Islam has spiritual values that have evolved, and specific periods are considered more significant than others. Amongst them, there are the 4 Sacred Months in the Islamic religion, Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. These are months of the divine choice, and the Qur’an and Hadith refer to these months as the months of blessings, and all good deeds are doubled, and evil deeds are particularly condemned.
In this paper, we are going to discuss the meaning, history, and significance of these four holy months and the advice that Muslims get on the way they should behave in them.
What Are the 4 Sacred Months in Islam?
The 4 Sacred Months in Islam are:
- Dhul-Qi’dah (11th month of the Islamic calendar)
- Dhul-Hijjah (12th month)
- Muharram (1st month)
- Rajab (7th month)
These months are mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah At-Tawbah:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them.”
— Qur’an 9:36
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasized these months in his final sermon.
Why Are These Months Called Sacred?
To elaborate on the meaning of the word sacred here, it implies that God has assigned these months a special status and that some actions in these months will weigh more heavily, good and evil.
- Worship and charity actions are more rewarded.
- Vices and crimes are worse and harmful during these months.
- Even in pre-Islamic times, the tribes of Arabia would observe a period of suspended warfare during these months due to reverence.
A Closer Look at Each Sacred Month
1. Dhul-Qi’dah
It is the 11th month on the Islamic calendar, one of the three successive sacred months. It was always a period of relaxation and tranquility, but in particular as pilgrims moved to Makkah to observe Hajj.
2. Dhul-Hijjah
The 12th month is particularly significant, especially for Muslims, due to the Hajj (pilgrimage) and Eid al-Adha. The initial 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah are regarded as one of the favoured days to carry out positive actions in a year.
3. Muharram
The first month of the Islamic calendar is considered holy, and Ashura (the 10th of Muharram) often coincides with those early days, which are characterized as days of fasting for Muslims to recall the success of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA). It is among the holiest months to fast after Ramadan.
4. Rajab
The 7th month is Rajab, and it is different from the other holy months (which are successive). It is characterized by the spiritual preparation of Ramadan and the arrival of Isra and Mi’raj, the miraculous night flight, and the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad, also known as Muhammad 13.
How Should Muslims Observe These Sacred Months?
- Avoid Injustice and Sin: Allah explicitly commands not to wrong ourselves during these months (Qur’an 9:36). This includes sins like lying, cheating, harming others, or engaging in violence.
- Increase in Worship:
- Fasting (especially on Mondays, Thursdays, and White Days)
- Night prayers (Tahajjud)
- Reciting Qur’an
- Making du’a and dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
- Charity and Kindness: Support those in need and be generous. The reward for good deeds is multiplied.
- Reflection and Repentance: Use this time to evaluate your spiritual state and seek forgiveness (Tawbah).
The Wisdom Behind the Sacred Months
Allah, in His wisdom, chose these months to remind us of sacredness in time, just as He has made some places (like Makkah) more sacred than others. These months are opportunities for:
- Spiritual rejuvenation
- Renewed commitment to righteousness
- Greater unity in the Muslim community
Conclusion
More than sections of the lunar calendar, the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar —Dhul-Qi yah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab —are designated as such due to their significance within Islam. They are evangelical calls to think, to regenerate, and to develop spiritually. All of these are sacred times that Muslims can draw close to Allah and gain numerous blessings by commemorating them.
Accordingly, when any of these months arrive, use that to reconnect to your faith, to avoid sins, and increase in positive actions. These sacred months allow one to experience spiritual peace, compassion, and contemplation amid the hectic rhythm of the modern world.
