When Does Dhul Hijjah Start in 2025? Islamic Calendar Dates & Importance

When does Dhul Hijjah start in 2025? This is the answer that millions of Muslims worldwide have been searching for, waiting for the beginning of one of Islam’s most sacred months.

Dhul Hijjah isn’t just the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, it’s a month of immense bounty, self-reflection, and devotion.  

Here we will talk about when does dhul hijjah start in 2025, why it is so important to us, and how to prepare yourself spiritually so you can get the most out of it.

When Does Dhul Hijjah Start According to the Islamic Calendar?

In order to know the answer to “when does Dhul Hijjah start”, we first have to know how the Islamic months are determined. The 12th and final month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, Dhul Hijjah, begins when the new crescent moon (hilal) is visible.

As the Islamic calendar is lunar, the new moon has to be seen to start every month, the months will thereby be slightly shorter than a Gregorian calendar month. The Position of Moon Sighting in Determining When Dhul Hijjah Starts

Moon sighting is an important Muslim practice. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Fast when you see the crescent (of Ramadan), and stop fasting when you see it (i.e., the crescent of Shawwal); if the sky is overcast, complete thirty days of Sha’ban.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1909, Sahih Muslim 1081]

The same applies to Dhul Hijjah. This means that beginning Dhul Hijjah is a little different from one nation to another, based on when one observes the new moon. Some countries employ astronomical calculations along with moon sightings in an effort to calculate the beginning date more accurately.

So, when does Dhul Hijjah start? In 2025, as per current astronomical calculations, Dhul Hijjah will begin on May 28, 2025, but will be declared officially by moon sighting.

The Spiritual Importance of the First Ten Days

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most sacred days in the entire Islamic calendar. The moment Muslims ask “when does Dhul Hijjah start?”, they are also preparing for these precious days that are replete with rewards and spiritual gains.

Having knowledge of the spiritual potential of these ten days can help believers maximize their worship and draw near to Allah.

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Qur’anic Emphasis on These Ten Days

Allah swore by the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah in the Qur’an, which is a powerful indication of their significance:

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

Most of the tafsir scholars agree that the “ten nights” mentioned here are the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah. They are nights of increased worship, charity, remembrance of Allah, and good deeds.

It is important to know when does dhul hijjah start since it marks the beginning of this holy period so that Muslims can start their religious activities at the right time.

Hadiths Highlighting Their Virtue

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ praised the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah in various hadiths. In one of the most famous narrations, he stated:

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 969]

The companions asked if even jihad on behalf of Allah would be equal to it. He replied:

“Not even jihad, except the case of a man who goes out with his wealth and life and returns empty-handed.”

This hadith demonstrates the unparalleled value of worship in these times. Therefore, the instant you understand when Dhul Hijjah commences, it’s your signal to increase your obedience and righteousness. Additionally, it’s important to know when does dhul hijjah start.

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A Time to Repent, Reflect, and Renew Your Connection with Allah

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are an invaluable opportunity to return to Allah in authentic repentance and self-improvement. It’s a time to shed vices and improve your intentions.

“And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.” Surah Aal Imran (3:133)

Whether as prayer, fasting, or charity, these ten days provide a chance to connect on a spiritual level again. But before you do, you need to begin knowing when does dhul hijjah start so that you can maximize it from the very first day.

Fasting and Other Worship in These Ten Days

One of the better methods of showing respect for the beginning of Dhul Hijjah is through fasting, especially on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah).

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah erases the sins of the coming year and the preceding year.” [Sahih Muslim 1162]

You can fast only on the right day if you are aware of when does dhul hijjah start. The majority of Muslims are looking forward to moon sighting or official announcements so that they can begin fasting and make their worship arrangements accordingly.

How to Prepare for Dhul Hijjah

Knowing when does Dhul Hijjah starts allows Muslims to prepare themselves spiritually and psychologically for one of the most fortunate months on the Islamic calendar.

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are filled with mercy, reward, and opportunity to draw near to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reminded us of their significance when he stated:

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 969]

So, the instant you know when does Dhul Hijjah starts, it’s time to prepare your intentions, actions, and heart.

1. Re-Intention and Prepare a Plan

Start by checking when does Dhul Hijjah starts in your country (most probably on May 28, 2025, based on moon sighting). Once confirmed, plan spiritually for extra prayer, fasting, charity, and dhikr (remembrance of Allah).

Allah states in the Qur’an: “And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.” [Surah Al-Bayyinah 98:5]

Begin Dhul Hijjah with sincerity and a firm intention to make full use of the blessed days.

2. Perform Dhikr and Takbeer Frequently

From the first day of Dhul Hijjah, increase your recitation of:

• Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)
• Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)
• La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah)
• SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)

“There are no days more valuable in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so recite much Tahleel, Takbeer and Tahmeed during this period.” [Musnad Ahmad]

So, know when does Dhul Hijjah starts and mark down the date to begin these blessed words from day one.

3. Fast for the First Nine Days (Especially on the Day of Arafah)

Fasting during Dhul Hijjah is highly recommended, particularly on the 9th, the Day of Arafah. But to fast on the correct days, you should ensure precisely when does Dhul Hijjah starts.

“Fasting the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” [Sahih Muslim 1162]

If you are not performing Hajj, fasting is among the finest ways of attuning oneself spiritually to this blessed month.

Relation Between Dhul Hijjah and Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha then comes soon after the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) and the completion of the most significant rituals of Hajj, Islam’s fifth pillar.

Knowing the onset of Dhul Hijjah helps Muslims in pinpointing exactly when the Day of Eid comes about, as Islamic months fall back on the lunar calendar and are based upon how visible the moon is.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Day of Arafah, day of sacrifice, and days of Tashreeq are our Eid, people of Islam.” [Sunan Abi Dawood 2419]

Thus, Eid al-Adha is not just a festival but a religious day which is closely associated with the days of Dhul Hijjah and Hajj pilgrimage.

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Conclusion

The initial ten days of Dhul Hijjah are a material wealth in spirituality that is experienced once annually. From dawn to dusk, every second in these days is an opportunity to earn Allah’s blessings.

The key to benefiting from them is knowing when does Dhul Hijjah starts, so that you may embark on your worship without hesitation.

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FAQs

When to start fasting for Dhul Hijjah?

Start fasting for Dhul Hijjah from the 1st day of the month, with special emphasis on fasting the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) for those not performing Hajj.

Do we fast for 9 or 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?

We fast the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, as fasting on the 10th day (Eid al-Adha) is not permitted.