A Month of Reflection: Honoring the Prophet’s ﷺ Legacy in Rabi Al-AwwalIslamic Reflection & Guidance
A Month of Reflection: Honoring the Prophet’s ﷺ Legacy in Rabi Al-Awwal
Published in Rabi Al-Awwal • Reading Time: 6 mins
In the month of Rabi Al-Awwal in 570 CE, an event took place that altered the trajectory of human history forever: the birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Sent to a world steeped in ignorance and injustice, he emerged as a beacon of truth, compassion, and moral perfection. Allah SWT sent him not merely as a regional leader or a temporary reformer, but as a universal mercy for all created beings.
Over 1,400 years later, we find ourselves standing in this very same blessed month. It comes as a gentle yet profound reminder to pause our fast-paced lives, look inward, and reflect on the person who dedicated 23 years of intense hardship, sacrifice, and devotion to ensuring that the message of Tawheed and Islam reached us intact.
"And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds."
— Surah Al-Anbiya (21:107)
The Prophet ﷺ planted and watered the seeds of Islam through immense endurance in Makkah and strategic wisdom in Madinah. Today, the most authentic way we can honor his lifelong commitment is not through mere rituals, but by actively reviving his teachings in our homes, strengthening our relationship with Allah SWT, and embodying his character in our daily dealings.
Understanding the Purpose of His Mission
The Prophetic mission was centered on transforming human hearts and societal ethics. He taught humanity how to connect with the Creator while serving His creation. From establishing justice and uplifting orphans to teaching the etiquettes of speech and personal hygiene, his guidance left no aspect of human life untouched.
When asked about his character, his beloved wife Aisha (RA) remarked, "His character was the Quran." To follow him is to live out the values of the Holy Book in practice.
4 Practical Challenges to Transform Your Rabi Al-Awwal
To turn this month into a turning point for your personal growth, here are four actionable challenges designed to bring his mission full circle in your daily life:
1. Revive One Small Sunnah Practice
The Prophet ﷺ said: "He who revives my Sunnah has loved me, and whoever loves me will be with me in Paradise." Transformation starts with small, consistent habits rather than overwhelming overhauls:
Post-Prayer Protection: Recite Ayat al-Kursi after every obligatory Salah without fail.
Night Routine: Perform Wudu before bed and lie on your right side while reciting the evening Adhkar.
Mindful Eating: Sit down while drinking water, say Bismillah, and use your right hand.
Intentional Smiles: Offer a warm, genuine smile to family and strangers—a Sunnah that carries the reward of charity.
2. Increase Your Daily Salawat (Durood Sharif)
Sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ is a unique command in the Quran where Allah SWT and His angels also participate. It grants peace to an anxious mind, erases sins, and brings answering to our supplications.
"Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace."
— Surah Al-Ahzab (33:56)
Action Step: Commit to a baseline target of 100 Salawat daily (e.g., Allahumma Salli 'Ala Muhammad). Utilize transition times during your commute, household chores, or work breaks.
3. Embody Prophetic Character (Akhlaq)
The Prophet ﷺ stated that he was sent primarily to perfect good character. Choose one specific aspect of morality to refine this month:
Patience (Sabr): Pause for 3 seconds before responding when provoked or frustrated.
Purity of Tongue: Consciously eliminate backbiting (Gheebah), sarcasm, and harsh criticism from your vocabulary.
Family Kindness: Show extra gentleness and assistance to parents, spouses, and children at home.
4. Dedicate Time to His Life Story (Seerah)
Love is built on knowledge; you cannot truly emulate someone you do not know. Dedicate just 10–15 minutes daily to studying his life, struggles, and interactions.
Whether you read an authentic Seerah book like Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar) or listen to an audio lecture series, studying his life will give context to the Quran and inspire resilience in your own trials.
Honoring His Legacy Through Action 🤲
Which challenge are you committing to starting today? Make your intention now, share it with family, and let this month mark a lasting transformation in your faith.
1. Why is Rabi Al-Awwal significant in Islamic history?
Rabi Al-Awwal is the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It holds immense historical importance as the month in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born, migrated (Hijrah) to Madinah, and ultimately passed away. It serves as a periodic reminder for Muslims to re-evaluate their connection to his teachings.
2. What is the spiritual significance of sending Salawat (Durood)?
Sending Salawat brings immense spiritual rewards. Hadiths mention that for every single Salawat sent upon the Prophet ﷺ, Allah SWT sends ten blessings upon the reciter, forgives ten sins, and raises their status by ten degrees.
3. How can I revive a Sunnah if I have a busy daily schedule?
Focus on micro-Sunnahs that require no extra time—such as making a conscious intention (Niyyah), smiling at others, saying Bismillah before tasks, eating with the right hand, or reciting short dhikr while traveling. Consistency in small acts is beloved to Allah SWT.
4. What are the best authentic sources to study the Seerah?
Recommended books include Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar) by Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri and Fiqh us-Seerah by Sheikh Muhammad al-Ghazali. Reliable audio series by contemporary scholars are also great options for learning on the go.
5. How does reflecting on the Seerah help in daily problem solving?
The Seerah provides practical examples for every human role—leader, spouse, parent, friend, and merchant. Studying how the Prophet ﷺ handled hardship, betrayal, grief, and success gives believers a moral compass to navigate modern life's challenges.
6. What is the relationship between Sunnah and character (Akhlaq)?
Sunnah is not limited to physical rituals; it includes internal character traits like honesty, forgiveness, humility, and generosity. True adherence to the Sunnah manifests in how kindly one treats others.
7. How can we teach children the love of the Prophet ﷺ during this month?
Engage children through bedtime stories focused on his kindness to animals and children, practice small daily challenges together as a family, and create a warm environment where his life story is celebrated regularly.
8. Can we practice these Rabi Al-Awwal challenges throughout the year?
Yes, absolutely! Rabi Al-Awwal is meant to be a catalyst or a starting line. The ultimate goal is to build habits this month that continue permanently throughout the entire year.
When the Sky Goes Dark: What the Solar / Lunar Eclipse Prayer Teaches Us About Giving
Written by: Alisbha Shahzad | Aghosh UK
Sadaqah
Give voluntary charity to support vulnerable communities and earn lasting rewards.
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When the Sky Goes Dark: Eclipse Prayer & Charity | Aghosh UK
There is a particular kind of stillness that falls over a place during an eclipse. The birds stop singing. The temperature drops. The light thins into something unfamiliar and slightly unsettling, even when you know exactly what is causing it. For a moment, something that has never once failed to rise or shine looks small, dimmed, humbled.
