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As one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah is referenced in several hadith.
Hadith are narrations regarding the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), expounding something He either said, did or approved of. Hadith is an important source of Islamic law, and a wellspring of guidance regarding how a Muslim should live their life.
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the (first) 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah. They said: “O Messenger of Allah! Not even jihad in the cause of Allah?” He said: “Not even jihad in the cause of Allah, unless a man goes out with himself and his wealth and does not bring anything back.
[Hadith | Sunan Ibn Majah, 1727]
There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these 10 days, so recite a great deal of tahleel (La ilaha illAllah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) during them.
[Hadith | Ahmad]
While there are different versions, the takbeer can also be recited as follows:
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd.
Translation: Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise.
The companions would go to the marketplace and recite the takbeer out loud and people would also recite after hearing them.
There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these 10 days.
[Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari]
Muslims are taught to fast on the first 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah. As an important sunnah, Dhul Hijjah fasting brings great rewards and forgiveness of sins.
Fasting Dhul Hijjah is extremely beneficial to Muslims because of the blessings Allah bestows during this time. As fasting is one of the most virtuous acts of rewards, fasting in Dhul Hijjah is highly recommended.
Hadith Qudsi states:
All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.
If Muslims are unable to fast the whole 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, they should try their best to fast on the 9th day – Yawm al-Arafah (the Day of Arafah), on which Allah perfected His Religion.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Fasting the day of `Arafah expiates the sins of 2 years: the past one and the coming one.
[Hadith | Muslim]
The Prophet used to fast on the first 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah and the day of Ashura, and 3 days each month, the first Monday of the month and 2 Thursdays.
[Hadith | Abu Dawood, 2/462]
This hadith highlights the immense reward of fasting during the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah as it’s a time of heightened spirituality.
Fasting during these days is a highly recommended sunnah that brings us closer to Allah and increases our good deeds during this blessed period.
Donating korban is one of the most rewarding acts you can perform in this sacred month.
A human does no action from the actions on the day of Nahr [sacrifice] more beloved to Allah than spilling blood (of sacrificial animals). On the Day of Judgement, it will appear with its horns, and hair, and hooves, and indeed the blood will be accepted by Allah from where it is received before it even falls upon earth, so let your heart delight in it.
[Hadith | Tirmidhi]
The importance of Dhul Hijjah, particularly fasting on the Day of Arafah and the sacrifice of qurbani, are clear from these various hadith.