Dhul Hijjah is the last and one of the most sacred months of the Islamic Calendar. The first ten days of this month hold a high significance. On 10th, 11th, and 12th Dhul Hijjah Muslims all across the globe celebrate as the days of sacrifice. On these three days, Muslims sacrifice animals in the name of Allah.

Hajj, Islamic Annual Pilgrimage, is also performed these days in Kaaba (Mecca), where millions of Muslims gather from all across the world.

Hajj is also one of the Five Pillars of Islam. As Muslims blessed with both Hajj and Eid-al-Adha in the same month, this is also the reason why this month is one of the most sacred months in Islam. This holy month, especially the first ten days is for asking forgiveness from Almighty Allah.

The 10 days of Dhul Hijjah In the light of the Quran and Hadiths

Refer to the verse of the Quran (Surah- Al-Fajr (89), Aayat 1-2) where the sentence starts from "By the Dawn, and the ten nights...” Here, in these lines, Almighty Allah begins his statement by taking the oath of the dawn and the ten nights and hence, the importance of these days.

There are many hadith where prophet Muhammad (saw) used to describe the importance of this month, especially the first ten days.

About the worship- Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshipped in them than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, fasting every day of them is the equivalent of fasting a year, and standing every night of them (in prayer) is the equivalent of standing on the night of Qadr." (Tirmidhi).

About fasting- Prophet Muhammad (saw) said “Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.” (Muslim). The 9th day of the month is known as Arafah.

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of doing holy deeds and asking for forgiveness as these days are the most blessed ones. You should offer Salah, and fasting and do Charity in these days, and perform the sacrifice of an animal, if you have the capacity, and feed the needy people.

Importance of sacrifice in the month of Dhul Hijjah

Being a new Muslim one thing must come across your mind, or your fellow non-believers might be asked- why you people slaughter the animal in the name of Allah on the day of Eid-al-Adha. Refer to this verse (22:36) of the Quran, where Allah says, "And the Camels and cattle we have made them among the symbols of Allah, for you therein is good. So, mention the name of Allah over them when lined up; and when they are down their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy who do not ask and the needy who ask. Thus, we have subjected them to you so that you may be grateful.”

Allah likes those people who can do and sacrifice animals these days and Allah says, "Will not reach Allah their meat and not their blood but reach him the piety from you.” 

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