Q&A

The Days of Dhul-Hijjah hold a special status in Islam. They are blessed days filled with goodness and mercy, during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than at any other time.

The virtues of these ten sacred days differ from one another, as each day has its own unique merit:

Day 1:

• Known as Yawm al-Tarwiyah (The Day of Preparation); pilgrims begin their journey from Makkah to Mina.
• Fasting on this day is recommended; it expiates the sins of the past year.
• It is encouraged to make frequent supplications and remembrance of Allah.

Day 2:

• Known as Yawm ‘Arafah (The Day of Arafah); the greatest day in Islam, when pilgrims stand on the plains of Arafat seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah.
• It is highly recommended to pray, make du‘a abundantly, and recite the Qur’an.

Day 3:

• Known as Yawm al-Nahr (The Day of Sacrifice); pilgrims offer their sacrifices, and Muslims around the world perform the ritual of Qurbani.
• Frequent recitation of Takbir (Allahu Akbar), Tahlil (La ilaha illa Allah), and Tasbih (Subhan Allah) is recommended.

Day 4:

• The First Day of Tashreeq; pilgrims continue stoning the Jamarat and performing the rites of Hajj.
• Sacrificing animals and distributing meat to the poor is encouraged.

Day 5:

• The Second Day of Tashreeq; pilgrims continue stoning the pillars and completing their rites.
• Sacrificing and giving charity to the needy are recommended.

Day 6:

• The Third Day of Tashreeq; pilgrims depart from Mina back to Makkah.
• Offering sacrifices and distributing to the poor is encouraged.

Day 7:

• For the people of Yemen, this is their Day of Arafah; they stand in Arafat.
• Fasting, making du‘a, and remembrance of Allah are recommended.

Day 8:

• For the people of Yemen, this is their Day of Tarwiyah; they begin their pilgrimage journey from Sana’a to Makkah.
• Fasting, supplication, and remembrance of Allah are encouraged.

Day 9:

• For the people of Yemen, this is their Day of Arafah; they stand in Arafat seeking forgiveness and mercy.
• Making du‘a, humility in worship, and reciting the Qur’an are recommended.

Day 10:

• This is Eid al-Adha (The Festival of Sacrifice); Muslims around the world celebrate this blessed day.
• It is recommended to offer sacrifices, share with the poor, maintain family ties, and spread joy and happiness.

In conclusion, the Days of Dhul-Hijjah are a great opportunity to earn divine reward, to be cleansed of sins, and to strengthen social solidarity by spreading love and mercy among Muslims.
May Allah help us make the most of these blessed days and include us among those freed from the Hellfire.