The Significance of Dhul Hijjah: A Month of Spiritual Elevation

Dhul Hijjah stands as one of the most sacred and spiritually profound months in the Islamic calendar, revered deeply by Muslims around the world. This blessed month holds a unique place in the hearts of believers, not only because it marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage—one of the five pillars of Islam—but also because it encompasses the joyous celebration of Eid ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. These two monumental events are intertwined with acts of devotion, submission, and gratitude to Allah (SWT), making Dhul Hijjah a time of heightened spirituality and reflection.

The essence of Dhul Hijjah transcends mere ritual; it is a period when Muslims are called to renew their faith, intensify their worship, and seek closeness to Allah through righteous deeds. The month invites believers to embrace patience, generosity, and self-discipline, embodying the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family. It is a time when the gates of mercy and forgiveness are wide open, and every act of worship is met with multiplied rewards.

Throughout Dhul Hijjah, Muslims worldwide engage in various forms of worship, including fasting, prayer, remembrance, and charity, all aimed at purifying the soul and strengthening the bond with the Creator. The significance of this month is further magnified by the first ten days, which are considered the best days of the year for performing good deeds and earning Allah’s pleasure. These days offer a precious opportunity to accumulate immense spiritual benefits, surpassing even the blessed month of Ramadan.

In this article, we will explore the unparalleled virtues of Dhul Hijjah, focusing on the first ten days and their exceptional status in Islam. We will delve into the prophetic traditions that highlight the importance of righteous actions during this period, provide guidance on fasting and remembrance practices, and discuss the sacred ritual of Qurbani (sacrifice). Additionally, we will outline the expected dates for Dhul Hijjah in 2025, helping you prepare to make the most of this blessed time. Join us as we uncover the profound blessings and opportunities that Dhul Hijjah offers to every Muslim seeking to draw nearer to Allah (SWT).

The Ten Best Days of the Year

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah hold a distinguished place in the Islamic calendar as the most virtuous and spiritually rewarding days of the entire year. These days are unparalleled in their significance, surpassing even the blessed month of Ramadan in terms of the value of righteous deeds performed during them. This exceptional status is rooted deeply in both the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), inspiring Muslims to maximize their worship and good actions during this sacred period.

Allah (SWT) draws special attention to these days in the Qur’an, swearing by them in Surah Al-Fajr: “By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights” (Qur’an 89:1-2). Many scholars interpret these “ten nights” as the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, emphasizing their immense spiritual weight. The fact that Allah swears by these days highlights their extraordinary importance and the unique opportunity they present for believers to earn His pleasure.

These ten days are a time when every act of worship—whether it be prayer, fasting, charity, or remembrance—is met with multiplied rewards. The atmosphere of devotion during this period is unlike any other, as Muslims worldwide unite in heightened consciousness of Allah’s greatness and mercy. The days culminate in the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha, both of which carry profound spiritual meanings and blessings.

Understanding the unparalleled virtue of these days encourages believers to seize this precious time for self-improvement, increased worship, and sincere repentance. It is a chance to renew one’s faith, strengthen one’s connection with Allah, and engage in acts of kindness and generosity that benefit both the individual and the wider community. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are truly a divine gift—an annual window of opportunity to draw closer to Allah and earn immense rewards that resonate far beyond these days themselves. (Qur’an 89:1-2)

Hadith on the Virtue of Good Deeds During Dhul Hijjah

The unparalleled significance of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is beautifully captured in a profound hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This statement highlights the exceptional status of these days, emphasizing that acts of worship and good deeds performed during this period carry a special weight and are especially cherished by Allah (SWT).

The implications of this hadith are far-reaching for Muslims seeking to maximize their spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. It serves as a powerful encouragement to engage wholeheartedly in various forms of worship—be it prayer, fasting, charity, or sincere remembrance—during these blessed days. The hadith also underscores the unique opportunity these ten days provide to earn multiplied rewards and to seek forgiveness and mercy.

This encouragement to intensify righteous deeds during Dhul Hijjah is a reminder that every moment counts and that the spiritual benefits of good actions are magnified in this sacred time. It inspires believers to prioritize acts of kindness, generosity, and devotion, knowing that Allah’s pleasure is especially drawn to such efforts now. Whether one is performing the Hajj pilgrimage or observing from afar, this hadith calls all Muslims to seize the blessings of Dhul Hijjah and to dedicate themselves to sincere worship and service during these ten best days of the year.

