Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. Marking the beginning of the Hajj season, the first 10 days are considered the most important days of the year. Many people are unaware that these 10 days hold more significance than even the days of Ramadan.
As the best 10 days of the year, the initial phase of Dhul Hijjah offers worshippers an opportunity to benefit from a season of blessings and immense reward after Ramadan.
For Muslims not performing hajj, there are still countless opportunities to maximize their good deeds during this period. This is the time to increase charity, voluntary prayers, and supplications.
On the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims gather in Arafah to fulfil the most important pillar of Hajj. For Muslims not performing hajj, fasting on the day of Arafah holds immense significance. The Prophet, PBUH, said: “Fasting on the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year.”
Hadith, Sahih Muslim
On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Adha. On this day, all eligible Muslims perform Qurbani sacrifice, to honour the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), in obedience to Allah. As part of this act of devotion, an animal such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel is sacrificed, and its meat is distributed among family, friends, and those in need. Qurbani is performed after the Eid prayer and continues until sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
As we welcome Dhul-Hijjah, our hearts may wish to be present in the holy land to perform Hajj. Though many can’t partake in this journey, the sacred period is still full of opportunities for immense spiritual growth, available right where you are. By sharing your Zakat and Sadaqah, throughout these ten blessed days, you’re not just observing a religious duty but transforming lives. You’re offering countless Pakistanis the blessing of quality healthcare, completely free.
Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam. Its first ten days hold particular significance and mark the Hajj season.
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are more virtuous than any other days of the year, including the days of Ramadan. Good deeds performed during these days are more beloved to Allah swt than those done in any other days.
Subject to the sighting of the moon, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on Monday, 18 May 2026. Hajj is anticipated to take place from Monday, 25 May, with the Day of Arafah expected on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and is one of the holiest days in Islam. It is the day when pilgrims gather at Arafah during Hajj, and for those not performing Hajj, fasting on this day carries immense reward and expiates sins of the previous and coming year, by the mercy of Allah
Yes, fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is highly recommended, especially on the Day of Arafah.
Eid al-Adha takes place after the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It is expected to begin on Wednesday, 27 May and end on Friday, 29 May 2026, subject to moon sighting.
Muslims are encouraged to increase in acts of worship during Dhul Hijjah, including prayer, fasting, Qur’an recitation, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), giving charity, making dua, and performing Qurbani.
Qurbani is the sacrifice offered during Eid al-Adha in remembrance of the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Qurbani is performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and continues until sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
Monday Nov 18, 2024 5:30 PM EST
Location
we have sent you an email with confirmation and QR code.
