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Allah ﷻ has placed blessings within three things: people, places and time.
As for people, we have the Prophets, Messengers, and the righteous servants of God, who are all a means of blessing.
As for places, blessings are placed in the Massajid (houses of God). Particularly Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah and Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. Moreover, any place in which the remembrance of Allah ﷻ takes place is indeed blessed.
Regarding time – which is directly related to the topic of this blog, Allah ﷻ has bestowed great blessings within various moments. So much so that it is not possible for the one seeking God to pass by a moment except they find it filled with blessings and goodness. Whether it’s Ramadan, the days of Hajj, or the day of Friday (Jummu’ah), to name a few.
The following tradition from the Prophet ﷺ alludes to this notion:
“Surely your Lord has winds [of mercy] in the days of your time, so expose yourselves to them. For perhaps you will attain a breeze from them and thereafter you will never be unhappy.” (Tabarani)
Although there are many blessed times and seasons throughout the year, we often hear about the four sacred months. What are the four sacred months, I hear you ask? Keep on reading, and we’ll reveal all.
Allah ﷻ says in the Quran:
إِنَّ عِدَّةَ ٱلشُّهُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًۭا فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مِنْهَآ أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌۭ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا۟ فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ وَقَـٰتِلُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ كَآفَّةً كَمَا يُقَـٰتِلُونَكُمْ كَآفَّةًۭ ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ
“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 one another during these months. And together, fight the polytheists as they fight against you together. And know that Allah is with those mindful (of Him).” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)
This verse associates the mention of ‘twelve months’ with the creation of the heavens and earth, highlighting Allah’s creation of the universe and the establishment of the laws of time. It emphasizes the significance of these months and religion by connecting them to humanity and the prohibition of oppression. Finally, the verse concludes with a call to piety, emphasizing its importance in all situations.
The Prophet ﷺ also brings attention to the sacred months:
“The division of time has turned to its original form, which was current when Allah ﷻ created the Heavens and the Earths. The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: Three are in subsequent Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab of (the tribe of) Mudar, which comes between Jumad al-Thani and Sha’ban.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
It is important to note that these sacred months were deemed so even in pre-Islamic Arabia. During these seasons, the sound of clanging swords was absent as the Arabs respected the sanctity of these periods. Once the sacred months were over, they would resume fighting.
يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلشَّهْرِ ٱلْحَرَامِ قِتَالٍۢ فِيهِ ۖ قُلْ قِتَالٌۭ فِيهِ كَبِيرٌۭ ۖ
“They ask you about the sacred month – about fighting therein. Say, fighting therein is great [sin].” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:217)
We now take a closer look at the four sacred months and their origins. Any time in which Allah ﷻ is remembered or sought is indeed special. But these four months hold even more virtue and importance. Carrying out good deeds within these months results in greater rewards, but misdeeds are also seen as graver.
What Does Dhul-Qa’dah Mean?
The name Dhul-Qa’dah (ذو القعدة) comes from the Arabic root “q-‘-d” (ق ع د), meaning “to sit, settle, or rest.” Thus, Dhul-Qa’dah translates to “the one who is sitting down”—a reference to the ancient tradition of ceasing warfare and travel disruptions in preparation for Hajj.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in the Record of Allah—since the day He created the heavens and the earth, of which four are sacred…” (Qur’an 9:36)
Dhul-Qa’dah is the first of the four sacred months (followed by Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab), marking the beginning of the pilgrimage season.
Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide. The name itself carries deep meaning—Dhul-Hijjah means “Possessor of the Pilgrimage” (ذو الحجة), directly referencing the annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj. This sacred month is a time of devotion, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal, marking one of the most important periods in the Islamic year.
The Meaning Behind the Name: “Possessor of the Pilgrimage”
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time of deep spiritual significance. The name itself holds profound meaning. Muharram means “that which has been made sacred” (مُحَرَّم). It is one of the four sacred months in Islam, a period marked by reverence, historical events, and divine blessings.
The Meaning of Muharram: A Sacred Month
The term “Muharram” comes from the Arabic root word “ḥ-r-m” (ح ر م), which denotes sanctity, prohibition, and inviolability. This means:
What Does Rajab Mean?
The name “Rajab” (رجب) comes from the Arabic root “r-j-b” (ر ج ب), which means “to respect, honor, or make great.” Thus, Rajab means “that which has been made great”—a title reflecting its sacred status in Islam.
Allah mentions the sacred months in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in the Record of Allah—since the day He created the heavens and the earth, of which four are sacred…” (Qur’an 9:36)
Rajab is one of these four sacred months, alongside Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram.
The gifts and bounties of Allah ﷻ are manifold. Even with the sacred months, there are days which hold even more blessings and significance than others.
For example, in Dhul-Hijjah, the first ten days are known as the best days of the year, and extra worship and fasting are encouraged. There is also the Day of ‘Arafah, the days of Tashreek, and Eid-ul-Adha.
Muharram is the first month in the Hijri lunar calendar and marks the start of the new Islamic year. Fasting in this month is better than fasting at any other time, after the month of Ramadan, of course.
أَفْضَلُ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ صِيَامُ شَهْرِ اللَّهِ الْمُحَرَّمِ
“The most excellent fast after (fasting) in the month of Ramadan is the fast in Allah’s month: Muharram.” (Sahih Muslim)
In the Hadith mentioned earlier, the Prophet ﷺ informed us that Allah ﷻ has prepared winds of mercy and goodness within the days of our time. He (ﷺ) then orders us to expose ourselves to those winds of mercy.
It is important to increase good deeds and those things that will reignite our connection with our creator (ﷻ), seeking to maximize our gain from the generosity He spreads out for the Ummah of His beloved (ﷺ).
Here are some things we can do:
The month of Ramadan passed by us not long ago, and within it, Muslims around the world sought to reconnect with their religion by recommitting to devotional acts such as Salah (prayer), reciting the Quran, and the like.
After Ramadan, some may have experienced more consistency than others. If you see yourself falling short post-Ramadan, then fear not; these sacred months are also seasons of heightened spirituality and religious awareness.
Allah ﷻ is giving us yet another chance to return to Him. It is we who distance ourselves from our Lord. But He ﷻ is the most merciful, always facilitating our return to Him.
As we mentioned the significance of the four sacred months in Islam, Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab, let us strive to seize these divine opportunities for forgiveness, worship, and renewal. These months are not just markers of time; they are Allah’s gift to the believers, offering a chance to elevate our emaan, increase our good deeds, and draw closer to Him through sincere devotion. Ameen
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