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2025-05-28

The Virtues of Dzulhijjah: 5 Highly Recommended Acts of Worship During This Sacred Month

Dzulhijjah is one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar. It belongs to the group of months known as Ashhurul Hurum—the sacred months—along with Muharram, Rajab, and Dzulqa’dah. These months are marked by special significance, during which certain acts of devotion are especially emphasized, and transgressions carry heavier consequences.

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala highlights the importance of these sacred months in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 36:

اِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُوْرِ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِيْ كِتٰبِ اللّٰهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضَ مِنْهَآ اَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌۗ ذٰلِكَ الدِّيْنُ الْقَيِّمُ ەۙ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوْا فِيْهِنَّ اَنْفُسَكُمْ وَقَاتِلُوا الْمُشْرِكِيْنَ كَاۤفَّةً كَمَا يُقَاتِلُوْنَكُمْ كَاۤفَّةًۗ وَاعْلَمُوْٓا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ مَعَ الْمُتَّقِيْنَ

"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months [in a year] in the register of Allah the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the polytheists collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with those who fear Him." (QS. At-Tawbah: 36)

According to the interpretation of Ibn Kathir, based on the hadith from Imam Ahmad, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during his farewell pilgrimage (Hajj Wada’) stated:

“The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months—Dzulqa’dah, Dzulhijjah, and Muharram—and the fourth is Rajab, which comes between Jumada and Sha’ban.”

During Dzulhijjah, several special forms of worship are highly encouraged by the Prophet ﷺ. Most notably, it is the month in which the Hajj pilgrimage—Islam’s fifth pillar—is completed by those who are able.

As narrated by Abu Bakrah RA, the Prophet ﷺ said:

شَهْرَانِ لاَ يَنْقُصَانِ، شَهْرَا عِيدٍ: رَمَضَانُ، وَذُو الحَجَّةِ

“There are two months whose excellence never diminishes: Ramadan and Dzulhijjah.” (HR Bukhari 1912, Muslim 1089)

So, how can we take advantage of the blessings of this sacred month? Here are five key recommended practices:

1. Voluntary Fasting (Especially on the Day of Arafah)

Fasting during the first nine days of Dzulhijjah is one of the most virtuous acts a Muslim can do. Hafshah RA reported:

“There are four things the Prophet ﷺ never gave up: fasting on Ashura, fasting during the first ten days of Dzulhijjah, fasting three days every month, and praying two rak’ahs before Fajr.” (HR Ahmad)

Among these days, the Day of Arafah (9th Dzulhijjah) stands out. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” (HR Muslim, from Abu Qatadah)

Even if you cannot fast for all nine days, consider at least fasting on the Day of Arafah.

2. Proclaiming Takbir (Glorifying Allah)

From the 1st of Dzulhijjah until the end of the days of Tashreeq (13th Dzulhijjah), Muslims are encouraged to say takbir, praising and glorifying Allah aloud. Men should recite it audibly, while women may recite it in a lower voice.

Imam Bukhari recorded that Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah used to go to the marketplace during these days and loudly recite takbir, prompting others to join in. This simple act serves as a beautiful reminder of Allah’s greatness.

Takbir can be done:

Mutlaq: At any time throughout the days and nights of Dzulhijjah.
Muqayyad: Specifically after each obligatory prayer.

3. Increasing Remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah

This month is also a special time to increase in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), including takbir, tahmid, and tasbih. Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Hajj verse 28:

لِّيَشْهَدُوْا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللّٰهِ فِيْٓ اَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُوْمٰتٍ عَلٰى مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِّنْۢ بَهِيْمَةِ الْاَنْعَامِۚ فَكُلُوْا مِنْهَا وَاَطْعِمُوا الْبَاۤىِٕسَ الْفَقِيْرَۖ

“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them, and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them. Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor having a hard time.” (QS. Al-Hajj: 28)

Dhikr also includes sincere intention and full awareness in every act, as a form of submission to Allah.

4. Performing the Eid al-Adha Prayer

The Eid al-Adha prayer is a communal act of worship strongly recommended for every Muslim, men, women, and even children. Even menstruating women are encouraged to attend the sermon, though they are excused from the prayer itself.

Allah commands in Surah Al-Kawthar, verse 2:

فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْۗ
“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].”

This day also marks a major milestone in Islam’s history. In Surah Al-Maidah, verse 3, Allah declares:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and have approved Islam as your religion...”

On this blessed day, Muslims come together in celebration, prayer, and remembrance.

5. Offering the Sacrifice (Qurban)

Qurban, or the act of sacrificing an animal, is among the most emphasized acts during Dzulhijjah. It is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly encouraged sunnah) for those who can afford it.

The Prophet ﷺ consistently offered a sacrifice every year while living in Madinah. Ibn Umar narrated:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ resided in Madinah for ten years and offered sacrifice every year.”

Allah reminds us in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 37:

لَنْ يَّنَالَ اللّٰهَ لُحُوْمُهَا وَلَا دِمَاۤؤُهَا…

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is your piety...”

Notably, qurban is not limited to individuals, it can also be performed on behalf of an entire household. If the head of a family offers a sacrifice, the reward extends to all its members.

Make the Most of Dzulhijjah’s Blessings

Dzulhijjah is a sacred window of opportunity. A time when the gates of mercy are wide open, and rewards are multiplied. Whether you fast, remember Allah, raise your voice in takbir, gather for Eid prayer, or offer a sacrifice, each act is a step closer to His pleasure.

Let us embrace the spirit of Dzulhijjah with sincerity and devotion. May every effort we make in this blessed month bring us closer to Allah and serve as a lasting investment for our akhirah.

May Allah accept our deeds and grant us the strength to make the most of this sacred time. Ameen.