Why is Dhul Hijjah Special? Get the Rewards of Hajj 2026 from Home

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, and its first ten days are considered the most blessed days of the year, according to the hadith. It is the month when Muslims perform hajj in Makkah and offer sacrifices in the memory of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The sacred days of Dhul Hijjah remind us of the inspiring stories of the past. The story of Hajar (AS) running between Safa and Marwa. The moment of sacrifice between Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS). And the temptations of Shaytaan trying to shake a heart that was firm in faith.  

These may sound like stories we’ve heard since childhood, and they are. But they carry deep lessons that leave a fresh impact on our hearts every time we read them. A mother running in desperation but never losing hope; a father ready to make the ultimate sacrifice in obedience to God; a child so steadfast and courageous, submitting to his Creator. What kind of faith creates hearts like these? That is what the moments of hajj and the days of Dhul Hijjah teach us.  

As hajj 2026 approaches, all of us wish we could be in Makkah performing the sacred rituals. But if Allah did not call us this year, there’s no reason to lose hope or be any less excited for Dhul Hijjah. The examples of Allah’s beloved Ibrahim (AS) and his family inspire us to trust His plan and do our best wherever we are. Even if we’re not going for Hajj 2026, there are plenty of ways we can make the most of the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah right at home.  

Couldn't Make It to Hajj 2026? Here's How to Maximize Your Dhul Hijjah Rewards

Seeing the images of pilgrims standing on the plains of Arafah, it’s natural to feel that quiet longing in your heart: “I wish I was there too.”  But benefiting from these sacred days begins with realizing that Allah doesn’t deprive anyone of the exceptional rewards of Dhul Hijjah, whether they’re doing hajj or not.

The Prophet ﷺ said about the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than those ten days.”  

When asked, “O Messenger ﷺ of Allah! Not even Jihad in Allah Cause?”

He ﷺ replied: “Not even Jihad in Allah's Cause, unless a man were to go out with his self and his wealth and not return from that with anything” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 757).

Imagine that! Good deeds done with sincere intention in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are even more beloved to Allah than jihad in His cause. There’s no room for despair if we couldn’t go for Hajj 2026. We can get huge rewards with a little extra effort right at home.

Here are some ways to make the most of Dhul Hijjah, taken directly from the hadith:

Plan the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah 2026 Like You're Preparing for Hajj

Before Dhul Hijjah arrives, plan how you’re going to spend the first ten days as if you’re planning for Hajj 2026. Channel that same passion and make your checklists for each day. Set daily goals, and focus on different forms of ibadah each day when it becomes difficult to manage everything at once:  

• Focus on levelling up your dhikr on busy days

• Fast on your days off work

• Pray a few extra rak’ahs after your children have gone to sleep  

See what works best for you and plan your Dhul Hijjah routine accordingly. When planning, make sure to add things you can do consistently. Setting unrealistic goals will create more exhaustion and may make you give up rather than leading to spiritual progress.

Turn Your Home into a Sacred Space during Dhul Hijjah

Those going for Hajj 2026 will be in a special sacred place, remembering and praising Allah. But Allah chose you for something different. You can make your own house a sacred place for His remembrance. Glorify His name in the morning and evening together with your family. Replace TV and video games during family time with Qur’an recitation and nasheeds. Make your home a place where His name echoes throughout the day during Dhul Hijjah.

Fast the First Nine Days of Dhul Hijjah

Fasting is a form of worship that carries immense rewards. It is the best deed you can add to your Dhul Hijjah routine to maximize your rewards and deepen your connection with Allah. And fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is a sunnah of our beloved Prophet ﷺ (Sunan an-Nasa'i 2372).  

If you cannot fast all nine days, fast on Mondays and Thursdays. If you cannot manage even that, fast the Day of ‘Arafah (the 9th day), as it is the most rewarding day for fasting in Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates for the sins of the year before and the year after” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1730).

As women, some of us might not be able to fast any of these days if we’re menstruating. But that doesn’t mean we miss out on the rewards and blessings of Dhul Hijjah. For things outside our control, our merciful Rabb will reward us for our intentions in sha Allah.  

