The month of Dhul-Hijjah, also known as the Month of Hajj, is not just a time of pilgrimage for the blessed few — it is a time of deep reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth for all Muslims. Whether you’re planning to perform Hajj or staying home with your family, this month is a golden opportunity to reconnect with Allah and draw closer to the beautiful legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
🌙 Why Is the Month of Hajj So Important?
Dhul-Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar, and it holds some of the most sacred days of the entire year.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“By the dawn, and by the ten nights…”
(Surah Al-Fajr 89:1-2)
According to scholars, these “ten nights” refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which are more beloved to Allah than any other days of the year — even more than the last ten of Ramadan in terms of good deeds!
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
SubhanAllah — this is a time when every prayer, every sadaqah, every tasbeeh carries immense reward.
🕋 The Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS): A Story Woven into Hajj
At the heart of Hajj is the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his unwavering submission to Allah. The rituals of Hajj are not random — they are reflections of the incredible tests Ibrahim (AS), Hajar, and Ismail (AS) went through.
Here are some of the key insights:
🔹 Tawaf around the Ka’bah — symbolizes unity and the house built by Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS), which became the center of worship for all Muslims. A free worksheet waiting for you!
🔹 Sa’i between Safa and Marwa — reminds us of Hajar’s desperate search for water for her baby, and Allah’s miracle of Zamzam in response to her faith.
🔹 Standing at Arafah — reflects Ibrahim’s deep prayers and his complete submission to Allah.
🔹 The sacrifice (Qurbani) — honors the moment when Ibrahim (AS) was willing to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), in obedience to Allah’s command. But Allah replaced the boy with a ram, teaching us that faith and obedience bring Allah’s mercy.
Every act of Hajj is a powerful reminder of surrender, trust, and love for Allah, just like Prophet Ibrahim (AS) showed us.
🧕🏽 How Can We Welcome This Month as a Family?
Even if we are not performing Hajj, we can still celebrate Dhul-Hijjah in meaningful ways:
✅ Fast the first 9 days – especially the 9th (Day of Arafah), which forgives the sins of two years.
✅ Increase remembrance – say Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), Tahleel (La ilaha illallah), and Tasbeeh (SubhanAllah) often.
✅ Teach your children the stories – use this time to explore the lessons from Ibrahim (AS), Hajar, and the Ka’bah through books, videos, and crafts.
✅ Do good deeds together – encourage giving charity, being kind, and making lots of du’a.
✅ Celebrate Eid al-Adha meaningfully – help children understand that the sacrifice is not just about meat, but about obeying Allah and caring for others.
💛 A Month of Mercy, Sacrifice, and Love
Dhul-Hijjah is not just about rituals — it’s about reviving the values of trust, patience, and complete faith in Allah. Let us welcome this sacred month with open hearts, full of love for our Creator and gratitude for the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
As parents, caregivers, and educators, this is our chance to pass on these timeless lessons to our children in fun, engaging, and meaningful ways.
✨ From The Busy Learners:
We’ll be sharing Hajj-themed worksheets, stories, and activities to help you make the most of this blessed month with your children. Let’s walk in the footsteps of the prophets together — one learning moment at a time, inshaAllah!