Dhul Hijjah Begins 18th May!
Glad Tidings: Dhul-Hijjah Begins Tonight!
The crescent for Dhul-Hijjah has been sighted today. The blessed month will therefore begin tonight at Maghrib, with tomorrow, Monday 18 May 2026, being the first day of Dhul-Hijjah 1447.
Day of Arafah: Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Eid Al-Adha: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
1st Eid Prayer 8:00am
2nd Eid Prayer 10:30am
As we enter these virtuous ten days, below are five key rulings and recommended acts of worship to be aware of:
The Virtue of the First Ten Days
These are the best days of the year, based on the hadith of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), in which the Prophet said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days.” They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He replied: “Not even jihad, except for a man who goes out risking his life and wealth and returns with nothing.”
Reported by Al-Bukhari
It is therefore recommended to fast during these days, give generously to charity, and engage in voluntary worship, such as night prayer (Qiyam Al-Layl) and regular sunnah prayers.
Proclaiming the Takbir Aloud
It is encouraged to proclaim the Takbir frequently and aloud during these ten days, whether going out or coming home, in one’s house and elsewhere.
Al-Bukhari mentioned that Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah would go out to the marketplace during these ten days and raise their voices in Takbir, prompting the people around them to do likewise.
It has been authentically reported by Ibn Abi Shaybah that Ibn Masud and his companions would say:
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, La ilaha illa Allah,
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahil-hamd.
Fasting the Day of Arafah
The Messenger of Allah said:
“It expiates the previous year and the following year.”
Reported by Muslim
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is an immense opportunity to have two years’ worth of sins expiated.
The Udhiya / Qurbani (Sacrificial Offering)
One of the most virtuous acts of drawing closer to Allah during this period is the slaughter of a sacrificial animal. It is preferable to carry out the sacrifice within the household, so that the ritual is witnessed and its significance upheld. One should also eat from it, as Allah says:
“So eat from them [the sacrificial animals].”
Surah Al-Hajj: 28
The Eid Prayer
Everyone, men and women alike, should endeavour to attend the Eid prayer. Umm Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) said:
“We were instructed to go out on the day of Eid, even the young girls and the women in seclusion. The menstruating women would stand behind the congregation, proclaiming the Takbir along with the rest and supplicating in hope of the blessings and purification of that day.”
Reported by Al-Bukhari
May Allah allow us to make the most of these blessed days.