It is precisely that moment — the shrinking of something we take entirely for granted — that our tradition asks us to respond to. Not with a caption for social media. Not with cardboard glasses and a countdown. But with prayer, humility, and, as we will see, with our hands open in charity.
During a solar eclipse, the Moon casts two shadows on Earth. The first shadow is called the umbra (dark blue oval). The second shadow is called the penumbra (light blue oval). During a solar eclipse, observers within the Moon's umbra experience a total eclipse, while those within the penumbra see only a partial eclipse. Source: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Why Do Eclipses Happen? NASA Science, accessed July 9, 2026. Credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
A Prayer Born From Awe, Not Fear of the Sky Itself
The prayer performed during a solar eclipse is called Salat al-Kusuf (صلاة الكسوف). A solar eclipse in Islam is far more than an extraordinary astronomical event in the sky. The sun and moon are among the signs of Allah, and when an eclipse occurs, Muslims are encouraged to turn back towards Allah through prayer, dua, remembrance, and seeking forgiveness.
During the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, a solar eclipse occurred on the day his infant son Ibrahim passed away. Some people in the community associated the darkness in the sky with his loss, but the Prophet ﷺ immediately corrected this belief. He explained that the sun and moon are signs of Allah and do not eclipse because of anyone's death or birth. He instructed Muslims that when they witness an eclipse, they should pray and supplicate to Allah until it passes.
When the Companions once saw the sun darken, the Prophet did not explain it away with reassurance. He rushed visibly anxious straight to the prayer, dragging his cloak behind him, and stayed in prayer until the sky returned to normal. That single instruction from him has carried down the centuries as Salat al-Kusuf. It teaches Muslims to respond to an eclipse not with superstition, but by remembering Allah and renewing their devotion.
"Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us and have mercy on us, and You are the best of the merciful."
— Surah Al-Mu'minoon
Observing the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a solar eclipse reminds believers of the immense power and order of Allah's creation.
How to Pray the Solar Eclipse Prayer (Salat al-Kusuf)
Salat al-Kusuf consists of two rak'ahs, but its method is distinct from ordinary daily prayers. Within each unit, there is more than one bowing, and recitation is stretched out as long as a person can manage. It can be prayed individually at home, but gathering in congregation brings shared humility and united supplication.
First Rak'ah
Make the intention to perform Salat al-Kusuf.
Begin the prayer with Allahu Akbar.
Recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a long recitation from the Qur'an.
Perform a long ruku (bowing).
Rise from ruku and say: Sami'Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd.
While remaining standing, recite Surah Al-Fatihah again, followed by another recitation that is slightly shorter than the first.
Perform a second ruku, shorter than the first.
Rise from ruku.
Perform two sujood (prostrations) as usual.
Second Rak'ah
Stand for the second rak'ah and repeat the same pattern: Recite Al-Fatihah and Qur'an.
Perform ruku.
Stand again and recite Al-Fatihah and Qur'an.
Perform a second ruku.
Complete two sujood.
Finish the prayer with tashahhud and salam.
Muslims gathering to offer Salat al-Kusuf in congregation, uniting in humility and seeking forgiveness during an eclipse.
What Dua and Dhikr Should You Read During a Solar Eclipse?
There is no single mandatory formula restricted specifically for a solar eclipse. Instead, the Sunnah encourages Muslims to spend the entire duration of the eclipse remembering Allah, asking Him for forgiveness, and supplicating sincerely.
You can repeatedly seek forgiveness by saying:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ
"Astaghfirullah — I seek forgiveness from Allah."
Other essential forms of dhikr recommended during this time include:
SubhanAllah: Glory be to Allah.
Alhamdulillah: All praise belongs to Allah.
Allahu Akbar: Allah is the Greatest.
La ilaha illallah: There is no god worthy of worship except Allah.
Turning to Allah with sincere heart, hands raised in dua and repentance as the darkness passes over the land.
Why the Prophet Stood Up and Spoke Afterwards
What is easy to miss reading descriptions of that historical day is what happened after the prayer ended. The Prophet stood, praised Allah, and delivered an address reminding the people of the moment's spiritual magnitude. Bound up in that reminder was a very specific instruction: give in charity.
The narrations mention the Prophet calling the people, in the aftermath of the eclipse, to sadaqah alongside dhikr, seeking forgiveness, and glorifying Allah. When something reminds us sharply that we are not in control, turning outward through charity bridges faith with action.
When the sun eclipsed, the Prophet told his Companions to do five key things:
Pray Salat al-Kusuf: Two rak'ahs with two bowings in each and long recitations.
Make dhikr: Takbir, Tasbeeh, and Tahmeed.
Make dua and seek forgiveness: Continue istighfar until the light fully returns.
Give charity: Sadaqah is highlighted side-by-side with prayer in authentic hadiths.
Do good: Engage in general righteous actions, from settling debts to repairing relationships.
What Not to Do During a Solar Eclipse in Islam
Islam explicitly liberates believers from superstitions, myths, and cultural folklore. During an eclipse, an eclipse should NOT be considered:
A sign that a particular person will pass away or be born.
A harbinger of bad luck or bad omens for pregnant women.
A source of magical or supernatural powers.
A reason to observe cultural superstitions unsupported by Islamic teachings.
Transforming moments of spiritual reflection into tangible aid by helping vulnerable families and communities in need.
From the Sky to the Ground: A Moment to Turn Back to Allah
The Sunnah gives us a response that doesn't end when the sky clears. A moment that humbles us should leave something lasting behind: extra dhikr on our tongues, a more mindful heart, and a hand open in giving.
Every pound given in genuine humility reaches someone living through their own literal or figurative darkness—a family in Gaza without a hot meal tonight, an orphan in Pakistan without care, or a community without clean drinking water. Through Aghosh UK's Sadaqah and emergency relief appeals, your response to Allah's signs becomes a direct lifeline for those in need.
Give Your Sadaqah Today
Support Aghosh UK – Alkhidmat Foundation during Solar/Lunar Eclipses, and let a moment of awe become a moment of impact.
The solar eclipse prayer is called Salat al-Kusuf (صلاة الكسوف).
How many rak'ahs are in the solar eclipse prayer?
Salat al-Kusuf consists of two rak'ahs. In the Prophetic method, each rak'ah contains two periods of standing, two recitations of Surah Al-Fatihah, and two ruku (bowings) before going into sujood.
Is there a special dua for a solar eclipse?
There is no single compulsory or restricted dua specifically for a solar eclipse. Muslims are encouraged to make sincere dua in their own words, remember Allah, and seek His forgiveness.
Can I say Astaghfirullah during a solar eclipse?