Dhul Hijjah 2025 Dates and Lunar Calendar Explanation

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah in 2025 are expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday, 28th May, and conclude on the evening of Friday, 6th June. These dates mark a sacred period filled with immense spiritual opportunities for Muslims worldwide. The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah, will fall on Thursday, 5th June 2025, and the 10th day, Eid al-Adha, will be celebrated on Friday, 6th June 2025. These days are central to the rituals of Hajj and the broader Islamic calendar, symbolizing submission, sacrifice, and divine mercy.

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, consisting of 12 months of 29 or 30 days each, the dates of Dhul Hijjah shift approximately ten to eleven days earlier every Gregorian year. This lunar cycle means that the sacred days of Dhul Hijjah do not align with the solar calendar, causing the timing of these important days to move through the seasons over time. This shifting nature requires Muslims to stay attentive to moon sightings and official announcements to determine the precise start of Dhul Hijjah each year.

Understanding these dates is crucial for planning acts of worship such as fasting, prayer, and charity, as well as preparing for the pilgrimage of Hajj or the celebration of Eid al-Adha. The lunar calendar’s movement also serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time in Islam and the ongoing opportunity to renew faith and devotion annually. By marking these dates, Muslims can fully embrace the blessings and spiritual rewards that the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah uniquely offer. (IslamicFinder, 2025 Dhul Hijjah Dates)

Fasting Guidelines During Dhul Hijjah

Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is a highly recommended Sunnah that carries immense spiritual rewards and benefits. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regularly fasted during these days, demonstrating their significance and encouraging Muslims to follow his example. Among these days, the ninth day—known as Yawm al-Arafah—is especially important, as fasting on this day holds a unique status in Islam.

The Day of Arafah, which falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, is the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage and a day when Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are abundantly granted. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one” (Sahih Muslim). This hadith highlights the extraordinary forgiveness and spiritual cleansing that fasting on this day brings, making it a highly recommended act even for those not performing Hajj.

While fasting during the first nine days is encouraged, it is important to note that fasting on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, which is Eid al-Adha, is prohibited. This day is meant for celebration, feasting, and gratitude after the completion of the Hajj rites and the sacrifice of Qurbani. Muslims are advised to break their fast and partake in the joyous festivities of Eid.

In addition to fasting during Dhul Hijjah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) also observed fasting on other significant days, such as the day of Ashura, three days each month, the first Monday of the month, and two Thursdays (Abu Dawood). These practices emphasize the importance of regular fasting as a means of spiritual purification and closeness to Allah.

For Muslims who are unable to fast all nine days, it is highly recommended to fast at least on the Day of Arafah to gain its immense rewards. Engaging in fasting during Dhul Hijjah is a powerful way to seek forgiveness, increase one’s good deeds, and prepare spiritually for the blessed Eid celebrations. By embracing this Sunnah, believers can deepen their connection with Allah and make the most of the sacred opportunities presented during these best ten days of the year.

During the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, engaging in remembrance of Allah (dhikr) holds special significance and is highly encouraged to deepen one’s spiritual connection and maximize rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of these days, urging believers to recite abundant dhikr, including tahleel, takbeer, and tasbeeh, as acts of worship beloved to Allah.

Tahleel is the declaration of the oneness of Allah, expressed as:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ
Laa ilaha ill-Allah
(There is no god but Allah)

Takbeer is the glorification of Allah’s greatness, commonly recited during Dhul Hijjah as:
اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd
(Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah belongs all praise)

Tasbeeh is the glorification of Allah’s perfection, recited as:
سُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ
Subhaan-Allah
(Glory be to Allah)

The Prophet (PBUH) and his companions would recite these phrases frequently, especially during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. It is reported that the companions would go to the marketplaces and public spaces, loudly proclaiming the takbeer, inspiring others to join in this collective remembrance. This practice not only magnified the spiritual atmosphere but also served as a public declaration of faith and gratitude.

