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Dhul Hijjah 2025 start date
May 8, 2025
Dhul Hijjah 2025: start date, 10 days of virtue, and the rewards of giving
By Yusuf Jaffar
•
4 min read
Dhul Hijjah 2025, also spelled Dhu al-Hijjah, Zul Hijjah, or Zil Hajj, is one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar. It marks a time of immense spiritual opportunity—especially during its first 10 days, which are considered the most virtuous days of the entire year.
These blessed days, leading up to Eid al-Adha, are rich with chances for worship, fasting, charity, and remembrance. Whether you're wondering when does Dhul Hijjah start in 2025 or want to learn more about the virtues of fasting during Dhul Hijjah, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of this special time.
When does Dhul Hijjah start in 2025?
In 2025, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, marking the start of 1 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH. The exact date may vary depending on local moon sightings, but most Islamic calendars align on this estimate.
Key events during the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah
These first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah 2025 are packed with spiritually significant events:
The first 10 days are among the holiest of the year. Every good deed during this time is more beloved to Allah.
The Hajj pilgrimage takes place from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, drawing millions to Mecca.
The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) is the pinnacle of Hajj and a powerful day of fasting and forgiveness.
Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, marked by prayer, sacrifice (Qurbani), and generosity.
The first 10 days are among the holiest of the year. Every good deed during this time is more beloved to Allah.
The Hajj pilgrimage takes place from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, drawing millions to Mecca.
The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) is the pinnacle of Hajj and a powerful day of fasting and forgiveness.
Virtues of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah: evidences
The ten days of Dhul Hijjah hold unmatched status, confirmed through the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Allah swears by these nights
“By the dawn; and by the ten nights.”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Fajr 89:1–2)
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Fajr 89:1–2)
Scholars like Ibn ‘Abbas and Mujahid explain that these verses refer specifically to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, underscoring their importance.
The best time for good deeds
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Al-Bukhari)
Even jihad does not surpass the reward of simple, sincere actions done during these ten days.
(Al-Bukhari)
Remembrance of Allah
The Prophet ﷺ advised Muslims to frequently recite:
Takbeer – Allahu Akbar
Tahmeed – Alhamdulillah
Tahlil – La ilaha illallah
Tasbih – SubhanAllah
Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah would recite takbeer in public spaces, encouraging others to join them.
Takbeer – Allahu Akbar
Tahmeed – Alhamdulillah
Tahlil – La ilaha illallah
Tasbih – SubhanAllah
Recommended acts of worship during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah
To gain the most benefit from the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims are encouraged to engage in the following:
Fasting during Dhul Hijjah, especially on the Day of Arafah (9th):
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.” (Sahih Muslim)
Increasing dhikr (remembrance of Allah):
Say takbeer, tahlil, tahmeed, and tasbih throughout the day.
Extra prayers (nawafil):
Voluntary night prayers like tahajjud bring immense reward.
Reciting the Qur’an:
Use this time for reading and reflection on Allah’s words.
Giving charity (sadaqah):
Support those in need—rewards are multiplied during these days.
Offering Qurbani on Eid al-Adha:
A deeply symbolic act, continuing the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ.
Making du’a and seeking forgiveness (istighfar):
Turn to Allah with sincerity, seeking mercy and guidance.
Avoiding cutting hair or nails (if offering Qurbani):
This follows the Prophet’s tradition for those intending to sacrifice.
Fasting during Dhul Hijjah, especially on the Day of Arafah (9th):
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.” (Sahih Muslim)
Increasing dhikr (remembrance of Allah):
Say takbeer, tahlil, tahmeed, and tasbih throughout the day.
Extra prayers (nawafil):
Voluntary night prayers like tahajjud bring immense reward.
Reciting the Qur’an:
Use this time for reading and reflection on Allah’s words.
Giving charity (sadaqah):
Support those in need—rewards are multiplied during these days.
Offering Qurbani on Eid al-Adha:
A deeply symbolic act, continuing the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ.
Making du’a and seeking forgiveness (istighfar):
Turn to Allah with sincerity, seeking mercy and guidance.
Avoiding cutting hair or nails (if offering Qurbani):
This follows the Prophet’s tradition for those intending to sacrifice.
Virtues of giving charity during Dhul Hijjah
Giving charity (sadaqah) is always beloved in Islam, but during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, its rewards and impact are multiplied. The Qur’an and Sunnah both highlight the transformative power of giving—spiritually, socially, and even cosmically.
Qur’anic foundations
1. Multiplied rewards
“The example of those who spend their wealth in Allah’s way is like a seed that grows seven spikes, each bearing a hundred grains.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)
This verse illustrates Allah’s promise of exponential reward for those who give sincerely. During Dhul Hijjah—when righteous deeds are “more beloved to Allah”—the effect is even greater, making these days an ideal time to give generously.
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)
2. Purification and protection
Charity is not only a form of generosity—it is a spiritual purifier. The Prophet ﷺ likened it to:
“Water extinguishing fire.”
While this primarily applies to minor sins, it reflects charity’s powerful role in spiritual cleansing. Major sins still require sincere repentance (tawbah), but sadaqah nurtures the soul, softens the heart, and strengthens taqwa (God-consciousness).
3. Solidarity with the ummah
“And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw yourselves into destruction.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195)
This verse highlights the protective and sustaining power of charitable action—not only for the individual but for the entire Muslim community. During Dhul Hijjah, as global crises such as poverty, war, and displacement affect millions, giving becomes an urgent, collective responsibility.
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195)
Prophetic traditions and practical guidance
1. A shade on the Day of Judgment
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A man who gives in charity and conceals it—so that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given—will be among those shaded by Allah on the Day of Judgment.”
This powerful hadith emphasizes sincerity in giving, reminding us that the reward is not just in the amount given, but in the intention and humility behind it.
2. Comparable to major acts of worship
While fasting, Hajj, and prayer are central to Dhul Hijjah, charity holds a complementary virtue. Scholar Ibn al-Qayyim noted:
“Charity averts calamities”
He even acknowledged that its impact extends beyond believers, reflecting the mercy embedded in the act itself. For those unable to perform Hajj, giving in charity becomes a beautiful substitute to earn the pleasure of Allah.
3. Charity beyond wealth
Charity is not limited to money. The Prophet ﷺ expanded its definition when he said:
“To smile at your brother is charity.”
This means that during Dhul Hijjah, every act of kindness counts—from volunteering and comforting others, to sharing a meal, raising awareness, or helping someone in distress. These non-monetary forms of sadaqah are deeply encouraged and equally rewarded.
In Dhul Hijjah, every good deed matters—and charity multiplies. Whether you give a small donation, support a community project, or simply uplift someone with your words, these ten days are your opportunity to plant seeds of reward that grow far beyond measure.
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