Yes. Seeking forgiveness (istighfar) is strongly recommended during an eclipse. You can say Astaghfirullah repeatedly and offer sincere repentance to Allah.
What should I pray during a solar eclipse?
Perform the two-rak'ah Salat al-Kusuf, and spend the remaining duration of the eclipse making dua, dhikr, and istighfar.
Can I pray the solar eclipse prayer at home?
Yes, Salat al-Kusuf may be performed individually at home, though joining a congregational prayer at a local mosque is highly encouraged where available.
What should you not do during a solar eclipse in Islam?
Avoid myths, bad omens, and superstitions. Islam explicitly clarifies that eclipses are divine signs of Allah and are not caused by the birth or death of any human being.
When should Salat al-Kusuf be prayed?
The eclipse prayer is performed while the eclipse is actively taking place. The Prophet ﷺ instructed believers to pray and make dua until the sky completely clears.
The Healing Power of Giving: Mental Health, Charity, and CompassionMental Health & Community
The Healing Power of Giving: Mental Health, Charity, and Compassion
BF
Batool Fatima
Health Professional & Writer
In this ever evolving and speeding era of AI and obsession to upgrade our lives to social media standards, an emerging stream of unhappiness and un-satisfaction seems to be on the rise. As a practicing Muslim and a health professional working in the United Kingdom, I have seen first-hand how generosity can transform lives, not only materially but emotionally and spiritually. While conversations around mental health often focus on therapy, medication, and support services, we sometimes overlook a powerful source of healing that lies at the heart of our faith: giving to others.
Islam teaches us that charity (sadaqah and zakat) is more than a financial transaction. It is an act of mercy that connects us to one another and reminds us that no one should face hardship alone. Increasingly, research and lived experience show that helping others can also support our own wellbeing, fostering purpose, gratitude, connection, and resilience.
"Islam teaches us that charity is more than a financial transaction. It is an act of mercy that connects us to one another and reminds us that no one should face hardship alone."
This message felt particularly relevant at the Muslim Mental Health Summit 2026 organised by Muslim Council of Britain, held at the University of East London. Bringing together mental health professionals, community leaders, charities like Aghosh UK – Alkhidmat Foundation, and activists, the summit highlighted the growing need for a coordinated, faith-sensitive approach to mental health within Muslim communities. Discussions focused on practical solutions, collaboration between organisations, improved access to support, youth wellbeing, neurodiversity, and strengthening community services responses to mental health challenges. The event emphasised that mental health is not an isolated issue but one that affects families, communities, schools, charities, and humanitarian work alike.
It was encouraging to see this spirit of practical collaboration reflected in the presence of Aghosh UK at the summit. Through its stall, the organisation shared how its relief work in Pakistan and Gaza with Alkhidmat Foundation goes beyond meeting immediate material needs and seeks to restore dignity, stability, and hope to vulnerable children and families. Aghosh UK’s Orphan Care Programme supports children in Pakistan and Gaza through education, healthcare, food, family support, and long-term sponsorship, while its Aghosh Homes provide a safe and nurturing environment for orphaned children who may otherwise face insecurity, neglect, or social isolation. These forms of sustained care are deeply connected to mental wellbeing, particularly for children affected by bereavement, conflict, displacement, and poverty. During the summit, Aghosh UK’s Director for the South invited individuals, professional groups, charities, and community organisations to work collaboratively with Aghosh UK and Alkhidmat Foundation, recognising that meaningful support often requires humanitarian organisations, mental health professionals, and local communities to work together rather than in isolation.
Muslim Mental Health Summit 2026 Highlights
Humanitarian Aid and Emotional Well-being
One area where mental health and charity intersect profoundly is humanitarian aid. Many of the beneficiaries supported by Muslim charities live in war zones, disaster-hit regions, refugee camps, and communities affected by extreme poverty. Whether in areas impacted by conflict, displacement, famine, or natural disasters, the psychological toll can be immense.
People living through these circumstances often experience anxiety, grief, trauma, depression, and chronic stress. Children may witness violence, lose family members, or endure prolonged uncertainty. Parents frequently carry the emotional burden of trying to provide stability while struggling to meet basic needs.
Although charitable giving cannot erase trauma, it can reduce some of the pressures that intensify mental distress. Access to food, shelter, healthcare, education, and community support helps restore a sense of safety and dignity. From a mental health perspective, hope is one of the most important protective factors against despair. When individuals know they have not been forgotten, they are often better able to cope with adversity and rebuild their lives.
The summit also highlighted the importance of moving beyond crisis responses and creating sustainable systems of support. Speakers discussed the need for greater coordination between charities, mental health providers, mosques, community organisations, and policymakers to address the growing mental health needs of Muslims both in the UK and internationally.
Supporting the Next Generation
Another group that deserves our urgent attention is teenagers. Across the UK, increasing numbers of young people are struggling with anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem, social pressures, academic expectations, and uncertainty about the future. Social media has amplified both opportunities and challenges, often creating unrealistic comparisons and constant pressure to appear successful or happy.
For Muslim teenagers, there can be additional challenges around identity, belonging, Islamophobia, and balancing cultural expectations with modern life. The Muslim Mental Health Summit recognised young people as a key priority, encouraging communities to create safe, supportive spaces where they can discuss mental health openly without fear of judgement or stigma.
One practical way to support young people's wellbeing is through charitable engagement. Volunteering, fundraising, mentoring, and community service can provide teenagers with a stronger sense of purpose and belonging. Rather than focusing solely on their own struggles, they begin to see how they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
I have worked with many young people who experienced a noticeable improvement in confidence and self-worth after becoming involved in charitable projects. Whether organising food-bank collections, supporting refugee families, or raising funds for humanitarian causes, these experiences help develop empathy, resilience, leadership skills, and social connection.
Giving Benefits the Giver
Importantly, giving benefits the giver as well as the recipient. When individuals engage in acts of kindness, they often experience a greater sense of fulfilment and meaning. In Islam, this is not surprising. Our faith teaches that caring for others strengthens the heart and draws us closer to Allah. Charity reminds us that our blessings are a trust and that true success is found not only in what we possess, but in what we share.
The key message I took away from the Muslim Mental Health Summit 2026 was simple but powerful: mental health is a collective responsibility. It requires collaboration, compassion, and action. Whether supporting a teenager struggling with anxiety, a family rebuilding after disaster, or a community affected by conflict and poverty, every act of care matters.
In a world facing growing mental health challenges, charity remains one of our most effective tools for promoting hope, resilience, and healing. Sometimes, the journey towards better mental health begins not with receiving help, but with extending a helping hand to someone else.
