The benefits and virtues of Dhul Hijjah
Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Therefore, Dhul Hijjah means “the 12th [month].” Dhul Hijjah is a sacred month with many benefits and blessings attached to it. Consequently, we should try to make as much Dhikrullah (Remembrance of Allah (SWT)) during Dhul Hijjah as possible because this will help us later on with great rewards on The Day of Judgement in the hereafter.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” He then repeated ten times (three times in each set of three), “These are the days of Dhul-Hijjah.”
“Whoever fasts on Dhul Hijjah, it is as if he had fasted the entire year.” [Bukhari]
“Whoever stands (in worship) in Dhul Hijjehs’ nights with a desire to take them as days of standing, Allah will raise him on the Day of Resurrection (i.e., elevate his status) to a station of praise and glory (the heights of Paradise).” [Muslim].
This month holds many virtues for Muslims because we are brought closer to Allah through Dhikrullah. Dhul Hijjah has many special events. The day known as ‘Yaum ul Fitr’ means ‘the day of breaking the fast. On this day, a person will be forgiven their sins.
The Day of ‘Arafah’ is known as the ‘Day of Standing’ because Prophet Dhul Hijjah walked to Mount Arafat with all his companions to proclaim and demonstrate their intention to fight against oppression.
This is an essential time during Dhul Hijjah for Muslims around the world because it commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael upon Allah’s command in obedience to Allah, a pivotal moment in Islamic history. Dhul Hijjah also includes the Day of Sacrifice or ‘Yaum ul-Adha,’ when Muslims slaughter animals for food and distribute their meat amongst family.
What are the benefits of dhul hijjah
This Month has many benefits besides Dhikrullah and Dhul Hajj. Dhul Hijjah is a sacred month in which Allah (SWT) has revealed new rulings specifically for this blessed month:
1- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allah than these ten days.” [al Bukhary] He then repeated ten times (three times in each set of three), “These are the days of Dhul-Hijjah.” [Bukhari].
2- It is compulsory to fast on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, and it will be forgiven, even if one breaks his fast at the end of the day. [ Muslim]
3- Dhul Hijjah requires sacrificing an animal if one can afford it; if not, then any good deed is enough. [al Bukhary and Muslim]
4- Dhul Hijjah is a month of forgiveness, which includes a general amnesty for all sins, large or small. Allah says in the Qur’an: “He has chosen you (to convey His Message) and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship.” [22:78 ]. This is to say that Allah has not imposed on us many obligations that we cannot fulfill. We should take advantage of this and try to worship Allah during Dhuhul Hijjah. In addition, Dhul Hijjah is a month of general amnesty for Muslims, which includes emancipating slaves.
Also read: What is Qurbani?