Dhul Hijjah marks the end of the Islamic year and holds immense significance as it is the month during which four important events take place. These events include: Hajj, the day of Arafah, Qurban, and Eid ul- Adha.

Many are not aware of the virtues of this sacred month, especially the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. These 10 days are better than any day in the year, even Ramadan.

It is encouraged for believers to continue their worship and spiritual growth even after the holy month of Ramadan has ended and Dhul Hijjah is the perfect time to do this.

In this month, believers have the opportunity to gain immense rewards through increased acts of worship such as sadaqah, spending more time in the mosque, offering more dhikr and dua, reading Quran, fasting and seeking forgiveness of sins.

Due to the significance of this time, it is also encouraged to avoid engaging in sinful and spiritually harmful actions especially during the first 10 days.

Several Hadiths detail the importance of Dhul Hijjah:
"There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." (Bukhari) 
"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)

Hajj

The first important event is Hajj. The pilgrimage of Hajj is performed during the first 10 days, allowing those who are able to go on the pilgrimage an opportunity to walk the blessed path set by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Day of Arafah

The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and is also known as the "day of forgiveness."
This sacred day holds immense importance as fasting on the day of Arafah expiates sins of two years- the previous and upcoming year.
A very important part of the Hajj pilgrimage is the Day of Arafah where pilgrims congregate on Mount Arafah and wholly devote themselves to supplication and worship of Allah (SWT). Arriving at noon, until sunset pilgrims are engrossed in prayers and worship, earnestly seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
The plain of Arafah holds profound significance, as this is where Adam (AS) and Eve reunited after their descent to Earth. Additionally, it is where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon before his passing.
"There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of 'Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on 'Arafah), and then He revels before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking." (Muslim)

What is Qurban?

Qurban means to sacrifice. This comes in the form of slaughtering an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God.
Every year, all Muslims who are eligible must carry out Qurban and at least one third of the meat from the animal must go to poor or vulnerable people. Traditionally, a Muslim would keep one third of the meat for their family and give the final third to their neighbours. The Qurban sacrifice takes place from the 10th day to the 12th day of Dhul Hijjah. 

What is Eid ul-Adha?

The second important event is Eid ul- Adha. This year Eid ul-Adha is expected to be on the 17th of June. During Eid ul-Adha, Muslims also partake in prayers and express gratitude to God for His countless blessings. It's a time to cherish moments with family and friends, spreading love and joy. Muslims are encouraged to embrace this celebration and unite with the community in acknowledging the abundant blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (SWT).

Dhul Hijjah holds profound significance and these first 10 days offers believers a prime opportunity for spiritual growth. Seize the blessings and virtues of Dhul Hijjah before it's too late.