Virtues of Dhul Hijjah: A Sacred Time for Spiritual Reflection

Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is extremely significant for Muslims all over the world. It is also known as the "Month of Pilgrimage," which is closely associated with the Hajj, one of Islam's five fundamental pillars. During the initial ten days of the month, Muslims who possess the physical and financial means have to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah. On the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, is celebrated. This holy month is highlighted by Allah in Quran Surah Al-Hajj (22:27-28):

"And proclaim to the people the Hajj (pilgrimage); they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass— That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals."
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This special month is a time when people come together to show their devotion, reflect on their beliefs, and participate in community activities. So, let us learn about the Dhul Hijjah significance and the virtues associated with this blessed month.
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The Virtues of the First Ten Days

Many people consider the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah to be the most significant period of the year, offering a valuable opportunity following Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in Hadiths, said:
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"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." (Sahih Bukhari)
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Think about it: we have an opportunity every year to engage in acts of worship during Dhul Hijjah that are more beloved to Allah than any other time!
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Acts Of Worship During Dhul Hijjah

In order to seek Allah's forgiveness and maximise your reward, you should carry out the following Sunnah actions: -
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Fasting

​Fasting on the Day of Arafah (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah) is highly recommended for those who are not performing Hajj. But it is also important to remember that fasting on the other days of Dhul Hijjah holds a great advantage and a beautiful opportunity to connect with Allah, deepen your spiritual understanding, and cleanse your soul. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
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"Fasting on the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year." (Sahih Muslim)

This means that fasting on the day of Arafah will help effectively cleanse minor sins collected over a span of two years.

The Prophet (saw) said, ’There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than on the day of ‘Arafah’ (Sahih Muslim)

​If you are unable to fast for the entire nine days, consider fasting on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the Day of 'Arafah. 'Arafah is the most blessed day of the year, just as Laylat al-Qadr is the most blessed night of the year.
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Prayer

Did you know that praying Tahajjud at night for the first ten nights of Dhul-Hijjah holds the same importance as praying on Laylat al-Qadr?
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Tahajjud is a prayer that holds a unique Dhul Hijjah significance, as it is observed during the quiet hours of the night after one has rested and awoken to engage in worship. During this period, the world becomes still and people's hearts become more open to spiritual contemplation and prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated the importance of it:

"The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer (Tahajjud)." (Sahih Muslim)
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Dhikr

During the holy days of Dhul Hijjah especially, Dhikr - the act of remembering Allah - involves continuous prayer and devotion. For this period, some advised forms of Dhikr consist of:

• Takbeer: Declaring "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest).
• Tahmeed: Praising Allah with "Alhamdulillah" (All praise is due to Allah).
• Tasbeeh: Glorifying Allah with "SubhanAllah" (Glory be to Allah).
• Tahleel: Affirming the oneness of Allah with "La ilaha illallah" (There is no god but Allah).

It is encouraged to increase Dhikr, especially after prayers and Quran recitation. The Prophet Muhammad  said:

"There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days. So, recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed during them." (Ahmad

Reciting "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd" not only serves as an act of worship but also proclaims the greatness of Allah.

In Surah Al-Hajj, the Quran instructs us to "mention the name of Allah on the appointed days" (Quran 22:28)

Simple yet powerful practices like increasing one's own Dhikr throughout the day, reciting the Talbiyah in accordance with Makkah pilgrims' custom, and engaging in post-prayer Dhikr (SubhanAllah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, Allahu Akbar 34 times) are advised in addition to structured Dhikr. And reciting "SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi" (Glory be to Allah and praise Him) one hundred times daily carries the promise of making amends for your sins, no matter their weight.
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Charity

Giving charity, or Sadaqah, is always seen as a virtuous act in Islam. However, its importance is even greater during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Every act of goodness is a charity." (Sahih Muslim)
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Financial Charity

Making generous contributions to charitable organisations, community projects, and individuals in need is an effective way to obtain Allah's blessings. As said in the Quran:

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] that sprouts seven ears; in every ear, there are a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-encompassing and Knowing." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)
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Acts of Kindness

Charity is not limited to monetary contributions. Any act of kindness is considered Sadaqah. This includes:

• Helping neighbours or community members.
• Volunteering time and skills to benefit others.
• Spreading knowledge and offering emotional support.
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Hajj Pilgrimage

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity nor commit any sin, he returns (free from sin) as the day his mother bore him." (Sahih Bukhari)

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where pilgrims perform rituals conducted by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims who are financially and physically stable are obligated to perform Hajj at least once during their lifetime. 

