Dhul-Hijjah (The Month of Pilgrimage)

Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months (al-ashhur al-hurum). It is in this month that Hajj (pilgrimage) and Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) take place. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are considered the most blessed days of the entire year.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The companions asked: "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?" He replied: "Not even jihad, except for a man who goes out with his life and his wealth and does not return with any of it" (Sahih al-Bukhari).

Recommended acts during the first ten days include: fasting (especially the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the Day of Arafat), abundant dhikr and takbir, extra voluntary prayers, and giving charity. The Prophet fasted on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah and said: "Fasting on the Day of Arafat — I hope that Allah will expiate sins for the past year and the coming year" (Sahih Muslim). Takbirat are recited from the 1st to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.