Meaning of Dhul Hijjah: Inheritor to the pilgrimage.
Dhul Hijjah is the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. It is known as the month of Hajj, as it is the month of pilgrimage in which Muslims perform Hajj and marks other events like the Day of Arafah, Eid Al-Adha, and Qurbani. Dhul Hijjah is a sacred month, and fighting is therefore not allowed during it, just like in the other three sacred months of Muharram, Rajab, and Dhul Qa’dah.
In the sacred months, good deeds are more virtuous than in other months, but we should still strive to increase and maintain worship during the rest of the year, as each month has a significance behind it or an important date in it. Virtuous deeds should be practiced all year round to follow the sunnah, as the Prophet (PBUH) used to perform good deeds regularly.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah (SWT) than these ten days” (Bukhari).
It is recommended to fast on these first 10 days: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship in the Laylatul Qadr” (Tirmidhi).
Dhul Hijjah will start when the moon is sighted, and this is expected to be on 7 June 2024. Hajj begins on 14 June 2024. The Day of Arafah is on the 15th of Dhul Hijjah. Eid Al-Adha will be on the 16th or 20th of Dhul Hijjah, based on moon sightings.
During this month, one should try to increase worship. This can be in the form of dua, dhikr, and Hajj. Furthermore, during Dhul Hijjah, Muslims give Qurbani on the 10th, 11th, or 12th, if they can, to commemorate the sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS), who was ready to sacrifice his son, Ismail, for the sake of Allah (SWT). Qurbani must be after Eid Prayer for Eid Al-Adha.
During Dhul Hijjah, Hamza bin Abdul-Muttalib (RA), the uncle of the Prophet (PBUH) accepted Islam. Three days after Hamza (RA) accepted Islam, so did Umar (RA).
It was also during Dhul Hijjah that the Prophet (PBUH) gave his farewell sermon. Allah (SWT) then revealed, “This day, I have perfected for you your religion and completed upon you my blessing and I have chosen for you Islam as (your) religion.”
In the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah, Umar (RA) passed away three days after being stabbed while leading Fajr prayer. Uthman (RA) also passed away during this month after being martyred in his own home by assassins. However, due to a dream he had where the Prophet (PBUH) told him he would be joining him, he expected his death to come soon.
Giving charity at any time, including in Dhul Hijjah, can be very virtuous. One of the best deeds is to give charity and this can be done in a number of ways. “A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)
Donate to Muslim Aid this Dhul Hijjah to reap the rewards of this sacred month.
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