The blessed month of Dhul Hijjah marks a profoundly significant period in the Islamic calendar, offering Muslims worldwide an exceptional opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy and multiply their rewards. At Al-Qulub Trust, we’re dedicated to helping you maximize the spiritual benefits of these sacred days through both knowledge and charitable actions that can transform lives across the globe.
Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, culminating in the blessed celebration of Eid ul-Adha. What makes this month truly extraordinary are its first ten days, which Allah Himself has sworn by in the Quran:
“By the dawn, and by the ten nights.” (Quran 89:1-2)
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasised the exceptional status of these days, saying: “There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The companions asked, “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He replied, “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, except for one who goes forth with his life and wealth and does not return with either.” (Bukhari).
These powerful words highlight that the rewards for good deeds performed during this period are multiplied beyond our comprehension, making it a precious opportunity that arrives just once a year.
While many Muslims recognise Dhul Hijjah as the month of Hajj and Qurbani, fewer fully appreciate the tremendous rewards available through fasting during its first nine days, particularly for those unable to perform the pilgrimage.
Fasting on any or all of the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is highly recommended.
These fasts are voluntary (nafal) but carry immense rewards. Our Prophet ﷺ used to fast on the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, as reported in various hadith collections.
If fasting all nine days proves challenging, scholars suggest prioritising:
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah, is of great spiritual significance.
For those not performing Hajj, fasting on this day is particularly rewarding. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates for the sins of the year before and the year after.” (Muslim)
This single day of fasting carries the potential to cleanse two years of sins—a truly remarkable opportunity for spiritual purification.
It is important to note that fasting is forbidden (haram) on the following days:
As our Prophet ﷺ said: “The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of Allah.” (Muslim)
To fully harness the blessings of these sacred days, combine fasting with other acts of worship:
Engage in frequent remembrance of Allah and recite the takbeer:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْد
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd”
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged frequent recitation of these proclamations during the first ten days.
Revive the tradition of night prayers, especially during the odd-numbered nights of these ten days. Even short periods of night prayer can attract tremendous blessings during this time.
Dedicate time daily to reading, understanding, and reflecting on the Quran. Consider completing at least one full reading during these ten days.
The Prophet ﷺ was most generous during sacred times. Increase your charitable donations, as charity never decreases wealth but rather purifies and increases it.
Arrange your Qurbani sacrifice for Eid ul-Adha to follow the sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). This act of devotion carries immense spiritual rewards while providing vital nutrition to vulnerable communities.
Beyond the spiritual rewards, fasting during these blessed days offers numerous health benefits:
At Al-Qulub Trust, we are committed to helping Muslims connect with their faith whilst creating a sustainable impact for vulnerable communities across the globe, particularly in crisis-stricken regions such as Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon. Our services are designed to enhance your spiritual journey during these blessed days whilst fostering business opportunities for those in need.
We provide trusted Qurbani services that ensure your sacrifice reaches the most vulnerable families in regions like Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen.
Our dedicated teams operate across these and other countries to distribute fresh meat to families facing conflict, displacement, and poverty, enabling you to fulfil this important obligation with complete peace of mind.
During these ten blessed days, we offer various Sadaqah projects that allow you to multiply your rewards through impactful charitable giving, with a focus on Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen:
Water Well Projects: Providing sustainable access to clean water for communities in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, where access to safe water is limited due to conflict and infrastructure damage.
Food Security Programmes: Delivering nutritious meals to those facing hunger in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, addressing acute food insecurity caused by ongoing crises.
Educational Initiatives: Supporting orphans and vulnerable children in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen with quality education to empower them for a brighter future.
Income Generation Schemes: Helping families in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen establish small businesses to achieve self-sufficiency and rebuild their lives amidst hardship.
By focusing on these regions, Al-Qulub Trust ensures your contributions directly support those in dire need, amplifying the spiritual and communal impact of your worship during Dhul Hijjah
Q: What makes the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah special?
A: These days are the most beloved to Allah for righteous deeds, offering multiplied rewards, as mentioned in the Quran (89:1-2) and a hadith from Bukhari.
Q: Why is fasting during Dhul Hijjah recommended?
A: Fasting, especially on the first nine days, carries immense rewards, follows the Prophet’s tradition, and expiates sins, particularly on the Day of Arafah.
Q: What is the significance of the Day of Arafah?
A: The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the most important day, where fasting expiates sins of the past and coming year for non-pilgrims, as per a hadith in Muslim.
Q: Can I fast on Eid ul-Adha or the days of Tashreeq?
A: No, fasting is forbidden (haram) on the 10th (Eid ul-Adha) and the 11th, 12th, and 13th (days of Tashreeq), as they are for eating, drinking, and dhikr.
Q: What acts of worship should I focus on during Dhul Hijjah?
A: Combine fasting with abundant dhikr (especially takbeer), night prayers, Quran recitation, charity, and performing Qurbani for maximum blessings.
Q: How can Al Qulub Trust help during Dhul Hijjah?
A: Al Qulub Trust offers Qurbani services and Sadaqah projects like water wells, food security, education, and income generation to enhance your worship and support communities.
Q: What are some tips for successful fasting in Dhul Hijjah?
A: Prepare with intention, stay hydrated, eat nutritious suhoor, balance activities, and combine fasting with prayer, Quran, and dhikr for a fulfilling experience.
Q: What are the health benefits of fasting during Dhul Hijjah?
A: Fasting promotes detoxification, metabolic reset, mental clarity, immune system regeneration, and strengthens self-discipline.
Q: Which days should I prioritize for fasting if I can’t do all nine?
A: Prioritize the Day of Arafah (9th), odd-numbered days (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th), or Mondays and Thursdays within the first nine days.
Q: How does Qurbani benefit communities?
A: Qurbani provides fresh meat to vulnerable families worldwide, fulfilling a sunnah while addressing food insecurity, as facilitated by Al Qulub Trust.
As the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah approach, we at Al Qulub Trust encourage you to embrace this divine opportunity for spiritual elevation and community impact. Through fasting, prayer, charity, and sacrifice, you can transform these days into a period of exceptional spiritual growth while helping to build sustainable livelihoods for those most in need.
Remember, these precious days will quickly pass, but their impact, both on your spiritual journey and on the communities you help, can create lasting change. Don’t let this opportunity pass unnoticed. Partner with Al Qulub Trust to maximise your worship and extend your blessings to those in need around the world.
For more information on our Dhul Hijjah programmes, Qurbani services, or to make a donation that transforms lives or contact our dedicated team. Together, let’s embrace the mercy and blessings of these ten sacred days.
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