51 Palestinian Students Graduate in Pakistan | Aghosh UKGaza Emergency Response
A Proud Milestone: 51 Palestinian Students Graduate in Pakistan
Published on July 27, 2026 • Aghosh UK
A graduation ceremony held at the University of Lahore has marked a proud milestone for Palestinian students who have continued their education in Pakistan throughout the war on Gaza. Of the 51 Palestinian BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) students supported through the Palestinian Scholarship Programme run by Aghosh UK – Alkhidmat Foundation, 38 have now graduated, while the remaining 13 completed a one-year internship and received their certificates on the day.
Dr. Zuhair Mohammad Hamadallah Zaid, Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan, attended the ceremony as Chief Guest, while Prof. Dr. Hafeez-ur-Rehman, President of Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, joined as Guest of Honour. University of Lahore leadership, senior academicians, and representatives of Aghosh UK – Alkhidmat Foundation were also present, with the Dean of Al-Azhar University, Gaza, joining online to share in the occasion.
In Their Own Words
The ceremony was a moving occasion, with speeches that captured both the weight of what these students have lived through and the hope their education represents.
"People see you as a young graduating dentist, but I see you representative of more than 73,000 martyrs and more than 2 million people who don't have a safe roof on the top. And still they are living, they are striving hard… Gaza is a land of resilience and knowledge."
— Prof. Dr. Hafeez-ur-Rehman, President, Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan
"You are a brigade that you will go back to Gaza to serve our people there. This is your duty… There is many that they are waiting, not just the families that they are looking to you to see you, to hug you, but also the whole of our people waiting for your success, wanting you to come back."
— Dr. Zuhair Mohammad Hamadallah Zaid, Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan
"Three years ago, we left Gaza carrying only one dream, to complete our education, no matter how difficult the path might be. My journey took me into three different places, shifting from Gaza to Turkey, then to Cairo, and finally to Pakistan… I am deeply grateful to Alkhidmat Foundation for their continuous support, guidance, and generosity, reminding us that compassion knows no borders."
For Aghosh UK – Alkhidmat Foundation, this ceremony is more than a graduation photo opportunity — it is proof of why human development sits at the centre of our Gaza response. Since October 2023, alongside the emergency food, water and medical aid we deliver every day, we have prioritised keeping Palestinian students in education, because a generation denied the chance to learn is a generation Gaza cannot afford to lose.
That commitment is already reaching thousands. Through the Palestinian Scholarship Programme and our wider education response, Aghosh UK – Alkhidmat Foundation and our partner, Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, are currently sponsoring 409 students studying inside Pakistan and 2,100 students inside Gaza — from undergraduates to the medical students who will go on to become the doctors their communities urgently need.
This is not the first time Aghosh UK has stood alongside these students at a milestone moment. Eight months ago, when an earlier cohort of 113 Palestinian medical students graduated, Dr. Adeel Riaz, Chairman of Aghosh UK, travelled to address that graduating class in person — you can watch his address here. It's a commitment Aghosh UK intends to keep showing up for, cohort after cohort, until every Palestinian student who wants to finish their education has the chance to do so.
Part of a Two-Year Response
This milestone sits within a much larger effort. Aghosh UK – Alkhidmat Foundation's two-year Gaza Emergency Response report shows that, since October 2023, we have delivered £21.55 million in aid to the people of Gaza — including over 354,000 hot meals, 65,000 food packs, 2.5 million bottles of water and 394 tonnes of medicines — alongside sustained support for 650 orphans and 2,100 sponsored medical students inside Gaza. Education, alongside food, shelter and healthcare, remains one of the pillars we are determined to protect for as long as this crisis continues.
354,000+Hot Meals
65,000+Food Packs
2.5MWater Bottles
394TMedicines
650Orphans Supported
2,100Gaza Medical Students
How You Can Help
Every one of these students, in Pakistan and in Gaza, depends on donors in the UK continuing to give. You can help sponsor the next generation of Gaza's doctors by supporting our Educate a Medical Student in Gaza appeal, or contribute to our wider Gaza Emergency Appeal, which funds food, water, shelter and medical aid alongside our education programmes.
Congratulations to all 51 students on this remarkable achievement. Their determination is a powerful reminder that even amid devastation, education remains one of the most powerful forms of hope Aghosh UK – Alkhidmat Foundation can help protect. May this milestone open the way to a future of service, success and hope for Palestine.
The Aghosh President’s Cup 2026, A Celebration of Sport, Family and Generosity
Aghosh UK Event Coverage
There are fundraising events, and then there are events that leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends. The Aghosh President’s Cup 2026 was undoubtedly one of those occasions.
The vision behind the President’s Cup was simple: to create an event that combined the excitement of elite sport with family entertainment, whilst introducing new audiences to the life-changing work of Aghosh UK. Rather than hosting another traditional fundraising dinner, the aim was to offer supporters a memorable day where families could come together, enjoy a unique experience and, in doing so, make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families.
A Delightful Day for the Entire Community
Blessed with glorious sunshine and excellent weather throughout the day, guests began arriving from 11:00am onwards, creating an immediate sense of excitement and anticipation.
One of the most heart-warming aspects of the event was the remarkable number of families who joined us. Parents, grandparents and children spent the day together in a relaxed and welcoming environment, perfectly reflecting Aghosh UK’s commitment to creating events that bring communities together. The strong family attendance also highlighted exciting opportunities for future events, including dedicated children’s entertainment such as face painting, games and interactive activities.
Thrills, Polo and Supercars
The programme itself offered something for everyone. Spectators thoroughly enjoyed the thrilling polo matches, with many experiencing the sport for the very first time. The ever-popular mini horse races delighted both adults and children, whilst the spectacular supercar parade attracted admiration from across the venue. One of the day’s biggest highlights was the eagerly anticipated Supercar versus Horse Challenge, an unforgettable spectacle that captured the imagination of everyone present.
£62,000Pledged in Generous Support
11:00 AMGates Opened to Sunshine
While entertainment played an important part in the day’s success, the true purpose of the President’s Cup remained firmly focused on supporting the humanitarian work of Aghosh UK.
The fundraising appeal was intentionally kept concise, focused and impactful. The response from guests was truly remarkable, with approximately £62,000 pledged in support of Aghosh UK’s programmes. Equally encouraging was the number of first-time attendees. One of the event’s principal objectives was to introduce new supporters to the organisation, and it was inspiring to see so many people leave with a greater understanding of Aghosh UK’s work and the difference their generosity will make.
Power of Partnership and Collaboration
The success of the Aghosh President’s Cup was also made possible through the strength of partnership and collaboration. Aghosh UK extends its sincere appreciation to Hammad Malik, whose enthusiasm, commitment and support were instrumental in helping transform the vision for the event into reality. His contribution demonstrated the value of organisations and individuals working together to deliver something truly special for the benefit of others.
