all the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. 

So, as we enter into these 10 days of Dhu al-Hijjah, let us acknowledge the significance of this time in the eyes of Allah, so that we can recall the words of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and follow in his footsteps, and remember the sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim made to Allah.