Tag: eid-al-adha

The Virtue of Zul-Hijjah

Zul-Hijjah (ذو الحجة) is the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam. The first ten days of this month are among the most blessed days in the entire year.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

قال رسول الله ﷺ: «ما من أيام العمل الصالح فيها أحب إلى الله من هذه الأيام».
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 969)

These days are a time for increased worship, remembrance of Allah, fasting, and acts of charity.

Allah says in the Qur’aan:

وَالْفَجْرِ • وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ
“By the dawn, and by the ten nights.” (Surah Al-Fajr, 89:1–2)

Many scholars interpret these “ten nights” to refer to the first ten days of Zul-Hijjah.

The Legacy of Sacrifice: Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS)

One of the most profound stories associated with Zul-Hijjah is the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS). It is a story of unwavering faith, obedience, and submission to the will of Allah.

Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim (AS) with a dream in which he was commanded to sacrifice his beloved son. When he shared this vision with Ismail (AS), the young boy responded with remarkable faith:

يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ
“O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient.” (Surah As-Saffat, 37:102)

As Ibrahim (AS) prepared to carry out the command, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram, signifying that the true sacrifice was their submission to Allah’s will.

وَفَدَيْنَاهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ
“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” (Surah As-Saffat, 37:107)

The Act of Qurbani (Sacrifice)

To commemorate this act of devotion, Muslims around the world perform Qurbani (sacrifice) during the days of Eid al-Adha, which begins on the 10th of Zul-Hijjah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

قال رسول الله ﷺ: «إنها سنة أبيكم إبراهيم، لكل شعرة من شعور الأضحية أجر».
“It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim. For every hair of the Qurbani, you receive a reward from Allah.” (Ibn Majah, 3127)

The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts:
1. One-third for the family.
2. One-third for relatives and friends.
3. One-third for the poor and needy.

Charity and Feeding the Poor

Zul-Hijjah is not only a time for personal devotion but also a time to uplift others through charity. Feeding the poor and supporting those in need is a core part of the Qurbani tradition.

Allah says:

لَن تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ
“You will never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love.” (Surah Aal-Imran, 3:92)

By sharing the meat and giving charity, we embody the spirit of compassion, generosity, and community that Islam teaches.

Conclusion

Zul-Hijjah is a sacred opportunity to renew our faith, follow the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and serve humanity. Let us use these blessed days to:
– increase our worship and remembrance of Allah
– perform Qurbani with sincerity
– feed the poor and support charitable causes
– reflect on the values of sacrifice, obedience, and compassion

May Allah SWT accept our deeds and grant us the ability to follow in the footsteps of His righteous servants. Ameen