The Prophet Muhammad said, "An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise." (Ibn Majah)

Occurring during the month of Dhul Hijjah, between the 8th to the 12th, it is a time when millions of Muslims unite in Makkah to perform the following rituals. Let's talk about these Hajj rituals and the significance that they have: -
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1. Ihram: Men are expected to wear two seamless white clothes, while women are encouraged to wear simple and modest dresses. This special attire represents a sense of unity and humility among every pilgrim.
2. Tawaf: One of the first rituals pilgrims perform is Tawaf, where you walk seven times around the Kaaba, the cubic structure at the centre of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. 
3. Sa'i: Next, pilgrims have to walk back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. The ceremony honours the pilgrimage of Hajar (Hagar), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who travelled these hills in search of water for her son, Isma'il (Ishmael).
4. Standing at Arafah: Pilgrims come together at the plain of Arafah, dedicating the afternoon to heartfelt prayers and reflection. It is regarded as the supreme objective of Hajj, where pilgrims humbly seek Allah's mercy and forgiveness.
5. Muzdalifah: The next stop after Arafah is Muzdalifah, where pilgrims collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the pillars.
6. Stoning the Jamarat: In Mina city, pilgrims participate in the ritual of throwing pebbles at three pillars, symbolising your rejection of evil and the temptations of Satan. It honours Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of Satan's attempts to stop him from sacrificing his son.
7. Sacrifice: Then Pilgrims perform Qurbani, the sacrificial offering of an animal. This honours the fact that Prophet Ibrahim was ready to kill his son Isma'il as a sign of his devotion to Allah.
8. Tawaf al-Ifadah: Finally, pilgrims return to the Kaaba to perform another circumambulation, Tawaf al-Ifadah, which marks the completion of your spiritual journey of the of Hajj.  Hajj rituals hold great significance, so you must perform them with sincerity, humility, and a profound devotion to Allah.
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Eid al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice

The ultimate celebration of these blessed days occurs in Eid al-Adha, which falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. It's a day of celebration, gratitude, and sacrifice. Muslims all over the world perform Qurbani (animal sacrifice). The meat from the sacrifice is distributed to family, friends, and those in need, promoting a sense of community and generosity. 

"Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you." (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37)
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This verse highlights that the act of sacrificing something is merely symbolic; what is truly important is the commitment to piety and righteousness that lies behind the act.
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The Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim

The story of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael is remembered on Eid al-Adha. This story is about both obedience and trust in Allah's plan. Allah replaced Ishmael with a ram (adult male sheep), showing that true faith is always rewarded. This verse emphasises the value of trust and the benefits that come with genuine submission to Allah's will.
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"And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice." (Surah As-Saffat, 37:107)
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Lessons from Prophet Ibrahim

The life of Prophet Ibrahim provides valuable lessons that are still relevant today. Let's take a look at some important insights we can gain from his life and legacy:
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Unwavering Faith:

One of the most important lessons from Prophet Ibrahim's life is his faith in Allah. Despite immense challenges, such as being thrown into a fire and being asked to sacrifice his son, his faith remained unshakeable. This teaches us the value of having strong faith and trust in God, even in adversity. This verse illustrates Ibrahim's unyielding faith and his quest for certainty in Allah's power.

Ibrahim said, 'My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead.' [Allah] said, 'Have you not believed?' He said, 'Yes, but [I ask] only that my heart may be satisfied.' [Allah] said, 'Take four birds and commit them to yourself. Then [after slaughtering them], put on each hill a portion of them; then call them - they will come [flying] to you in haste. And know that Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.'" (Quran, 2:260) 
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Sacrifice and Commitment:

The story of his son Isma'il's intended sacrifice teaches the importance of sacrifice, commitment, and putting faith ahead of personal desires. It highlights the concept that genuine dedication often requires making personal sacrifices and prioritising faith above all else.
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"And when they had both submitted, and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, 'O Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the vision.' Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good." (Quran, 37:103-105) 
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Hospitality and Generosity:

Ibrahim is also known for his hospitality and generosity. The story of him welcoming and entertaining guests who turned out to be angels shows the value of hospitality and kindness to others.
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Challenging Injustice:

Ibrahim's challenge to his father and community's idolatry teaches a powerful lesson about standing up to falsehood and injustice. It emphasises the importance of questioning incorrect practices and upholding the truth, even when it is difficult.
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Incorporating Sunnah Practices into Daily Life

Following the Sunnah actions promotes spiritual rewards and blessings, strengthens one's relationship with Allah, and provides practical guidance for implementing Quranic teachings. It promotes Muslim unity and identity through shared practices and traditions. Here is a list of Sunnah actions that one should incorporate in their daily routine:

• Greeting with "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you)
• Using the Miswak (a tooth-cleaning stick) for oral hygiene.
• Eating and drinking with the right hand.
• Sleeping on the right side as the Prophet often slept on his right side.
• The Prophet also emphasised the importance of visiting and comforting the sick.
• Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays as the Prophet often fasted on these days.
• Reciting supplications before sleeping, eating, and travelling.
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Wrapping Up:

In the sacred month, it is encouraged to engage in deep reflection, seek forgiveness, and sincerely perform acts of worship during Dhul Hijjah. Repentance plays a crucial role, enabling believers to come back to Allah with humility to attain spiritual purity and seek the blessings. ​