TheArabic name of the month,Dhu al-Hijjah, means "Possessor of the Pilgrimage" or "The Month of the Pilgrimage".[1] During this month, Muslim pilgrims from all around the world congregate atMecca to visit theKaaba. TheHajj rites begin on the eighth day and continue for four or five days. TheDay of Arafah takes place on the ninth of the month.Eid al-Adha, the "Festival of the Sacrifice", begins on the tenth day and ends on the thirteenth day.[1]
The name of this month is also spelledDhul-Hijja. In modernTurkish, the name isZilhicce.[1]
The Islamic calendar is alunar calendar, and months begin whennew moon is sighted. Since theIslamic lunar calendar year is 11 to 12 days shorter than thesolar year, Dhu al-Hijjah migrates throughout the seasons. The estimated start and end dates for Dhu al-Hijja, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar of Saudi Arabia, are:[2]
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are known as best 10 days of the year. As Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."HadithSahih al-Bukhari
Charity among these 10 days sacred days is most important and blessed deed to do like Ramadan and its second chance of forgiveness by Allah SWT.[3]
According toHadith, great rewards have been mentioned for performing certain Islamic rituals on specific days of Dhu al-Hijja:
One of the wives of Muhammad said: "Allah's Messenger used tofast the [first] nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of 'Ashurah, and three days of each month."[4]
The Prophet said: "There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshipped in them than the ten days of Dhu al-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 theNight of Qadr."[5]
Abu Qatada narrates that Muhammad was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah. He said: as for the fasting on the Day of Arafah, I anticipate that Allah will forgive the year (i.e. the sins of the year) after it and the year before it.[6]
24 Dhu al-Hijjah, some historians mention that theHadith,Ahl al-Kisa', event was also on the same day prior to Muhammad setting out for Mubahila.
24 Dhu al-Hijjah, supplication day and giving of alms with the ring by Ali. In reply verse, "Verily yourWalee is Allah; and His Messenger and those who establishSalaat, and payZakaat while they be inRukooʿ. (Maa-Idah: 55)" was revealed.
25 Dhu al-Hijjah,SuraAl-Insan or Hal Ata, or Dahar, which records the giving of alms to orphans, the destitute and travellers by FatimahHasan and Husain was revealed.
25 Dhu al-Hijjah, Ali becomes the Caliph of Islam – AH 35.[citation needed]
