The Virtues of Dhul Hijjah – Best Days of Worship in Islam | Omar Suleiman

Why You Should Read This Book

This book helps you maximize the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah through worship, reflection, and a stronger connection with Allah.

Chapter 1: The Sacred Months

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The year is made up of twelve months, four of which are sacred: Dhu al-Qa‘dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab, which comes between Jumada al-Akhirah and Sha‘ban.” (Bukhari)

When thinking about sacred times in the Islamic calendar, most Muslims immediately think of Ramadan. Since it is the holiest and most blessed month of the year, this is natural. However, the four sacred months mentioned by the Prophet ﷺ also hold unique virtues, meanings and acts of worship that deserve our attention and understanding.

Many people know the names of these months but may not fully understand their importance or their place in the Islamic calendar. Because of this, their special virtues are often overlooked. For example, when discussing the best month for fasting after Ramadan, many people think of Sha‘ban or the six fasts of Shawwal. Yet the Prophet ﷺ described Muharram as “the month of Allah” and taught that fasting in it is the most rewarding after Ramadan. This shows the importance of learning about these sacred months and appreciating their value.

Historical Context

Even before Islam, the Arabs respected the sacred months and avoided warfare during them. Each month carried meanings connected to customs and historical practices. Dhu al-Qa‘dah refers to refraining from battle, Dhu al-Hijjah is the month of Hajj, Muharram means “forbidden,” marking a period when fighting was prohibited, and Rajab means to abstain or remove weapons from conflict.

Imam al-Shafi‘i compared the separate position of Rajab among the sacred months to Umar ibn Abdul Aziz among the righteous caliphs. Although separated in time, he is still included because of his status and virtue.

Before Islam, the Arabs would sometimes change the order of the sacred months whenever it suited their battles or interests. Allah fixed the calendar and assigned each month its proper place and significance.

There is great wisdom in the order Allah chose. Ramadan is followed by the six fasts of Shawwal, then Dhu al-Qa‘dah as preparation for Hajj in Dhu al-Hijjah. After the virtues of Dhu al-Hijjah comes Muharram, the best month for fasting after Ramadan. This sequence allows believers to continue increasing in worship and maintain spiritual strength throughout the year.

Multiplied Deeds

The sacred months are not only special because warfare was prohibited in them. Good deeds performed during these months are rewarded more greatly, while sins become more serious. Al-Hafiz Ibn Rajab said:

“Be careful of sins, for they prevent forgiveness during seasons of mercy.”

Just as sins committed during prayer are more serious, sins committed in the sacred months are worse than at other times. Allah grants His servants special seasons filled with mercy and forgiveness, so believers should strive to benefit from them and avoid actions that may deprive them of these blessings.

Among all the sacred months, Dhu al-Hijjah is considered the most sacred. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Your blood, wealth and honor are sacred, like the sanctity of this day, this month and this land.” In this hadith, he emphasized the holiness of the Day of ‘Arafah, Dhu al-Hijjah and the sacred land of Makkah.

To truly benefit from these sacred months, Muslims should become familiar with the Islamic calendar and its virtues. We ask Allah to allow us to benefit from the mercy, forgiveness and blessings found in these months and to protect us from sin throughout the year. Ameen.