Behind every successful event is a dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes, and the President’s Cup was no exception. Their professionalism, flexibility and unwavering commitment ensured that guests enjoyed an exceptional experience from beginning to end.
Events of this scale are only possible because of the extraordinary efforts of many individuals. Special appreciation goes to Dr Adeel Riaz, Dr Usama, Hammad Malik, Abid Khawaja, Fahim Kayani, Ihtisham Khaliq, Mushood Ahmed, together with every volunteer who generously gave their time, expertise and energy. Their collective efforts created an event that exceeded expectations and reflected the very best of Aghosh UK’s values.
As the day drew to a close, there was a genuine sense that something special had been achieved. The Aghosh President’s Cup 2026 was far more than a fundraising event. It was a celebration of community, family, partnership and generosity. It introduced many new supporters to Aghosh UK’s work, exceeded fundraising expectations and created lasting memories for everyone who attended.
Most importantly, every ticket purchased, every pledge made and every hour volunteered will help Aghosh UK continue delivering hope, compassion and life-changing support to those who need it most. To everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored or supported the Aghosh President’s Cup in any way, thank you.
Written by: Sajid Ramzan
Director, Greater London and South Region | Aghosh UK
Aghosh UK Parliamentary Reception Celebrates the Transformative Impact of Major Donors and Partners
Aghosh UK was honoured to welcome supporters, partners, community leaders and distinguished guests to a special reception at the Houses of Parliament.
Event Overview & Keynote Impact
The event was organised as an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the collective impact made possible through the generosity, trust and continued commitment of major donors and partner organisations who stand alongside vulnerable children and families across the world.
Opening the reception, Aghosh UK CEO Khawaja Abid Mehmood reflected on the collective impact achieved through the support of donors and partners. He shared incredible milestones reached through global dedication:
34,000+Orphaned Children Supported in Pakistan
22 Million+Beneficiaries Reached Globally
In Gaza, Aghosh UK has supported more than 2,000 orphaned children, over 500 bereaved families of healthcare workers, and the education of hundreds of medical students. The organisation has also delivered more than 363,000 freshly prepared meals to families in need.
Core Work and Pillars of Support
A key presentation was delivered by Dr Adeel Riaz, Chairman of Aghosh UK, who outlined the organisation's work across seven core areas. Reflecting on Aghosh UK's approach, Dr Riaz highlighted the importance of investing in long-term solutions to build human capacity and strengthen communities.
Water & Sanitation
Healthcare
Education
Orphan Support
Community Dev
Islamic Microfinance
Humanitarian Relief
He shared examples including support for orphaned children, healthcare worker families and medical students affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Reflections from Parliamentary Speakers
Throughout the afternoon, speakers reflected on the vital role charities play in responding to humanitarian need and supporting vulnerable communities.
"Despite being a relatively small community within the UK, British Muslims remain among the country's most generous donors, highlighting that compassion, generosity and service to humanity are deeply rooted within the Islamic faith." — Afzal Khan MP
"Charities are the backbone of society. The contribution made by organisations such as Aghosh UK in serving vulnerable communities is highly praiseworthy." — Baroness Pola Uddin, Member of the House of Lords
Chris Doyle, Director of Caabu, highlighted the immense challenges facing humanitarian organisations operating in conflict-affected regions. He spoke about the growing humanitarian needs in Gaza and the importance of continuing support for vulnerable families, children and orphaned communities.
The audience also heard from Sarah Owen MP, who spoke about the vulnerability of women and children affected by conflict in Gaza and the importance of ensuring that future generations are given opportunities not only to survive but to thrive.
Community Trust and Transparency
Aqeel Ajazi from Masjid Al-Hikmah in Aberdeen strongly endorsed Aghosh UK’s work, highlighting that his masjid has supported various projects through Aghosh UK. He praised the Aghosh’s detailed feedback, transparency and impact reporting, which he said are hugely appreciated by the community.
The reception concluded with reflections from community leader Abdul Majeed, Chairman of Waltham Forest Islamic Association, who shared his personal experience of engaging with Aghosh UK. He recalled attending an Aghosh UK fundraising dinner intending to make a small contribution, but after being deeply impressed by the organisation’s work and impact, his community went on to fund a full ambulance and support a number of other projects.
Looking Towards the Future
The event served as an opportunity to thank supporters, volunteers, partners and communities whose trust has enabled Aghosh UK to continue serving vulnerable families over many years. As Aghosh UK looks towards the future, the organisation remains committed to combining immediate humanitarian assistance with long-term investment in education, healthcare, orphan care and community development helping create opportunities, dignity and hope for future generations.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all guests, speakers, volunteers, supporters and partners who joined us and continue to make this work possible.
It is the day every du'a is amplified, every sin can be forgiven, and Allah boasts about His servants to the angels. Here is what happened on the first Day of Arafah of Islam — and what you can do on yours.
"There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone, without any partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and all praise, and He has power over all things."
Imagine standing under the open sky on the plain of Arafah, surrounded by over 100,000 pilgrims, and seeing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for the very first time. For most of the companions gathered that day, it was exactly that. Their first sight of him, their first sermon from him, and as it would turn out, their last.
That moment was the Day of Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, and Muslim scholars across history have called it the best day of the year. In 2026, the Day of Arafah falls on Tuesday, 26 May.
The Day of Arafah is the spiritual peak of Hajj and the most beloved day of the Islamic year to Allah. It is the day when every pilgrim stands in du'a, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) delivered his Farewell Sermon, and when the verse of the perfection of religion was revealed.
Why scholars say "Hajj is Arafah"
Of all the rituals of Hajj, the tawaaf, the sa'ee, the stoning, the qurbani, it is the standing at Arafah that scholars describe as the ultimate pillar. A pilgrim who misses Arafah has missed Hajj itself. Everything else can, in some narrations, be made up. Arafah cannot.
The reason is the activity of the day. Arafah is not a day of motion. It is a day of du'a. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that supplication itself is worship, and the entire Day of Arafah is one extended act of standing before Allah, asking, weeping, praising and repenting. As one contemporary scholar puts it: "If du'a is worship, then Arafah is the core of Hajj, because Arafah is a day of du'a."
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also made it clear that no spot on the plain of Arafah is holier than another. He said: "All of Arafah is a place of standing." He anticipated that one day millions of pilgrims would crowd his footsteps, and he wanted no part of that. Stand wherever you are, and call upon Allah.
