Dhikr During Dhul-Hijjah: A Time of Remembrance and Spiritual Growth

Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide. Known for its sacred rituals, this month encompasses the Hajj pilgrimage, the Day of Arafah, and the celebration of Eid al-Adha. Among its many virtues, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are particularly revered for their unparalleled opportunities to perform good deeds and engage in the remembrance of Allah (dhikr).

Allah highlights the significance of these days in the Quran:

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

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) further emphasized the importance of these days, stating:

مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهَا أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 969)

Among the most beloved deeds during Dhul-Hijjah is dhikr, the act of remembering and glorifying Allah. Through dhikr, believers can deepen their connection with Allah, purify their hearts, and attain immense rewards. This blog delves into the significance of dhikr during Dhul-Hijjah, its recommended forms, and the blessings it brings to a believer’s life.

The Virtue of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

The importance of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is underscored in the Quran and Hadith. Allah swears by these days in the Quran, emphasizing their significance:

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

Many scholars interpret the “ten nights” as referring to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, highlighting their sanctity.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stated:

مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهَا أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ، يَعْنِي أَيَّامَ الْعَشْرِ
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 969)

This Hadith emphasizes the immense rewards associated with good deeds during these days, and dhikr is among the most virtuous acts of worship.

The Significance of Dhikr

Dhikr, or the remembrance of Allah, is a cornerstone of Islamic spirituality. It purifies the heart, strengthens faith, and enhances a believer’s connection with their Creator. Allah commands believers in the Quran to remember Him abundantly:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا . وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا
“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance. And exalt Him morning and afternoon.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:41-42)

During Dhul-Hijjah, the importance of dhikr is further magnified as it aligns with the spiritual atmosphere of the month.

Recommended Dhikr During Dhul-Hijjah

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) specifically encouraged dhikr during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

The Takbir, Tahmid, and Tasbih

One of the most emphasized forms of dhikr during Dhul-Hijjah is the recitation of the Takbir, Tahmid, and Tasbih:

• Takbir: اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (Allahu Akbar – Allah is the Greatest)
• Tahmid: الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ (Alhamdulillah – All praise is due to Allah)
• Tasbih: سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ (SubhanAllah – Glory be to Allah)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

فَأَكْثِرُوا فِيهِنَّ مِنَ التَّهْلِيلِ وَالتَّكْبِيرِ وَالتَّحْمِيدِ
“So increase in them the recitation of Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmid (Alhamdulillah).”
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 5446)

Muslims are encouraged to recite these phrases individually and collectively throughout the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

Tahleel

The phrase لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ (La ilaha illallah – There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah) holds immense weight and is a comprehensive declaration of tawheed (monotheism). It is among the best forms of dhikr and should be recited abundantly during these days.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

خَيْرُ الذِّكْرِ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ
“The best remembrance is ‘La ilaha illallah.'”
(Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3377)

Tasbih Fatimah

A simple yet profound dhikr involves reciting:

• SubhanAllah (33 times)
• Alhamdulillah (33 times)
• Allahu Akbar (34 times)

This dhikr, often referred to as “Tasbih Fatimah,” is recommended before sleeping but can also be recited throughout the day, especially during the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah.

Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness)

As Dhul-Hijjah is a time for repentance and renewal, seeking Allah’s forgiveness is highly recommended. Saying أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ (Astaghfirullah – I seek forgiveness from Allah) purifies the heart and brings a believer closer to Allah.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

مَنْ لَزِمَ الِاسْتِغْفَارَ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ مِنْ كُلِّ ضِيقٍ مَخْرَجًا
“Whoever regularly seeks forgiveness, Allah will make for him a way out of every hardship.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 1518)

Dhikr on the Day of Arafah

The Day of Arafah, the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, is one of the most sacred days in Islam. The Prophet (ﷺ) described the dhikr of Arafah as the best form of remembrance:

خَيْرُ الدُّعَاءِ دُعَاءُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ، وَخَيْرُ مَا قُلْتُ أَنَا وَالنَّبِيُّونَ مِنْ قَبْلِي: لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah, and the best thing I and the Prophets before me said is: ‘La ilaha illallah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku walahul-hamdu, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir’.”
(Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3585)

This declaration of Allah’s oneness and sovereignty should be recited abundantly on the Day of Arafah.

Rewards of Dhikr During Dhul-Hijjah

The rewards of dhikr during Dhul-Hijjah are immense, as it is an act beloved to Allah. The Quran and Hadith highlight the virtues of remembrance:

• Spiritual Elevation:
  

  فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ
  “So remember Me; I will remember you.”
  (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:152)

• Forgiveness of Sins:
  The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

  مَنْ قَالَ: سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ فِي يَوْمٍ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ حُطَّتْ خَطَايَاهُ، وَإِنْ كَانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبَدِ الْبَحْرِ
  “Whoever says ‘SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi’ one hundred times a day will have his sins forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea.”
  (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6405)

• Earning Allah’s Love:
  The remembrance of Allah draws a believer closer to Him, earning His love and mercy.

Incorporating Dhikr into Daily Life During Dhul-Hijjah

Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of great spiritual significance, especially during the first ten days. This period is filled with numerous opportunities to increase acts of worship, and among the most powerful practices is dhikr—the remembrance of Allah. Incorporating dhikr into our daily lives during Dhul-Hijjah can draw us closer to Allah, purify our hearts, and invite blessings into our lives.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of dhikr, especially during blessed times like Dhul-Hijjah:

فَأَكْثِرُوا فِيهِنَّ مِنَ التَّهْلِيلِ وَالتَّكْبِيرِ وَالتَّحْمِيدِ
“Increase in these days the recitation of Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmid (Alhamdulillah).”
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 5446)

By integrating dhikr into our daily routine—whether through silent remembrance, supplication, or reciting praises of Allah—we can make the most of these blessed days. Dhikr helps to purify the soul, increase gratitude, and foster a deeper connection with Allah, allowing us to maximize the spiritual benefits of Dhul-Hijjah.

Conclusion

Dhul-Hijjah is a month filled with spiritual opportunities, particularly during its first ten days, which are described as the best days for righteous deeds. Among these deeds, dhikr stands out as a powerful means to draw closer to Allah, purify the heart, and earn immense rewards. The constant remembrance of Allah during this sacred time aligns the believer’s heart with divine guidance and strengthens their connection with the Creator.

Allah encourages believers to engage in dhikr:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا
“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:41)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the value of dhikr, especially during Dhul-Hijjah:

فَأَكْثِرُوا فِيهِنَّ مِنَ التَّهْلِيلِ وَالتَّكْبِيرِ وَالتَّحْمِيدِ
“Increase in these days the recitation of Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmid (Alhamdulillah).”
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 5446)

Let us use these blessed days to glorify Allah through constant dhikr, seek His forgiveness, and align our lives with His pleasure. May Allah accept our efforts, grant us His mercy, and bless us with eternal success. آمين.

Need guidance on Ruqyah or answers to your Islamic questions? 📖🌙 Islami Dawah Center is here to help! Connect with us for authentic Islamic knowledge and spiritual support.