By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
All Perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions.
Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, the Islamic calendar is rich with significant months and days that hold great spiritual and religious importance for Muslims worldwide. Among these, Dhul-Hijjah stands out prominently. Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, contains the ten best days celebrated for their immense religious and historical significance. During these days, Muslims engage in various acts of worship, including prayer, fasting, Zikr, Qur’an recitation, charity, aiming to gain Allah’s blessings and mercy. It contains “Dhul-Hijjah: The 10 Best Days” celebrated for their immense religious and historical significance.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) specifically highlights the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah as better than all the other days of the year. He said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” [Sahih Bukhari]
Respected servants of Allah! Dhul-Hijjah is a month of great importance in Islam. It is the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it holds a special place due to the occurrence of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, and Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. Dhul-Hijjah, derived from Arabic, means “the month of pilgrimage.” It signifies the time when Muslims from all corners of the world gather in Makkah to perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj is mandatory for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime.
My beloved brothers and sisters! The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are particularly significant. These days are considered the best days of the year, surpassing even the last ten days of Ramadan in virtue. According to Islamic teachings, these days are a time for increased devotion, prayer, and good deeds. Muslims believe that the rewards for good actions performed during these days are multiplied many times over.
Fellow Muslims! Engaging in worship and righteous deeds during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah brings numerous benefits. Firstly, these days offer a unique opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness and attain closeness to Allah. Fasting on these days, especially on the Day of Arafah, is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said that fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. This highlights the immense spiritual benefit of observing this fast.
Moreover, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are an excellent time for charitable acts. Muslims are encouraged to give more in charity, helping the orphans, widows, those in need and supporting Islamic and community projects. Acts of kindness and generosity are highly rewarded, and this period serves as a reminder of the importance of social responsibility and compassion.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah and the day of Ashura, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays, as reported by Abu Dawud.
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, including the Day of Arafah, are incredibly significant in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) emphasised the importance of these days and the virtues of engaging in acts of worship, including the recitation of specific phrases of remembrance (Zikr). The following are the forms of Zikr that are especially recommended during these days:
1. Tahmid: “Saying Alhamdulillah” (meaning: All praises be to Allah).
2. Tahlil: Saying “La ilaha illallah” (meaning: There is no god but Allah).
3. Tasbih: Saying “Subhanallah” (meaning: Glory be to Allah).
4. Takbir: Here the Takbir can be recited in various forms, one of which is:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillahil-hamd.” Meaning: “Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise.”
Dear brothers and sisters! The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) 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 tahlil, takbir, and tahmid during them.” [Ahmad]
And it is narrated that the companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would go to the marketplaces and recite the takbir out loud. This communal act of worship not only served as a reminder to themselves but also encouraged others to join in the remembrance of Allah, thereby magnifying the collective spirit of devotion and reverence.
Following the example of the companions, Muslims are encouraged to recite these phrases frequently during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, including the Day of Arafah. By doing so, they can strengthen their connection with Allah and remind others of the importance of these blessed days.
And there are many ways to recite the Zikr, which includes:
1. Personal Recitation: Engage in these phrases during personal prayer times, while walking, or during any other quiet moment.
2. Family and Community: Encourage family members and community to engage in Zikr collectively, especially in gatherings.
3. Public Spaces: Like the companions, consider reciting Zikr in public spaces where it can inspire others.
Respected brothers and sisters! Several significant events take place during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. These events not only mark important historical and religious milestones but also provide Muslims with opportunities to reflect, learn, and grow spiritually. We have some events as follows:
1. The Day of Tarwiyyah (8th Dhul-Hijjah).
The Day of Tarwiyyah is the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah. On this day, pilgrims who have arrived in Makkah for Hajj prepare to start their journey to Mina, a small town near Makkah. Pilgrims spend the day in Mina performing prayers and reflecting on their intentions for Hajj. This day marks the beginning of the sacred rituals of Hajj and is a time for pilgrims to prepare themselves mentally and spiritually for the days ahead.
2. The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah).
The Day of Arafah, the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, is one of the most important days in Islam. On this day, pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat, located outside Makkah, to stand in prayer and supplication. The standing at Arafat is the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage and is considered the moment when pilgrims are closest to Allah. It is believed that on this day, Allah forgives the sins of those who stand in Arafat with sincere repentance. It was the day when Allah Almighty perfected Islam. The day He completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and approved Islam as a way of life.
