How to make the most of Dhul Hijjah this year

The ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the most blessed days in the Islamic calendar. During Dhul Hijjah (the month of Hajj), spiritual rewards are multiplied many, many times over, meaning that any good deeds you perform earn amazing blessings from God. 

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

Dhul Hijjah is also the time when Muslims believe that the sins of the past year and the year to come can be wiped away. It’s especially important that we ask God for His forgiveness and mercy during these sacred days. 

If you’re going on the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the majority of your time will be spent in prayer and supplication. However, even if you’re not travelling to Makkah this year, you can still earn spiritual rewards from the comfort of your own home.

Fast for nine days

It’s recommended that Muslims who are not making the Hajj journey should fast for the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah. The tenth day of Dhul Hijjah is Eid ul-Adha, and fasting is forbidden during the festival.

It is particularly important that you fast on the ninth day or the blessed day of Arafah, as this means that two years of minor sins will be forgiven.

Allah said: “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” [Bukhari]

We recommend that if you’re planning to stay up until Fajr, then eat very light meals and stay hydrated. A heavy meal will make it harder for you to stay awake and you won’t be as productive. Drink plenty of water to ensure that you’re energised and refreshed, with a clear head.

Recite takbeer, tahmeed, tahleel and tasbeeh as much as you can

Seek the pleasure of Allah by reciting takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), tahleel (Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), and tasbeeh (SubhanAllah) during the ten days Dhul Hijjah. Do this as much as possible, in your local mosque, at home or wherever else you can to glorify God.

Perform good deeds

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

Increase the number of loving and selfless deeds that you do during the ten days of Dhul Hijjah in order to receive blessings that are greatly multiplied.  

We recommend that you do these seven things:

• Recite the Qur’an as much as possible. We know that whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will have a reward. The reading of one letter is usually equivalent to ten good deeds, so imagine the rewards for reading the Qur’an during Dhul Hijjah!
• Evidence good character. Try to refrain from arguing, swearing, gossiping, answering back or saying unpleasant things about others. This is the perfect time to be good to our friends, families and neighbours, particularly those who belong to other faiths or no faith at all.
• Give to charity. The rewards for charitable giving are increased many, many times over during these ten blessed days, so be as generous as possible with your earthly wealth.
• Honour your parents. The Qur’an teaches us that respecting our parents is second only to prayer in the eyes of Allah. Make an extra effort to spend time with your parents over Dhul Hijjah, offer to do things for them, recite Qur’an with them and discuss things that interest you and your plans for the future.
• Pray more. Try to increase your nawafil (superogatory) prayers, your dhikr and your duas for the glorification of Allah. Particularly on the day and night of Arafah, God will be listening more closely than ever and your duas will be more readily accepted.
• Make life changes. This is a golden opportunity for us to improve ourselves as Muslims and make a renewed commitment to the faith.

Make your Qurbani payment

Qurbani (or Udhiya) is the sacrifice of a livestock animal, usually a sheep or cow, during Eid ul-Adha. Every adult Muslim of sound mind who possesses the nisab (minimum) amount of wealth is required to give Qurbani.

Each year, we follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Ibrahim (as) by paying for our Qurbani shares and ensuring that they reach hungry families around the world.

Giving Qurbani with Human Appeal

By giving Qurbani with Human Appeal, you can rest assured that every bit of your payment will reach those in desperate need. We are distributing Qurbani meat in more than 20 countries worldwide and vulnerable people who would otherwise have no hope of eating a nutritious meal.

The sooner we receive your Qurbani, the sooner we can deliver it to starving and conflict-affected families in countries like Somalia, Syria and Palestine. Every family should be able to enjoy fresh meat on the amazing festival of Eid ul-Adha.

Make the most of the blessed ten days of Dhul Hijjah by giving your Qurbani today.