What is Dhul Hijjah?
- Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, known in Arabic as ذو الحجة, and is recognized for its profound religious significance and the culmination of the Islamic year.
- Theologically, Dhul Hijjah is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which acts of worship and good deeds are especially emphasized, and it is a time when spiritual rewards are believed to be multiplied.
- In usage and context, Dhul Hijjah refers specifically to the month that hosts major religious observances, and its name literally means “the month of pilgrimage,” highlighting its association with important annual rituals.
- Spiritually, Dhul Hijjah is viewed as a period of heightened devotion, reflection, and self-purification, encouraging Muslims to engage in prayer, fasting, charity, and remembrance of God throughout its days.
- Practically, Dhul Hijjah is observed by Muslims worldwide through increased worship, special supplications, and acts of kindness, making it a time for both individual growth and communal solidarity within the faith community.
Examples of Dhul Hijjah
- Islamic Calendar: "The month of Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month in the Islamic lunar calendar."
- Hajj Pilgrimage: "Millions of Muslims travel to Mecca during Dhul Hijjah to perform the Hajj pilgrimage."
- Eid al-Adha: "Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah."
- Fasting: "Many Muslims observe fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah for extra spiritual reward."
- Special Prayers: "Special prayers and acts of worship are encouraged during Dhul Hijjah due to its significance in Islam."
References in Qur'an & Hadith
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (Dhul Hijjah)."
[Sahih al-Bukhari 969] (Sunnah.com)
The Prophet ﷺ said: "No days are greater and more beloved to Allah for you to do good deeds than the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, so increase in them your declaration of the oneness of Allah (tahleel), your exaltation of Him (takbeer), and your praise of Him (tahmeed)."
[Musnad Ahmad 5446] (Sunnah.com)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah) expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year."
[Sahih Muslim 1162] (Sunnah.com)
FAQs for Dhul Hijjah
What does Dhul Hijjah mean in English?
It means "The Month of Hajj", referring to the Islamic pilgrimage.
When should Muslims use the term Dhul Hijjah?
Muslims refer to Dhul Hijjah when discussing the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, especially in relation to Hajj, Eid al-Adha, and the first ten days known for their spiritual significance.
Why is Dhul Hijjah considered important in Islam?
Dhul Hijjah is significant because it is the month in which Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is performed, and Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated.
What are the recommended acts during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah?
During the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims are encouraged to increase acts of worship such as fasting, prayer, charity, and remembrance of Allah, as these days are considered especially blessed.
Is fasting during Dhul Hijjah obligatory?
Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is highly recommended but not obligatory, except for those performing Hajj, who should not fast on the Day of Arafah.
