Dhul Hijjah 1: Moon Sighting and Making Intention for Accepted Prayers
The blessed month of Dhul Hijjah has arrived — a time filled with immense blessings and opportunities for duas to be answered. From the very first day of Dhul Hijjah, including the Day of Arafah and the Day of Eid, these are days when supplications are accepted. When the new moon of Dhul Hijjah 1 is sighted, there are specific practices and intentions you should make to receive the blessings of this sacred period.
Make Sincere Intention (Niyyah)
The first and most important step is to set your intention. Welcome this sacred month with respect and honor. Resolve in your heart: “I will not waste even a minute of these 10 blessed days.” Whatever your difficulty — debt, financial hardship, children’s marriage, job issues, or any other problem — bring it before Allah with complete trust (tawakkul). Believe deeply that Allah will show you a way out. This conviction must be firmly rooted in your heart.
Fasting in Dhul Hijjah
For those who are able, fast from the 1st to the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. If you cannot fast all days, fast as many as you can. For women experiencing their period, begin fasting after it ends. You can combine the intention of fasting for Dhul Hijjah with making up missed fasts. Fasting is among the most virtuous acts of worship, so make the most of it.
Recitation of Surahs
From the night of Dhul Hijjah 1, begin reciting Surah Al-Mulk after Maghrib — even once a day until the 10th is highly recommended.
Recite Surah Al-Fajr with the intention of fulfilling your desires. You can recite it after Maghrib once daily, and more if possible. This is especially powerful for those with unfulfilled wishes.
Surah Al-Ikhlas for Answered Prayers
The most emphasized recitation is Surah Al-Ikhlas. There are two approaches:
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1,000 times daily from Dhul Hijjah 1 to 10 — before reciting, pray two rak’ahs (Tahajjud if at night, or Salat-ul-Hajat if during the day). Send salawat upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), then make your intention and recite 1,000 times in a quiet, secluded space facing the Qibla without interruptions.
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12,000 total by the Day of Arafah — make the intention to complete 12,000 recitations of Surah Al-Ikhlas by Arafah day, starting from Dhul Hijjah 1.
If neither is possible, recite as many as you can. The more you recite with understanding and presence of heart, the better.
General Dhikr
Engage in abundant dhikr throughout these days — “La ilaha illallah,” “Subhanallah,” and other regular remembrances. Even those in a state of impurity can engage in dhikr, especially at night.
Do not let these precious days pass you by. Make abundant dua, set your intentions, and trust in Allah. May your prayers be answered and may you receive glad tidings. Ameen.