Dhul-Hijjah (The Month of Pilgrimage)
The twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar, in which Hajj and Eid al-Adha take place.
Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months (al-ashhur al-hurum). It is in this month that Hajj (pilgrimage) and Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) take place. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are considered the most blessed days of the entire year.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 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, except for a man who goes out with his life and his wealth and does not return with any of it" (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Recommended acts during the first ten days include: fasting (especially the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the Day of Arafat), abundant dhikr and takbir, extra voluntary prayers, and giving charity. The Prophet fasted on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah and said: "Fasting on the Day of Arafat — I hope that Allah will expiate sins for the past year and the coming year" (Sahih Muslim). Takbirat are recited from the 1st to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Related terms
Raf' al-Yadayn (Raising the Hands)
The practice of raising the hands to the shoulders or ears at specific points in the prayer.
Isha (Night Prayer)
The fifth and final daily prayer, performed when darkness has fallen.
Salat al-Istikhara (Guidance Prayer)
A prayer where one asks Allah for guidance to make the right decision.
Munajat (Intimate Supplication)
Intimate, personal conversations with Allah, an important part of Shia prayer tradition.
Ihsan (Excellence)
The highest level of worship: to worship Allah as if one can see Him.
Fard (Obligatory)
The obligatory acts in Islam, including the five daily prayers.