Two halves of Arafah — to the people, then to Allah
The Prophet's (peace be upon him) Day of Arafah was structured around two acts of speech. First, he spoke to the people, his community, gathered for the only time in such numbers. Then he turned, raised his hands, and spoke to Allah. Both halves matter, and both are part of what we inherit from him.
Before the day even began, he made one practical decision that scholars still study today. He combined his Dhuhr and Asr prayers at the beginning of Dhuhr time, so that the du'a of Arafah would not be interrupted. He prayed early so that he could spend the rest of the day in unbroken supplication. The lesson is for us too: protect the time of Arafah from distraction.
The Farewell Sermon — seven messages that changed the world
Picture this. Tens of thousands of people. No microphones. No loudspeakers. The companions later said the Prophet's (peace be upon him) voice carried so far that pilgrims sitting inside their distant tents could still hear him clearly, a miracle of that day. He stood on his camel, rode slowly through the crowd, and spoke.
He began by warning them: "Listen carefully to me. I do not know, perhaps I will not meet you after this year." Most of them did not understand. He did. This was his Farewell.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) then delivered what is now known as the Khutbah of the Farewell Hajj. Seven of its messages are the foundations on which Muslims have built their communities for fourteen centuries:
01
The sanctity of blood and wealth
"Your blood and your wealth are as sacred upon each other as this day, in this month, in this city." Killing a Muslim, or stealing from one, is as grave as desecrating the Ka'bah itself.
02
The end of tribal feuds
"All of the blood-feuds between you are crushed under my foot." And he began with his own family, abolishing the historical claim of his own tribe first.
03
The abolition of riba
Interest and usury, the system by which the rich grow richer and the poor grow poorer, was forbidden. "The first riba I abolish is the riba of my uncle."
04
The first declaration against racism
"There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of one who is white over one who is black, nor of one who is black over one who is white." The first such declaration in recorded human history.
05
The rights of women
"Treat your women well." He outlined the rights of women over their husbands, and the rights of husbands over their wives, establishing the foundation of the Muslim family.
06
Unity, not violence
"Do not return after me to disbelief, striking each other's necks." Muslims must not fight one another, internal violence breaks the community.
07
Carry the message forward
"Let those of you who are present convey to those who are absent." A single command that would carry Islam from the plain of Arafah to every continent on Earth.
The verse that completed Islam — revealed on this very day
In the middle of the Khutbah, a verse of the Qur'an descended upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). The early scholars record that no further rulings or legislation came after this verse. It was, in effect, the seal of revelation:
“
Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.
— Surah Al-Ma'idah
A Jewish man would later come to the Caliph Umar (RA) and say: "You have a verse in your Book. If it had been revealed upon us, we would have made the day of its revelation a festival." Umar (RA) replied: "I remember when it was revealed. It was a Friday, on the Day of Arafah, in the Farewell Hajj."
This is one of the deeper meanings of Arafah for the believer. It is the day on which our religion was sealed. Whatever rulings came after that, and there were some, were affirmations of what had already been revealed. The structure of Islam, by the end of Arafah, was complete.
"O Allah, bear witness" — the Prophet's (peace be upon him) humility
What is striking about the end of the Khutbah is the humility of the Prophet (peace be upon him). After delivering this seismic message, racism abolished, riba abolished, the family established, the religion completed, he turned to the people and asked them a question:
"You will be asked about me on the Day of Judgment. What will you say?"
And from that vast plain came the answer of more than a hundred thousand voices:
"We bear witness that you have delivered the message, that you have fulfilled the trust, and that you have given us sincere counsel."
The Prophet (peace be upon him) raised his finger to the sky and said three times: "O Allah, bear witness. O Allah, bear witness. O Allah, bear witness."
Hours of du'a — a hand never lowered
After the Khutbah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) turned from the people and turned to Allah. The companions narrate that he raised his hands to the sky and did not lower them for the rest of the day. Hours of standing. Hours of asking. They could see the white of his blessed armpits, his hands stayed so high.
What was he praying for? The narrations do not record every word, but they capture the scene. The largest gathering of believers ever assembled, in complete silence, on the best day of the year, in the most beloved place, every one of them in du'a behind their Prophet (peace be upon him). The blessings descending in that moment are beyond imagination.
And one human moment captures the intensity of his focus. His wife Maymuna (RA) saw the pilgrims becoming dehydrated in the heat. They were unsure whether the Prophet (peace be upon him) was fasting. He had forbidden them to fast on Arafah, but had not openly broken his own fast. So she sent a glass of milk to him. He was so absorbed in du'a that the companions could not even interrupt him to ask. The Prophet (peace be upon him) saw her, understood, raised the glass high so that all could see, and drank, so the people would drink too.
For pilgrims standing at Arafah, the ruling is settled: do not fast. For everyone else, fasting on Arafah is one of the most rewarded acts of the year.
The day Allah boasts about you to the angels
Of all the days of the Islamic year, the Day of Arafah is the one on which Allah descends His mercy most fully, looks upon His servants in their du'a, and boasts of them to the inhabitants of the heavens.
Scholars cite the well-known narration that on the Day of Arafah, Allah looks upon His servants standing in supplication and calls the angels to bear witness, saying: "What is it that they are asking?" He is proud of His believers. He loves the sight of them gathered, hands raised, voices low, asking only Him.
That is what Arafah is. Not just a ritual. Not just a sermon. It is the one day every year that the believer is most clearly seen by Allah.
What you can do in the UK on the Day of Arafah 2026
You do not need to be in Makkah to be honoured by this day. For Muslims here in the United Kingdom, the Sunnah practices of Arafah are accessible to all:
Fast the day. For those not performing Hajj, fasting on Arafah is among the most rewarded fasts of the year. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said it expiates the sins of the previous year and the year to come. (Pilgrims at Arafah do not fast.)
Make long du'a. Protect the day from distraction, set time aside, and ask Allah for the things you would never dare ask for. This is the day He boasts of those who ask.
Increase dhikr. Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), Tahleel (La ilaha illa Allah), Tasbeeh (SubhanAllah). The Sunnah is to say them aloud in homes, mosques and on the streets.
Give sadaqah. Wealth given on Arafah is given on the most beloved day of the year. A single pound carries weight that no ordinary day can match.
Prepare for Eid ul Adha and your Qurbani. Arafah falls on 9 Dhul Hijjah; Eid ul Adha falls on the 10th. Confirm your Qurbani booking is in place before the day arrives.
One final reflection from the Prophet's (peace be upon him) Khutbah: "Let those of you who are present convey to those who are absent." If this article has reached you, share it with someone who has not yet heard. That command is fourteen centuries old. It has not expired.
