The Islamic month of Dhul Hajj holds profound spiritual significance, particularly its first ten days, which are described by scholars like Sheikh Professor Umar Sani Fagge of Kano as among the most rewarding periods in Islam, second only to the last ten days of Ramadan. For the year 1446 AH, the first day of Dhul Hajj was declared as Wednesday, May 28, 2025, by authorities including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Saudi Arabian authorities. This sacred period culminates in the Day of Arafat on the ninth day and Eid al-Adha on the tenth.

The sanctity of these initial ten days of Dhul Hijjah is further affirmed in the Qur’an, notably in Surah Al-Fajr (Chapter 85), which begins with oaths emphasizing divine greatness, including an oath by 'the ten nights.' Exegetes like Ibn ‘Abbas interpret these 'ten nights' as the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted their importance, stating, "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to the Almighty than these days (i.e. the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah)." When asked if this included Jihad, he affirmed, except for a person who sacrifices both self and wealth in Jihad and does not return.

Muslims are urged to intensify their righteous deeds during this blessed time. Recommended acts include frequent recitation of the Qur’an, voluntary fasting (especially on the Day of Arafat for those not performing Hajj, as it expiates sins), regular prayers, strengthening family ties by visiting relatives, and sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, believers are encouraged to engage in abundant Tasbih (‘Subhan-Allah’), Tahmid (‘Al-hamdu Lillah’), Takbir (‘Allahu akbar’), and Tahlil (‘La ilaha ill-Allah’), reflecting deeply to maximize the immense spiritual benefits available.

As these sacred days unfold, preparations for the annual Hajj pilgrimage intensify. By Wednesday, May 28, 2025 (Dhul Hijjah 3, 1446 AH), Saudi Arabia reported the arrival of 1,255,199 pilgrims from abroad. The majority, 1,186,810, arrived via airports, with 63,301 crossing land borders and 5,088 by sea. The Kingdom's General Directorate of Passports emphasized its commitment to smooth entry procedures, utilizing modern technology and multilingual staff. Concurrently, authorities are finalizing arrangements at the holy sites to ensure pilgrims can perform their rites with ease and comfort.

Among the international pilgrims are those from Nigeria. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) successfully completed the airlift of its government quota of 41,568 pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj. The final flight, the 105th, carried 22 pilgrims and 231 officials. In total, around 63,000 Nigerian pilgrims, including those travelling via tour operators, are expected, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading the national delegation. NAHCON has also inspected facilities at Mina and Arafat, with Deputy Coordinator Alhaji Alidu Shutti expressing satisfaction with the preparations, ensuring a smooth Hajj operation at these crucial sites where millions gather for essential Islamic rites.

The core Hajj rites are scheduled to commence on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 (Dhul Hijjah 8, 1446 AH), when pilgrims will move from Makkah to Mina. The pinnacle of Hajj, the Day of Arafat, falls on Thursday, June 5, 2025 (Dhul Hijjah 9). The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized its centrality by stating, "Al-Hajj Arafah" – Hajj is Arafah. Missing the assembly on the plain of Arafat, located about nine miles east of Makkah, is tantamount to missing Hajj. The term 'Arafah' itself signifies knowledge, reflecting the necessity for humans to know the Almighty through His creation.

On the Day of Arafat, pilgrims evacuate their tents in Mina around noon and proceed to the plain of Arafat. There, they observe Zuhr and Asr prayers combined and listen to the Khutbah (sermon) delivered from near Jabal al-Rahmah. The afternoon until sunset is spent in prayer, supplication, and chanting praises to Allah. This day holds immense historical significance, as it was on Arafat that Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon. Key messages from this sermon include the sanctity of every Muslim's life and property, the prohibition of usury, the rights of women and their kind treatment, the unity and brotherhood of all Muslims regardless of race or origin (except by piety), and adherence to the Quran and Sunnah as guides to prevent straying from righteousness. The gathering also serves as a poignant reminder of the Day of Resurrection.

Following sunset on Arafat, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah, as instructed in the Quran (2:198): "When you return from Arafat, (stop at Muzdalifah and) praise the Almighty…" In Muzdalifah, they perform Maghrib and Isha prayers combined and spend the night in the open. Early the next morning, Friday, June 6, 2025 (Dhul Hijjah 10), which is also Eid al-Adha or the Day of Sacrifice, pilgrims return to Mina. There, they perform several key rites: the sacrifice of an animal, the clipping or shaving of hair, the symbolic stoning of the devil (Ramy al-jimar), and Tawaf al-Ifadah (the circumambulation of the Kaaba for Hajj).

These Hajj rituals are rich in symbolism. The throwing of stones at the Jamarat connects pilgrims to Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) rejection of Satan, urging them to disconnect from evil. The animal sacrifice symbolizes the pilgrim's willingness to give up worldly attachments and end iniquitous tendencies, submitting fully to Allah, who made the sacrificial animal submissive to them. The rites of Hajj are considered the pinnacle of a Muslim's faith journey. Whether on Hajj or at home, believers are reminded that Allah is ever-present, ever-attentive, and never-failing, unlike any other object of devotion.