4 Sacred Months in Islam
The Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar consisting of twelve months. Among these, four months hold special significance and are considered sacred. These sacred months offer Muslims a unique opportunity to increase their acts of worship, refrain from wrongdoing, and draw closer to Allah (SWT). Let’s explore these months and understand how we can make the most of them.
1. Understanding the Sacred Months
The Islamic lunar calendar determines crucial dates for various religious observances in the Muslim tradition. Allah (SWT) states in the Quran:
“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve -in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth – of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong yourselves during these months.” (Quran, 9:36).
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) further elaborated:
“The division of time has turned to its original form which was current when Allah created the Heavens and the Earths. The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: Three are in subsequent; Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab of (the tribe of) Mudar which comes between Jumadi at-Thani and Sha’ban.” (Bukhari)
During these sacred months, the reward for good deeds is multiplied, and the punishment for wrongdoings is also increased. Muslims are encouraged to refrain from sins and increase their good deeds. Allah has declared that fighting is forbidden in these months unless initiated by the enemy, and transgression of the sacred limits is considered more severe than at other times.
2. The Sacred Months and Their Virtues
Muharram
• Meaning: Muharram translates to “forbidden” or “sacred.”
• Historical Significance: Historically, pilgrims would travel back to their homes during this time, and fighting was paused to allow safe passage.
• Virtue: It marks the beginning of the Islamic year. Fasting in Muharram, especially on the 10th (Ashura), holds great reward.
Rajab
• Meaning: Rajab means “great” or “that which is revered”.
• Unique Stand: Unlike the other months, Rajab stands alone in the middle of the year.
• Pre-Islamic Significance: Pre-Islamic Arabs revered this month and ceased fighting to allow minor pilgrimages.
• Preparation: It is the second to last month before Ramadan, serving as a preparation period for the holy month.
Dhul-Qa’dah
• Meaning: Dhul-Qa’dah refers to “the one who is sitting down”.
• Historical Significance: Arab tribes would cease fighting in preparation for the pilgrimage during this month.
• Pilgrimage: It signifies the beginning of the pilgrimage season, where pilgrims prepare for the Hajj journey. Pilgrims are permitted to arrive in Makkah for the Hajj pilgrimage from as early as Dhul Qa’dah.
Dhul-Hijjah
• Meaning: Dhul-Hijjah means ‘possessor of the pilgrimage,’ referring to the month of Hajj.
• Significance: It is the month in which the Hajj takes place, one of the most important actions in a Muslim’s life. The first ten days are known as the best days of the year, and extra worship and fasting are encouraged.
• Virtue: This month also includes the Day of ‘Arafah, the days of Tashreek, and Eid-ul-Adha.
3. Virtues and Significance
Even within the sacred months, certain days hold more blessings and significance:
• Muharram: The first month in the Hijri lunar calendar and marks the start of the new Islamic year. Fasting, especially on Ashura, is highly rewarding.
• Rajab: A period for preparing spiritually and mentally for Ramadan.
• Dhul-Qa’dah: A preparatory time for the Hajj journey.
• Dhul-Hijjah: The first ten days are the best days of the year. The Day of ‘Arafah, the days of Tashreek, and Eid-ul-Adha are highly significant.
4. How to Take Benefit of These Sacred Months
To maximise the spiritual benefits during these sacred months:
1. Reconnect to Our Lord: Recommit to religious obligations, make more time for prayer, Quran recitation, fasting, and other good deeds.
2. Give More Charity: Acts of charity hold immense rewards. Support worthy causes, such as sponsoring an orphan.
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In conclusion, the sacred months provide an exceptional opportunity for Muslims to enhance their worship, avoid sins, and attain greater rewards. Let us strive to make the most of these blessed times by increasing our good deeds and helping those in need.