As a Muslim family, what are the acts of worship you perform during Dhul Hijja?
The month of Dhul Hijja is full of eventful activities. It is also one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar. This time of year is special for many reasons, from the holy pilgrimage of Hajj to the joyous celebration of Eid al-Adha.
But what can we do as a family to make the most of this holy month?
Here are acts of worship we follow during Dhul Hijja:
- Be Sincere with your Intentions
Every act of worship begins with a sincere intention. As a family, we gather and discuss our goals for Dhul Hijja. Whether it’s praying more regularly, reading the Quran, or helping others, we set our intentions together and make dua, asking Allah SWT to help us achieve them.
Another bonus tip: Encourage each family member, even the little ones, to express their intentions, big or small, and make a list to display in your home.
- Learn Together
Dhul Hijja is a great opportunity to learn more about Islam. We spend time reading stories about the Prophets, understanding the significance of Hajj, and discussing the importance of sacrifice and charity.
Bonus tip: Choose age-appropriate books and resources so everyone in the family can participate and learn something new. We also recommend Nurify Books in your list of reliable resource material!
- Pray as a Family
Nothing can beat a sincere prayer to Allah SWT. Praying together strengthens our family bond and helps us stay committed to our worship. During Dhul Hijja, we make an extra effort to pray in congregation at home, especially for Fajr and Isha. This act of worship also teaches our young ones to learn how to pray, and eventually learn to pray on their own.
Creative tip: Create a special prayer space in your home to make the experience more inviting and focused.
- Fast to the First Nine Days
Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijja is a wonderful way to purify our hearts and gain Allah SWT’s favor. Fasting during this sacred month is also guaranteed bountiful blessings from the Creator. While not everyone in our family can fast all the days, we encourage those who can, especially on the Day of Arafah.
Tip: For younger children or those who can’t fast the whole day, involve them by having them skip a meal or fast for a few hours. You can also ask them to help in preparing the meals once you break the fast, this way, their simple help is also rewarded by Allah SWT.
- Give in Charity
One of the major highlights of Dhul Hijja is the giving of charity. This act is a big part of Dhul Hijja. We go through our belongings to find clothes, toys, and other items to donate. We also set aside money to give to those in need, teaching our children the value of generosity. Aside from that, if we have the means to practice Qurbani, the sacrifice of an animal, we make sure to give the shares to those less fortunate.
Wonderful Tip: Involve your kids in choosing items to donate and explain how their small sacrifices make a big difference in someone else’s life.
- Preparing for Eid Al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is a highlight of Dhul Hijja. We make preparations together, from planning the Eid prayers to organizing a family meal. We also talk about the significance of Qurbani and involve our kids in the process of selecting and distributing the meat to the needy.
Fun Tip: Let your children help with decorations and planning, making Eid a truly family-centered celebration.
Dhul Hijja is a month full of giving and receiving. By setting your sincere intentions, learning the significance of Dhul Hijjah with your family, performing prayers together, fasting during the nine days, engaging in charitable acts, and involving everyone in the family to prepare for Eid Al Adha, these tips will surely make your Dhul Hijja a memorable one.
We are Nurify Books strive to help families become better Muslims and make the most of in this sacred month.