Dhu ʾl-Hijjah

[ dool hij-uh ]

noun

1. the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, in leap year containing one extra day.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dhu ʾl-Hijjah¹

First recorded in 1760–70; from Arabic dhū al-ḥijjah “the one of the pilgrimage, who possess the pilgrimage, month of the pilgrimage,” from dhū “one that is of” + al- “the” + hajj ( def )

More About Dhu'l-hijjah

What is Dhu’l-hijjah?

Dhu’l-hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.

Its name (sometimes seen as Dhul Hijjah or Dhu al-Hijjah) can be translated as “month of the pilgrimage.” It is the month during which the Muslim pilgrimage known as hajj takes place.

The beginning of the month—particularly its first 10 days—is believed by Muslims to be the best time of the year for prayer and spiritual renewal.

The Islamic holiday known as Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, begins on the 10th day of Dhu’l Hijjah and coincides with the last three days of hajj.

When is Dhu’l-hijjah?

Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the Gregorian calendar dates that correspond with Dhu’l-hijjah change each year.

In 2024, Dhu’l-hijjah will correspond with the date range from June 7–July 6.

In 2025, Dhu’l-hijjah will correspond with the date range from May 28–June 26.

More information and context on Dhu’l-hijjah

The first records of the name Dhu’l-hijjah in English come from the 1760s. It comes from the Arabic phrase dhū al-ḥijjah, which can be translated as “the one of the pilgrimage” or “month of the pilgrimage.”

Hajj takes place each year between the 8th and the 12th day of Dhu’l-hijjah. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every adult Muslim is supposed make at least once in their lifetime.

During Dhu’l-hijjah, Muslims are called to make donations known as Qurbani.

What are some terms that often get used in discussing Dhu’l-hijjah?

• month
• Islamic calendar
• hajj
• pilgrimage
• Mecca
• Eid al-Adha

How is Dhu’l-hijjah discussed in real life?

Dhu’l-hijjah is often considered the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, especially since it is when the hajj and the Eid al-Adha holiday take place.

The ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah start tomorrow, fast if you're able to.

— 🕵🏾‍♀️ (@wailsout) August 22, 2017

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out to the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, saying the takbeer loudly.#HolyKaaba 🕋 pic.twitter.com/qeOC8K22rh

— Kaaba | الكعبة (@HolyKaaba) August 15, 2018

Honoured and privileged to be given chance to contribute to writing the holy text on the glorious kiswah on the Holy Ka`bah in Mecca, to be draped on the month of Dhu'l-Hijjah this year. pic.twitter.com/E0wauzG8Yl

— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 25, 2019

Try using Dhu’l-hijjah!

True or False?

Dhu’l-hijjah is the first month of the Islamic calendar.