Make this Arafah count
Give sadaqah on the Day of Arafah
Wealth given on the most beloved day of the year — to disadvantaged families in rural Pakistan, displaced Palestinian families in Egypt, Lebanon and the West Bank, and orphans sponsored by Aghosh UK across the world.
Hajj 2026: A Complete Guide to the Dates, Rituals and the Blessed 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
When is Hajj 2026? This guide explains the expected dates of Hajj, the meaning of the pilgrimage, the key rites performed over its sacred days, and why the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah matter for every Muslim — not only those travelling to Makkah.
Reviewed by [Scholar Name] • Last updated May 2026
Expected Hajj 2026 dates: Hajj 2026 is expected to take place from Tuesday 26 May 2026 to Sunday 31 May 2026, corresponding to 8–13 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, subject to moonsighting.
When is Hajj 2026?
Hajj 2026 is expected to begin on 8 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, which is likely to fall on Tuesday 26 May 2026. The Day of Arafah is expected on Wednesday 27 May 2026, and Eid al-Adha on Thursday 28 May 2026.
These dates remain estimates because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle. Official dates are confirmed closer to the time by moonsighting and Saudi authorities.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah and the fifth pillar of Islam. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able.
The roots of Hajj go back to Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajar, and Isma'il (AS). The rites of Hajj commemorate their devotion, sacrifice, and trust in Allah.
Each year millions of Muslims gather from around the world to perform the pilgrimage during Dhul Hijjah.
The Rites of Hajj — A Day-by-Day Guide
8 Dhul Hijjah
Yawm at-Tarwiyah. Pilgrims enter Ihram and travel to Mina.
9 Dhul Hijjah
The Day of Arafah. Pilgrims stand at Arafat — the essence of Hajj.
10 Dhul Hijjah
Eid al-Adha. Pilgrims collect pebbles, stone Jamarat, offer Qurbani and perform Tawaf al-Ifadah.
11–12 Dhul Hijjah
Days of Tashreeq. Pilgrims continue the stoning rituals.
13 Dhul Hijjah
Optional final stoning and farewell Tawaf.
This is a guide, not a fiqh manual. Pilgrims should follow qualified scholars and their tour operators.
The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah — The Most Beloved Days of the Year
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” — Sahih Bukhari 969
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar. These days are not only for pilgrims. Every Muslim can increase worship and good deeds during this period.
Fasting
Fasting is highly recommended, especially on the Day of Arafah.
Dhikr and Takbeer
These are days to increase remembrance of Allah through takbeer, tahmeed and tasbeeh.
Qur’an Recitation
Many Muslims dedicate extra time to reciting and reflecting on the Qur’an.
Sadaqah
Sadaqah is one of the most accessible good deeds for Muslims who may not be able to fast or increase lengthy worship routines.
Hajj for Those Not Going — How to Earn the Reward at Home
Not travelling for Hajj does not mean missing the blessings of these days. The Prophet ﷺ taught that fasting the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous and coming year (Sahih Muslim 1162).
Practical actions include fasting, reciting takbeer, increasing worship, and giving charity.
For UK donors looking to give Sadaqah in these blessed days, Aghosh UK works with Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan to deliver support directly to families in need.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
The 10 days only matter for pilgrims. These days are for every Muslim.
Qurbani is only for those on Hajj. Muslims around the world can also offer Qurbani.
You must give a fixed amount of Sadaqah. Sadaqah is voluntary and any amount is rewarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Day of Arafah 2026?
It is expected to fall on Wednesday 27 May 2026, subject to moonsighting.
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those able, while Umrah is voluntary and can be performed at any time of the year.
Is fasting on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah obligatory?
No. It is a highly recommended sunnah for those not performing Hajj.
Can I give Qurbani if I am not going to Hajj?
Yes. Qurbani is performed by Muslims worldwide during Eid al-Adha.
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah come only once a year
Use these blessed days to increase worship, reflection, and giving.
Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is an act of worship performed during Eid ul Adha. It involves the sacrifice of a livestock animal in the days of Dhul Hijjah.
It commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim AS, who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail AS in obedience to Allah. As Ibrahim AS prepared to fulfil that command, Allah accepted his intention and replaced Ismail with a ram.
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.” — Surah Al Hajj 22:37
More than ritual
Qurbani is not just an animal slaughter. It is a deeply rooted act of obedience, gratitude, and care. Through Qurbani, we offer worship, feed the hungry, and revive a Sunnah that nourishes both body and soul.
02 · Three Pillars
Why Qurbani matters
Religious Obligation
Qurbani is a Sunnah of Ibrahim AS and a beloved act of worship. Through it, every Muslim renews submission to Allah.
End Hunger
For many disadvantaged families across rural Pakistan and refugee communities, Eid ul Adha is the one day of the year they will eat fresh meat.
Economic Impact
Animals are sourced locally wherever possible. Farmers earn, butchers work, and rural traders see business.
03 · Who Must Give
Is Qurbani obligatory?
Qurbani is obligatory upon every sane adult Muslim, male or female, who possesses wealth in excess of their essential needs.
Rule of thumb: If you are eligible to pay Zakat, you are obliged to give Qurbani.
One Qurbani per eligible person: One Qurbani is offered per eligible adult, not per household.
When is it performed? Qurbani is offered on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. In 2026, this is expected to fall between 27 May and 29 May.
04 · The Animal
How are Qurbani shares selected?
Goat / Sheep
1
Share · Min age 1 year
Cow / Buffalo
7
Shares · Min age 2 years
Camel
7
Shares · Min age 5 years
Every animal must be healthy, free from major defects, and not visibly sick, injured, or underweight.
05 · Following the Prophet
Sunnahs of Qurbani
Offer your Qurbani personally if you are able, or appoint a trusted organisation.
From the 1st of Dhul Hijjah, refrain from clipping nails and trimming hair until Qurbani is complete.
Wear your best clothes on Eid and take ghusl before Eid prayer.
Perform Eid salah before eating your first meal.
Make du'a for those who will receive your Qurbani.
06 · The Journey of Your Qurbani
Where your Qurbani reaches in 2026
Your Qurbani reaches families across Pakistan including Kashmir, and displaced Palestinian refugee families across Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and the West Bank.
Goat / Sheep
£170
Cow Share
£72
Full Cow
£505
08 · Our Process
From your gift to their door
1. Sourcing: Animals are selected by hand from local farmers.
2. Care: Animals are kept in hygienic enclosures with daily health checks.
3. Slaughter: Performed under qualified Shariah supervision.
4. Distribution: Meat is packed safely and delivered to deserving families.
5. Donor Report: Photos and videos are sent by email after Eid.
09 · Trust, Proven
Last year’s impact
3,593
Goats and Sheep
6,898
Cows and Bulls
280,846
Meat Packs Distributed
1.4M
Beneficiaries Reached
11 · FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is the deadline? Before the 9th of Dhul Hijjah is strongly recommended.
