The month of Dhū al-Ḥijjah is the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered to be one of the sacred months of the year. This month is particularly significant for Muslims as it is the month during which the fifth pillar of Islam where Ḥajj is performed. In addition to the Ḥajj pilgrimage, there are several other virtues and actions associated with the month of Dhū al-Ḥijjah that are worthy of consideration.
Good deeds carried out during the first ten days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah
The first ten days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah are considered to be amongst the most blessed days of the year. Good actions carried out during these days earns a believer great reward. Rasūlullāh SAW said: “There are no days on which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than on these ten days.” (Bukhārī)
Thus, a believer should increase in Nafl Ṣalāh, Du’ā (supplication) and Dhikr, especially reciting Takbīr (Allāhu Akbar), Tahmīd (Subhānallāh) and Tahlīl (Allāhu Akbar) throughout the days and nights of this month.
Fasting
Fasting during Dhū al-Ḥijjah aids a Muslim in purifying his heart and in increasing his spirituality, connection and closeness to Allah SWT. Abū Hurayrah RA narrated that Rasūlullāh SAW said: “There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshipped in them, than the ten days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah. Fasting every day of them is the equivalent of fasting a year and standing every night of them (in prayer) is the equivalent of standing on the Night of Qadr.” (Tirmidhī).
Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah
The 9th of Dhū al-Ḥijjah, commonly known as the Day of ‘Arafah, is one of the most important days of the year. It was the day wherein Allah had chosen the Faith of Islam for this Ummah which is perfect and complete in all its aspects – and on which depends the ultimate Salvation. It was the day wherein the verse of Surah al-Māidah: “Today, I have perfected your religion for you, and have completed My blessing upon you, and chosen Islam as Dīn for you.” was revealed.
The Day of ‘Arafah is full of blessings and mercy. Pilgrims gather on the plains of ‘Arafah close to the Mount of Mercy (Jabal al-Raḥmah) which is the chosen spot of the uninterrupted descent of Mercy from Allah SWT. Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah specifically holds great virtue. It secures forgiveness from Allah SAW for a believer for the previous as well as the forthcoming year. Abū Qatadah RA narrates that Rasūlullāh SAW said: “Fast the Day of ‘Arafah, for indeed I anticipate that Allah e will forgive (sins) of the year before it, and the year after it.” (Tirmidhī).
Uḍḥiyyah (Qurbānī)
The Day of al-Naḥr (sacrifice), commonly referred to as the day of ‘Īd al-Adḥā is the culmination of joy and virtue for a believer. It is the day on which there is nothing more beloved to Allah SWT than the spilling of blood (of the sacrificial animal). There is tremendous virtue in Uḍḥiyyah (Qurbānī). It is for this reason that a believer’s heart is filled with happiness, delight and pleasure when sacrificing the Uḍḥiyyah (Qurbānī) animal.
Ā’ishah RA narrates that Rasūlullāh SAW said: “A human does no action from the actions on the day of al-Naḥr more beloved to Allah than spilling blood. On the Day of Judgement, it will appear with its horns, and hair, and hooves (to be weighed in reward), and indeed the blood (of the sacrificed animal) will be accepted by Allah before it even falls on the ground, so sacrifice with an open and happy heart.” (Tirmidhī).
In conclusion, the month of Dhū al-Ḥijjah is a month of great virtues and opportunities for Muslims to increase their spirituality and devotion to Allah SWT. We should seize the opportunity and take advantage of attaining the virtues associated with this month.