Dhu’l-Hijjah is the sacred month of Hajj, or pilgrimage. The glory of this month is particularly associated with the first ten days. A hadith of the Prophet (SAWS) states the following: “Of all the days of this world, the most excellent are the Ten Days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.” This month is filled with abundant blessings, in which supplications are answered and sins are absolved. During this time, it is recommended that Muslims fast and perform the Qiyamul Layl, or night prayers, (starting after midnight up to Fajr).
It is also recommended that Muslims fast during the ninth day of this month, a day known as the Day of ‘Arafat. On this day, all pilgrims performing Hajj stand on the plain of ‘Arafat and supplicate. Muslims all over the world are encouraged to spend the day fasting. The Prophet, upon whom be peace, said: “Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafat absolves sins for two years – the previous year and the coming year.”
It has been reported that the Prophet would recite this supplication during the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah after Fajr and before Maghrib:
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
O Allah, surely You have preferred and honored these days over others and in them You have granted me Your favor and mercy. So, send down Your blessing upon us, and bestow Your bounties generously upon us, and guide us upon the right path. Grant us taqwa, integrity, self-sufficiency, and actions that are pleasing to You. O Allah, purify us from sins, O Knower of the unseen, and guarantee the eternal abode for us. Do not leave us with sins that are unforgiven in the days, or grief without relief, or debt without it being repaid, or without the return of one who is missing, a need of this world or the hereafter without facilitating it, for You are Able over all things, by Your mercy, O Most Merciful! O Allah, send blessings upon (our Master) Muhammad, and upon the Family of (our Master) Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and may it be upon his Companions with abundant peace.