Can I choose where it is performed? Yes, Pakistan or Palestinian Refugees.
Can I give on behalf of someone else? Yes, including deceased relatives.
When will I receive my donor report? Usually within four to six weeks after Eid.
Your Sacrifice. Their Eid.
Animals are being sourced. Families are waiting. Bismillah, give your Qurbani today.
There are days in the Islamic calendar that carry a weight of spiritual reward unlike any other. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah — the final month of the Islamic year — are among them. Allah (SWT) Himself has taken an oath by these days in the Quran, declaring them among the most sacred time on earth.
With Dhul Hijjah 2026 expected to begin on Monday 18 May in the UK, and Eid al-Adha expected on Wednesday 27 May, now is the time to prepare — spiritually and practically — for the greatest ten days of the year.
“By the dawn; And [by] ten nights.” (Quran 89:1-2)
The scholars of tafsir are near-unanimous: these ten nights are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
Why Are These Ten Days So Special?
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) told us directly:
“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The companions asked: ‘Not even jihad in the path of Allah?’ He said: ‘Not even jihad in the path of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and his wealth and does not come back with any of that.’ (Sahih al-Bukhari, 969)
This Hadith is extraordinary. The Prophet (SAW) is telling us that the deeds we perform in these ten days — however small — are more beloved to Allah than virtually any other act at any other time of the year. It is an unparalleled window of spiritual opportunity.
The reason these days are so blessed is that they combine the greatest acts of worship: Hajj, Qurbani (sacrifice), fasting, charity, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and Eid prayer. They are the convergence of the pillars of Islam in a single sacred season.
The Key Dates of Dhul Hijjah 2026 (UK)
1st Dhul Hijjah: Monday 18 May 2026 — Start of the blessed ten days
8th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah): Monday 25 May 2026 — Hajj pilgrims travel to Mina
9th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah): Tuesday 26 May 2026 — The greatest single day of the year
10th Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha): Wednesday 27 May 2026 — Qurbani begins after Eid prayer
11th-13th Dhul Hijjah (Ayyam al-Tashreeq): Thursday-Saturday — Qurbani can still be performed
All dates are subject to local moon sighting. Please confirm with your mosque.
10 Deeds to Perform in the Best 10 Days
1. Fast the First Nine Days It is Sunnah to fast on the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet (SAW) himself would fast during this time. Fasting is especially powerful on the Day of Arafah — it is reported that fasting on this single day expiates the sins of two full years (Muslim, 1162). Note: Fasting is haraam (prohibited) on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah — the day of Eid al-Adha itself.
2. Increase Your Dhikr The Prophet (SAW) commanded: “Recite a great deal of tahleel (La ilaha ill-Allah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) during these days.” (Ahmad) The Takbeer al-Tashreeq is especially recommended from Fajr on the Day of Arafah until Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha ill-Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillah il-hamd.
3. Give Your Qurbani If you have not already given your Qurbani for 2026, do not delay. Giving early through a trusted charity like Aghosh UK means your sacrifice is prepared and ready to be performed on the first day of Eid, ensuring no delay for the families waiting to receive it.
4. Give Sadaqah and Zakat Any righteous deed in these days is multiplied in reward. If you have been meaning to pay your Zakat, give Sadaqah, or sponsor an orphan — do it now. Your £4 in these blessed days could carry the weight of a lifetime of charity at any other time.
5. Recite Extra Quran Dhul Hijjah is a time to return to the Quran. Aim to complete a juz (chapter) each day, or simply increase your daily recitation. Sit with the words of Allah and let this sacred season renew your connection.
6. Make Istighfar (Seek Forgiveness) These are the days when Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are most accessible. Increase your Istighfar — Astaghfirullah wa atoobu ilayk — especially in the early hours of the morning, when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and calls out: ‘Who is seeking forgiveness, that I may forgive them?’
7. Refrain from Cutting Hair and Nails If you intend to give Qurbani, the majority of scholars recommend refraining from cutting your hair and nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until your Qurbani is performed. The Hanbali school considers this obligatory. This is a beautiful reminder of your intention and a symbol of entering a state of worship similar to the state of ihram worn by Hajj pilgrims.
8. Perform Night Prayers (Qiyam al-Layl) Wake in the last third of the night and pray two rak’ah, then two, then two — as many as you are able. These nights are among the greatest of the year. Make du’a in sujood. Ask Allah for forgiveness, for mercy, for your family, and for the Ummah. These are the moments that change lives. 9. Feed Others The Prophet (SAW) said: “Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free the captive.” (Bukhari). Dhul Hijjah is a season of generosity. Cook extra food for your neighbours. Give to your local food bank. Fund a hot meal for a displaced family in Gaza through Aghosh UK. Every act of feeding another person is an act of Ibadah.
10. Attend the Eid Prayer The Eid al-Adha prayer is Sunnah Muakkadah — a confirmed and emphasised Sunnah. Attend your local Eid prayer, bring your children, dress in your finest clothes, and arrive early. The Eid congregation is a moment of unity for the Muslim Ummah — a public declaration of gratitude and devotion. The Day of Arafah: The Greatest Day of the Year Among the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah — Tuesday 26 May 2026 — stands apart. It is the day on which Allah (SWT) perfected the religion of Islam, revealed in the
famous verse:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Quran 5:3)
On this day, millions of Hajj pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah in the greatest gathering of humanity on earth. For those of us not performing Hajj, we participate in spirit by fasting, making du’a, and giving charity.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is one of the most powerful acts a non-Hajj Muslim can perform. The Prophet (SAW) was asked about fasting on this day and said it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
How Aghosh UK Can Help You Maximise These Days
During the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Aghosh UK offers multiple ways to give and earn reward:
Qurbani 2026: Give your sacrifice and feed a family in Pakistan or Gaza this Eid
Sadaqah: Give any amount — your charity in these days carries extraordinary reward
Zakat: If you have not yet paid your annual Zakat, these are among the best days to do so
Orphan Sponsorship: Sponsor a child in Pakistan or Gaza and earn ongoing (sadaqah jariyah) reward
Gaza Hot Meals: Feed a displaced family in Gaza with a hot meal for as little as £4 per day
Give in the 10 Best Days — Donate at alkhidmat.org.uk
These ten days come and go. Once they pass, they do not return. Let us not reach the end of Dhul Hijjah 2026 with regret. Make your intention now, plan your deeds, and give generously. May Allah (SWT) accept from all of us. Ameen.
