Dhul Hijjah: The Month of Hajj and Its Sacred Days
Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Hijri calendar, one of the four sacred months, and the month that witnesses the greatest act of Islamic worship: the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Virtue of the First Ten Days
The Prophet ﷺ 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 for the sake of Allah, except for a man who goes out with himself and his wealth and does not return with any of it."
Recommended acts in these days: abundant takbir (Allahu Akbar), tahmid (Alhamdulillah), and tahlil (La ilaha illallah); fasting the first nine days especially the Day of Arafah; giving charity.
The Hajj Pilgrimage
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, obligatory once in a lifetime for every capable Muslim. It begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah) and ends on the 13th. Key rites include: entering Ihram at the Miqat, Tawaf around the Kaaba, Sa'i between Safa and Marwa, standing at Arafah, spending the night at Muzdalifah, stoning the Jamarat, sacrificing an animal, and shaving or cutting hair.
The Day of Arafah
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the greatest day of Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Hajj is Arafah." Pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah from noon to sunset in supplication and remembrance of Allah. For those not performing Hajj, the Prophet said: "Fasting the Day of Arafah — I hope Allah will expiate the sins of the year before and the year after."
Eid al-Adha
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is Eid al-Adha, celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It begins with the Eid prayer, followed by the sacrifice of animals in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son and Allah's mercy in sending a ram instead. The celebration lasts three days (the Tashreeq days: 11th, 12th, 13th).
The Udhiyah (Sacrifice)
Udhiyah is a confirmed Sunnah according to most scholars. It may be performed from after Eid prayer until the sunset of the last Tashreeq day. A sheep or goat covers one person; a cow or camel covers seven. The meat is divided into thirds: one for eating, one for gifts, and one for charity to the poor.