Dhul-Hijjah is the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, and with it brings the 10 best days of the year! During this sacred month, the Hajj, the day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha all take place; it is a blessed time for both pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike.
With the chance to grow in faith and receive many blessings, this month, and most importantly the first ten days of it, are vital to Muslims everywhere! We’ll go over the ins and outs of the Hajj season, and answer all your questions about Dhul-Hijjah; let your journey begin here.
What happens during Dhul-Hijjah?
The final month of the Islamic calendar is arguably the most important time of the year. The Hajj, followed by Eid al-Adha takes place during Dhul-Hijjah, and true to its namesake, Dhul-Hijjah really is the month of the pilgrimage.
Muslims from all reaches of the globe come together in Mecca to start their Hajj on the 8th, 9th, and 10th, circling the Kabbah before heading to Mount Arafat, and participating in rites and prayers to humble themselves throughout Dhul-Hijjah.
For those who aren’t taking their pilgrimage, this is still a very sacred time of reflection, forgiveness, and charity.
The 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of Arafah, and the most crucial day of the Hajj! Muslims gather on Mount Arafat to pray for forgiveness and ask for blessings.
After this comes Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice that begins on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah and celebrates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) faith and devotion. The three days of Eid is when Qurbani takes place, so make sure to give your Qurbani before or during this time.
Donating your Qurbani with Penny Appeal USA starts at only $40, and will provide 57 meals to a family living in poverty.
When is Dhul-Hijjah?
Dhul-Hijjah is the 12th month in the Islamic calendar, but the exact start date of this blessed month can only be confirmed by the position of the moon. It is estimated that Dhul-Hijjah 2021 will take place on Sunday, July 11.
What’s so important about the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah 2021?
The Prophet (saw) himself declared the importance of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah, and the immense blessings that come along with this reverent time. Everyone, whether they are on their Hajj or not, should use this time to participate in good deeds such as fasting, giving charity, and seeking repentance.
These blessed days are met with great worship and regard, acts of fasting, prayer, Hajj, and charity should be carried out during this time with set intentions and steadfast hearts.
Fasting Dhul-Hijjah 2021
Fasting on the first 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah is highly recommended, and is an act that the Prophet (saw) partook in and encouraged others to do as well. The most important day for fasting during Dhul-Hijjah comes on the 9th day, the day of Arafah, where 2 years’ worth of sins will be forgiven in light of fasting.
“Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.” [Muslim]
The only people who should not be fasting on the day of Arafah, are those who are on their pilgrimage and are actually at Mount Arafat. It is forbidden to fast while on the mountain plain.
How to make the most of Dhul-Hijjah 2021
While thousands of Muslims are making the holy pilgrimage for Dhul-Hijjah, there are many of us that are not, but there are still many things we can do to make the most of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah 2021! We have already spoken about how beneficial fasting is, so here is a look at some other things you can do to make the most of Dhul Hijjah 2021.
Give Generously to Charity
During this time, the good deeds you do are warmly received and in turn are rewarded greatly. Muslims are encouraged to give charity and care for those in need. Why not keep some change on hand to give to those around the world who have fallen on hard times, or check out our appeal page to find a cause you’d like to donate to! If you don’t have money to give to charity, spread joy with a smile because even that is considered charity!
Recite the Qur’an
Reading and learning from the Qur’an is something many Muslims do on a daily basis, but during Dhul-Hijjah it is important to pay special attention to our recitation. Try setting a recitation goal for the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah or just enjoy reading with your family and friends.
Give Qurbani
Eid al-Adha is on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, and it brings with it the conclusion of the Hajj. It honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) devotion), and calls for us to remember this act by sacrificing an animal according to proper Islamic tradition. Qurbani is usually split into three portions, one for you and your family, one for friends, and relatives and the third for those in need.
Set your intentions early and make your Qurbani donations in preparation for Eid al-Adha, so you can rest easy knowing that the people who most need your donations are going to get them. For Dhul-Hijjah 2021, Penny Appeal USA will be performing Qurbani in India, Sudan, Cameroon, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, and even right here at home!