For non-pilgrims, fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said that fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. This highlights the immense spiritual significance and the mercy of Allah bestowed on this day.
Our beloved Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of Arafah.” [Sahih Muslim]
READ ALSO: First batch of royal guests land in Saudi Arabia for Hajj
Hajj 2025: No epidemic cases reported among pilgrims — Health Minister
King Salman eye program restores vision in Lagos
3. Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul-Hijjah).
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah. This festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his beloved son Prophet Isma’il (AS) in obedience to Allah’s command. However, Allah, in His infinite mercy, replaced Isma’il with a ram, which Ibrahim sacrificed instead.
On Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world perform the act of sacrifice, which involves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, goat, cow or camel. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then distributed among family, friends, poor, orphans and the needy. This act of sacrifice symbolises obedience to Allah, gratitude for His blessings, and the spirit of sharing and compassion.
Fellow brothers and sisters! The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah offer Muslims a unique opportunity to engage in various acts of worship. These acts are not only a means of drawing closer to Allah but also serve to purify the soul and increase one’s spiritual awareness. Among the acts of worship are as follows:
1. Increased Prayer and Recitation of the Qur’an
During these blessed days, Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayers and recitation of the Qur’an. Performing additional voluntary prayers (nawafil) and engaging in Zikr (remembrance of Allah) are highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) emphasised the importance of these days, stating that there are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.
2. Fasting
Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, especially on the Day of Arafah, holds great merit. It is an act of worship that brings numerous spiritual and physical benefits. It is a means of seeking forgiveness, attaining piety, and increasing one’s awareness of Allah’s presence. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) encouraged fasting on these days, highlighting the immense reward and expiation of sins it brings. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” [Sahih Bukhari]
3. Giving in Charity
Charity is the backbone and a central tenet of Islam, and during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims are encouraged to increase their charitable giving. Acts of charity include giving money, food, meat and clothing to those in need, supporting Islamic and community projects, and helping those who are less fortunate. The spirit of giving during these days reflects the teachings of Islam on social justice and compassion for others.
4. Performing Hajj and Umrah
For those who are able, performing Hajj during Dhul-Hijjah is one of the most significant acts of worship. Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey. The rituals of Hajj, including Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka’abah), Sa’yi (walking between the hills of Safah and Marwah), and standing at Arafat, are deeply symbolic and spiritually enriching.
In addition to Hajj, performing Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) during Dhul-Hijjah is also highly recommended. Although not obligatory, Umrah holds great merit and serves as a means of drawing closer to Allah.
5. Sacrificing an Animal (Layyah)
The act of Layyah, or sacrificing an animal, is a significant part of the Eid al-Adha celebration. This act commemorates the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and is a demonstration of obedience and gratitude to Allah. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one part for the family, one part for relatives and friends, and one part for the poor and needy. This distribution emphasises the importance of sharing and helping those in need.
My beloved people! The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are rich in historical events that have shaped Islamic history and tradition. Understanding these events provides a deeper appreciation of the spiritual significance of these days. They are as follows:
1. The Construction of the Ka’abah
One of the significant historical events associated with Dhul-Hijjah is the construction of the Ka’abah by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma’il. The Ka’abah, located in the heart of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, is the holiest site in Islam. Muslims around the world face the Ka’abah during their prayers. The construction of the Ka’abah marks a pivotal moment in Islamic history and is commemorated during the rituals of Hajj.
2. The Revelation of Surah Al-Hajj
Another significant event is the revelation of Surah Al-Hajj (Chapter 22) in the Qur’an. This chapter emphasises the importance of Hajj and the sacredness of the rituals performed during this pilgrimage. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance of Hajj and the lessons of sacrifice, obedience, and devotion to Allah.
Lastly, Dhul-Hijjah, the month of pilgrimage, holds immense significance in Islam. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah offer Muslims a special opportunity for worship, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah. The benefits of these days are numerous, encompassing spiritual growth, increased piety, and social responsibility. By understanding the historical events and religious significance of these days, Muslims can deepen their appreciation and make the most of this blessed period.