Engaging in these forms of dhikr during Dhul Hijjah is a powerful way to keep the heart connected to Allah, increase one’s good deeds, and partake in the communal spirit of worship. The repetition of these phrases helps to purify the soul, strengthen faith, and remind believers of Allah’s greatness and mercy. By following the example of the Prophet and his companions, Muslims today can enrich their worship during these blessed days and draw closer to Allah through sincere and heartfelt remembrance. (Hadith Ahmad)

The ritual of Qurbani, or sacrifice, during Dhul Hijjah holds profound spiritual and social significance in Islam. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command, a supreme act of submission and trust. Today, Muslims around the world honor this legacy by offering an animal sacrifice, symbolizing their devotion and readiness to give up worldly attachments for the sake of Allah. Beyond its spiritual meaning, Qurbani serves as a vital means of supporting vulnerable communities, providing meat to those who may otherwise go without, especially in impoverished regions.

Participating in Qurbani is a deeply rewarding act of worship, and it is accompanied by specific etiquettes and recommended practices. One important guideline observed by many scholars, particularly within the Hanbali madhab, is the recommendation to refrain from cutting nails and hair from the start of Dhul Hijjah until the Qurbani is performed. In the Hanbali school, this is considered forbidden (haraam) during this period if one intends to offer Qurbani, reflecting a symbolic preservation of one’s physical state in anticipation of the sacrifice. Other schools of thought may have different rulings, so it is advisable for individuals to consult scholars or follow the guidance of their respective madhab to ensure proper observance.

The impact of Qurbani extends far beyond individual worship. Charitable organizations like Islamic Relief play a crucial role in distributing Qurbani meat to millions of people in need across the globe. In 2024 alone, Islamic Relief provided Qurbani meat to over three million vulnerable individuals in more than 27 countries, many of whom experience this blessing only once a year. By donating Qurbani through such organizations, donors not only fulfill a sacred religious obligation but also bring joy, sustenance, and hope to families facing hardship.

Engaging in Qurbani and other forms of charity during Dhul Hijjah amplifies the blessings of this sacred month. It is a powerful way to embody the spirit of sacrifice, generosity, and compassion that Islam teaches. We encourage all Muslims to seize this opportunity to contribute, whether by performing Qurbani themselves or supporting charitable efforts, thereby spreading the mercy and blessings of Allah to those in need.

As we reflect on the immense blessings and spiritual significance of Dhul Hijjah, especially its first ten days, we are reminded of the unique opportunity this sacred period offers to deepen our faith and draw closer to Allah (SWT). These days are a divine gift, a time when every act of worship—whether fasting, prayer, remembrance, charity, or Qurbani—is met with multiplied rewards and immense mercy. Engaging wholeheartedly in these practices not only purifies the soul but also strengthens our connection to the Creator and renews our commitment to living a life of righteousness and compassion.

Fasting during the first nine days, particularly on the Day of Arafah, opens the door to forgiveness and spiritual renewal. The abundant remembrance through tahleel, takbeer, and tasbeeh fills our hearts with gratitude and humility, while acts of charity and Qurbani embody the spirit of sacrifice and generosity that Islam cherishes. Even if we are unable to perform Hajj, these days allow us to partake in the blessings of this holy month and support those in need around the world.

Let us seize this precious time to increase our worship, seek forgiveness, and perform good deeds with sincerity and devotion. May we follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the righteous companions by making the most of these ten best days of the year. Embrace the opportunity to transform your spiritual journey, uplift your community, and earn the pleasure of Allah.

Now is the time to act—fast, pray, give, remember, and sacrifice with a heart full of faith. Let Dhul Hijjah be a turning point in your spiritual life, a season of mercy and blessings that leaves a lasting impact. May Allah accept our efforts and grant us all success in this blessed month. Ameen.

References

1. Qur’an 89:1-2. https://quran.com/89/1-2
2. Sahih al-Bukhari. https://sunnah.com/bukhari/65/1
3. IslamicFinder, 2025 Dhul Hijjah Dates. https://www.islamicfinder.org/islamic-calendar/2025/
4. Sahih Muslim. https://sunnah.com/muslim/13/118
5. Abu Dawood. https://sunnah.com/abudawood/13/262
6. Hadith Ahmad. https://sunnah.com/ahmad/3/123