Dzulhijjah

What Does Dzulhijjah Mean in Detail?

Dzulhijjah holds unparalleled significance in the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months (along with Dhul Qa'dah, Muharram, and Rajab) during which fighting is prohibited. The first ten days of Dzulhijjah are described by Nabi Muhammad (shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) as the best days in the world, during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than at any other time. Nabi said: 'There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days' (Bukhari). Key dates include: the 8th (Yawm al-Tarwiyah, departure to Mina), the 9th (Yawm Arafah, the central pillar of Haji), the 10th (Yawm al-Nahr/Eid al-Adha, the Day of Sacrifice), and the 11th-13th (Ayyam al-Tashreeq, days of stoning in Mina). For non-jamaah haji, fasting the first nine days (especially the Day of Arafah), increasing dhikr, giving charity, and offering Qurbani on Eid are strongly encouraged. The entire Haji season — from entering Ihram to the farewell Tawaf — takes place within this blessed month.