The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are better than all the other days of the year – even better than the days of Ramadan, SubhanAllah!
As one of the holiest periods of the Islamic year, we witness two very special events (Hajj and Eid ul Adha), the greatest day of the year (Afarah) – all in devotion to Allah (SWT).
Thus, the first third of Dhul Hijjah is an incredible opportunity to earn even more bountiful rewards for our good deeds and go further with our spiritual goals!
Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. It holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide, especially in the first ten days, when Hajj, Arafah, and Eid Al-Adha (as well as the sacred act of Qurban) take place.
This year, the first day of Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, June 7, 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon.
The tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, Eid Al-Adha, is expected to fall on the evening of Sunday, June 16, 2024, also depending on the moon.
Similar to the Holy month of Ramadan, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are an extremely blessed time. It also marks another chance for us to gain immense rewards and have our sins forgiven by Allah (SWT).
"“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”"
In the Qur’an, in Surah Al-Fajr Allah (SWT) also swears by these first ten days. According to many scholars, these days are the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah.
"By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights."
As the Creator of the universe and beyond, He does not swear an oath by something unless it provides great benefit to us as His creations. This is the Divine Knowledge and Wisdom of Allah (SWT).
Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. The fifth and final pillar of Islam, Hajj is a staple of Islamic belief alongside the Shahada (the belief that there is no god but Allah (SWT) and Muhammad (ﷺ) is His Messenger), Salah (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving) and Sawm (fasting).
Each Islamic year, Hajj takes place from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. All able-bodied and financially capable Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetime. This year, Hajj is expected to take place between the evenings of Friday, June 14, 2024, and Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the blessed Day of Arafah (Arafat) occurs. The Day of Arafah 2024 is expected to fall on the evening of Saturday, June 15, 2024.
Much like how Laylatul Qadr is the most blessed night of the year, Arafah is considered the most blessed day of the year.
It was the day when Allah (SWT) perfected Islam. The day He completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and approved Islam as a way of life.
"This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
Likewise, good deeds are greatly rewarded during the blessed 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. However, this is especially true on Arafah.
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah.”
Eid al-Adha (meaning “festival of Sacrifice”) is one of the two blessed celebrations Muslims obverse, the other being Eid al-Fitr. There are many observances unique to Eid of Sacrifice, including Qurban, which is typically performed after Eid prayer.
The Eid Al-Adha commemorates the ultimate act of sacrifice performed by our beloved Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The submission he made in his willingness to give up what he loved most, his son, Ismail (AS), for the sake of Allah (SWT).
As such, Muslims, in turn, also offer a sacrifice (the Qurbani or Udhiyah), on this day of celebration. It is an important act of worship that every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty should do if they can afford it. Typically, Muslims who are eligible for Zakat should also give Qurban.
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However, by donating to Islamic Relief, you can offer vulnerable families critical aid and save lives for an even greater reward.
Seize the rewards of the greatest 10 days of the year by saving the lives of those most in need in our Ummah.
