What is the significance of Dhul Hijjah?

Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, SubhanAllah. We see two very exceptional occasions – all in devotion to Allah – during this month of elevated spirituality.

Thousands of Muslims travel from all over the world to perform Hajj in the holy city of Makkah, Mash'Allah, for the sake of Allah. On the glorious day of Eid al-Adha, each of us who is able offers Qurbani in devotion to Allah and to support vulnerable people in need around the world, including right here in the UK, just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did.

In fact, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the holiest days of the year. We are advised to reach out to Allah (SWT) and sacrifice everything we have for His sake during these days, as we are loved by Him.

Allah Himself tells us:

Say, indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. — Qur'an, 6:162

You will be blessed with reward from Allah in month of Dhul Hijjah by paying your Zakah and Sadaqah throughout this wonderful month.

Make a sacrifice and support the Mosque and Muslims around the world as we recall Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) hardship and dedication.

Qurbani (Udhiyyah)

In commemoration of the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, Muslim families across the world offer Qurbani, the sacrifice of an animal. By arranging this through one of the many Muslim charities, you can ensure that the meat of the Qurbani is given to the poor and needy.

For those who are offering Qurbani, remember that Prophet ﷺ explained we should not cut our nails or hair from the beginning of Dhul Hijjah until the day of Eid:

When the ten days (of Dhul Hijjah) commence and a person has a sacrificial animal, which he intends to slaughter, then let him not cut his hair or pare his nails. — Muslim

Dhikr & Remembrance of Allah

Our Prophet ﷺ said:

There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed during them. — Ahmad

While there are different versions, the takbeer can also be recited as follows:

🕋 The Blessed First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah: Your Things To Do Checklist

Seize the opportunity to fully utilise the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah! Below is a guide that will help you increase your blessings and strengthen your connection with Allah (swt):

• 01 Fasting the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah
• 02 Dhikr and Takbeer
• 03 Give charity – automate your donations with the East London Mosque
• 04 Offer Qurbani
• 05 Do more good deeds than usual
• 06 Recite Qur'an Daily
• 07 Make lots of dua and seek forgiveness