The Virtues of Dhul Hijjah

Reviewed by: Samah Chatar, Markfield, UK

Published by: Markfield, UK: Kube Publishing in association with Yaqeen Institute for Islam and Research, 2024, 80pp. ISBN: 978-1847742254.

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In the book under review, Omar Suleiman explores the oft-overlooked spiritual dimension of time within the Islamic tradition. Through his accessible and emotive prose, he invites readers to rediscover the unique blessings associated with Dhū’l- Qaʿdah, Dhū’l-Ḥijjah, Muḥarram, and Rajab, broadening contemporary Muslims’ focus beyond the month of Ramaḍān. Rooted in classical Islamic sources yet crafted for a modern audience, the book functions as both a spiritual manual and a practical roadmap, encouraging readers to elevate their devotion throughout the Islamic year.

At the heart of the text lies the emphasis on the first ten days of Dhū’l-Ḥijjah, which the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) described as the most beloved days to Allah for performing righteous deeds, even more meritorious than the final ten nights of Ramaḍān. Rather than merely cataloguing religious rituals, Suleiman presents a comprehensive spiritual framework: prayer, fasting, charity, sacrifice, and dhikr (remembrance of Allah) converge during this period, culminating on the Day of ʿArafah.