The Best Dhikr for 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah: What to Recite and When

Dhikr is something everyone can do, whether we’re ill, busy, or menstruating. So, this Dhul Hijjah, forget the numbers. Engage in immense dhikr without counting. The Prophet ﷺ has taught us special adhkar for the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah.

• Make a habit to recite of tahlil (لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ), takbir (اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ), and taḥmid (اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ) daily.

• Recite this after every obligatory salah (from fajr on the 9^th to asr on the 13^th of Dhul Hijjah):  
  اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إِلٰهَ إلَّا اللّٰهُ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ وَللهِ الْحَمْدُ

• Recite this abundantly on the 9^th of Dhul Hijjah, as this is the best dhikr for the day of ‘Arafah:
  لا إله إلا الله وحدهُ لا شريك لهُ ، لهُ الملكُ ولهُ الحمدُ وهو على كل شيء قدير
  “None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, Alone, without partner, to Him belongs all that exists, and to Him belongs the Praise, and He is powerful over all things” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3585)”

Practice Kindness with Friends and Family

These blessed days of Dhul Hijjah are not just about increasing worship. Just as those going for Hajj 2026 are expected to seek forgiveness and improve themselves for Allah’s sake, those of us at home need to make the same effort. So, this Dhul Hijjah, reach out to family, forgive small things, and show kindness in simple ways. This can be a simple message, a smile, or a shared meal.  

Let this Dhul Hijjah soften your heart. Because fearing Allah in how we treat others is also a form of worship. Although moments of Dhul Hijjah and Ramadan are special for spiritual growth, staying grounded in faith is a daily struggle that should continue outside Dhul Hijjah as well.

Why is Dhul Hijjah Special? Don’t Miss the Chance to Transform Your Heart

The barakah and rewards of Dhul Hijjah are not limited to a specific place.  Not everyone will go for Hajj 2026, and that’s Allah’s will. Dhul Hijjah can still transform our hearts right at home. Your journey may not be visible in the crowds of Makkah, but it is seen by Allah—in your genuine efforts, in your moments of patience, and in your choice to please Him in everyday interactions.  

Let’s mark our calendars for the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah. We never miss important dates related to our business deals or our loved ones, no matter how busy we are. So how can we miss the favourite days of the One Who loves us more than our mothers? May Allah allow us to live the beauty of Dhul Hijjah, accept our small efforts, and write us among those who are closest to Him, whether we are in Makkah or anywhere in the world. Ameen.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Q: What is Dhul Hijjah, and why is it important?

A: Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam. Its first ten days are the most beloved days of the year to Allah, during which righteous deeds carry greater reward than any other time. These days coincide with the Hajj pilgrimage and culminate in Eid al-Adha and the Day of ‘Arafah.

Q: How can I celebrate Dhul Hijjah if I'm not going for Hajj 2026?  

A: Muslims who are not going for Hajj 2026 can still earn exceptional rewards during Dhul Hijjah by following the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. This includes fasting on the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, increasing dhikr, reciting the Qur’an, offering sunnah prayers, and making a sacrifice on Eid al-Adha. According to the Prophet ﷺ, any good deeds done during the first ten days are more beloved to Allah than deeds done at other times of the year.  

Q: What is the best dhikr to recite on the Day of ‘Arafah?  

A: The Prophet ﷺ said that the best dhikr to recite on the Day of ‘Arafah (9^th of Dhul Hijjah) is:

لا إله إلا الله وحدهُ لا شريك لهُ ، لهُ الملكُ ولهُ الحمدُ وهو على كل شيء قدير  

“None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, Alone, without partner, to Him belongs all that exists, and to Him belongs the Praise, and He is powerful over all things” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3585)”

Q: What is the reward for fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah?  

A: The Prophet ﷺ said that fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah) expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. It is considered one of the most rewarding voluntary fasts of the Islamic year and can be observed by Muslims who are not performing Hajj.

Q: Can women who are menstruating still benefit from Dhul Hijjah?  

A: Yes, women who are menstruating during Dhul Hijjah can still earn full rewards through dhikr, du’a, listening to Qur’an, giving charity, acts of kindness, and making the intention to fast when they are able. Islam teaches us that sincere intentions are still rewarded by Allah when we are prevented from engaging in ibadah because of reasons outside our control.