The Importance of Dhul Hijjah and Seeking its Rewards

Are you making the sacred Hajj pilgrimage this year? Don’t worry if you’re not – there’s so much you can do from home to earn the blessings and forgiveness of Allah (swt). We’ve put together a 10 day guide, helping you reap the benefits out of these blessed days so you can make the most out of one of the most spiritual times of the year.

The Prophet (saw) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” [Bukhari]

Day 1

Start as you mean to continue! It’s time to get your spiritual house in order and commit to attending all daily prayers in the masjid if you’re male and able, and performing Dhikr in all spare moments. If you’re a female, the same can be done from home, work on your prayers, ensuring that you instil more focus and sincerity for a more rewarding outcome. After a couple of days, chanting takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), tahleel (Laailaaha ill-Allah), and tasbeeh (SubhanAllah)will become second nature.

‘Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out to the marketplace on the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah saying takbeer, and the people would say takbeer with their takbeer.’ [Bukhari]

Day 2

Try to walk to work if it’s possible. Those on Hajj this year will be doing plenty of walking, so we should try to emulate their actions as much as possible. Make a list of the du’as you really want to be answered. This will help you remember to read them every day.

The Prophet (saw) said, "There is nothing more dear to Allah, than a servant making dua to him." [al-Tirmidhi]

Day 3

These 10 blessed days are an amazing time to give to charity because all the rewards you receive from giving Sadaqah or paying your Zakat will be multiplied many, many times over. You can easily make Sadaqah donations to a variety of excellent projects and both calculate and pay Zakat through Human Appeal.

The Prophet (saw) said, “Charity does not decrease wealth.” [Muslim]

Day 4

Decide which country you’d like to give your Qurbani shares to and pay Qurbani with Human Appeal. Remember that a small animal such as a sheep or goat counts for one Qurbani share, and a larger animal like a cow or camel makes up seven Qurbani shares. All the Qurbani meat we distribute will be received by vulnerable families in famine-stricken or conflict-affected locations worldwide.

“And complete the Hajj and 'umrah for Allah. But, if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals.” [Baqarah]

Day 5

Make sure you’re keeping up with prayers, recitations and reading the Qur’an. Reading just a single letter of the holy book earns 10 spiritual rewards outside of this blessed month, so imagine the blessings you’ll receive for reading the Qur’an every day of Dhul Hijjah.

The Prophet (saw) said, “Read the Quran, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions.” [Muslim]

Day 6

Allah is pleased with those who honour their parents, so spend time talking and listening to your mother and father, running errands for them and seeking their guidance with your life choices.

The Prophet (saw) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (Dhul Hijjah).” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Day 7

The 10 blessed days of Dhul Hijjah provide a golden opportunity for giving up bad habits and improving your lifestyle. If you’re a smoker or you have someone at work that you often argue with, make an effort to stop.

The Prophet (saw) said, “All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent often.” [al-Tirmidhi]

Day 8

Ensure that your mind is in the right place before the sacred day of Arafah. All your actions should work to glorify Allah and be performed in accordance to His will.

The Prophet (saw) said, “Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather he looks at your hearts and actions.” [Muslim]

Day 9

The day of Arafah is one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar. It’s recommended that you fast for 9 of the 10 blessed days, but if you can’t manage this, you can just try to fast on the day of Arafah. This is the most important time to fast.

The Prophet (saw) said: “I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of ‘Arafah may atone for the sins of the preceding and the coming years, and I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ may atone for the sins of the preceding year.” [Muslim]

Every single one of the above ideas for maximising your blessings at home during Dhul Hijjah will earn more rewards if performed on the day of Arafah, so don’t let this amazing opportunity go to waste.

Day 10

The festival of Eid ul Adha has arrived! It’s time to share a meal with family and friends, to commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Ibrahim (as). Eid ul Adha is traditionally when the Qurbani sacrifice would be carried out, but if you pay Qurbani earlier, organisations have more time to distribute on your behalf. The sooner we receive your Qurbani payment, the better our chance of delivering fresh meat to a hungry family in time for the Eid celebrations. Everyone should be able to eat a nutritious meal on Eid ul Adha.

If you feel that you have not performed good deeds or prayed enough so far, there’s still time to make up for it before Eid ul Adha. Make sure that you mark the day of Arafah with fasting, worship and generous giving to those in need. We pray that Allah (swt) accepts all your worship!