“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve in the book of Allah, since the day He created the Heavens and the Earth. Four of them, they are sacred.”
Quran 9:36
The Islamic Calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a Lunar calendar. This means the Islamic months change with each new cycle of the moon.
The Islamic calendar allows us to connect with our sacred history – the prophets of old and the life of the Prophet ﷺ.
Muharram
Muharram is the first Islamic month of the Hijri calendar and is one of the four sacred months.
The tenth of Muharram is a special day known as ‘Ashura‘. On this day, Musa (as) led the Israelites across the red sea.
PS: don’t forget to set your alarm bells! The reward of fasting on Ashura is the forgiveness of all the sins from the previous year!
Safar
Safar, is the Islamic month in which the Sahaba began their hijra from Mecca to Medina. On the 27th of Safar, the Prophet ﷺ made his incredible hijra.
Safar is also when the battle of Bi’r Ma’oonah occurred. During this battle seventy of the most learned Sahaba were martyred.
Rabi’ al-Awwal
On this month, the Prophet ﷺ was born. Scholars have a difference of opinion about the exact date but it is definitely known that he was born on a monday.
We should reflect on the life of the Prophet ﷺ during Rabi al-Awwal and increase our love for him.
Anas (ra) reports that in Jannah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “You will be with those whom you love.”
Sahih Bukhari
Rabi’ al-Thani
Rabi al-Thani is a time for reflection as we draw closer to Ramadan.
Ibn Rajab reports: “The companions would supplicate to Allah for six months prior that they would reach Ramadan. Then, they would supplicate to him for six months afterward to accept their deeds.”
Laṭā’if al-Ma’ārif 1/138
Jumada al-Awwal
In Jumada al-Awwal, the battle of Moota occurred. In this battle Zaid bin Haritha (ra) led an army of 3000 muslims to fight a Roman army of over 200,000 soldiers.
During the battle all three of the commanders appointed by the Prophet ﷺ died. The battle of Moota demonstrates the heroic bravery and reverence that the Sahaba had for the deen of Allah ﷻ.
Jumada al-Thani
On the 20th of Jumada al-Thani, Fatima bint Muhammad ﷺ was born. Aside from her noble lineage, she was well known for her asceticism and simple lifestyle.
The 22nd of Jumada al-Thani marks the day in which Abu Bakr (ra) passed away. He was the first person outside of the family of the Prophet ﷺ to accept islam and the best friend of the Prophet ﷺ.
Rajab
Rajab is the seventh Islamic month of the Hijri calendar and the second of the four sacred months.
In Rajab, we should reflect on the Isra’ and Mi’raj. This was extraordinary night journey made by the Prophet ﷺ when he traveled to Jerusalem and then ascended to the seventh heaven.
A person’s dua are guaranteed to be accepted on the first night of Rajab.
Sha’ban
Sha’ban is the last month before Ramadan.
It is a sunnah to fast during Sha’ban. The Prophet ﷺ would fast in Sha’ban more than any other month.
The 15th of Sha’ban is known as ‘the night of forgiveness’. Our deeds are raised to Allah ﷻ on this night. We should fast during the day and make a lot of dua during the night.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, on the 15th of Shaban, from sunset until dawn, Allah asks His servants, ′Is there anyone seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision from Me so I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering so I may relieve his suffering? ′ [Ibn Majah]*.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the month in which Allah ﷻ sent the Quran. We should make effort to read as much Quran as we can during Ramadan.
The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.. (Quran 2:185)
Ramadan is known for Laylatul-Qadr, the night of power. Laylatul Qadr occurs in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. There is a difference of opinion about its exact date. However, most scholars say it occurs on the 27th night.
It is Sunnah to spend the last 10 days in the mosque. This practice is known as I’tikaf.
Shawwal
Shawwal begins with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. During this day, it is obligatory to eat! We should perform ghusl and wear our best clothes to the Eid Salah.
It is sunnah to fast for six days in Shawwal. When we do so, it is as if we fasted for the entire year.
The third of Shawwal commemorates the battle of Uhud, one of the most famous battles of Islam.
Dhu al-Qadah
Dhu al-Qadah marks the beginning of the three consecutive sacred months.
This is a month of relative calm. We should use it as a time for reflection. We should ask ourselves how we have changed since Ramadan and how we can improve for the better.
During Dhu al-Qadah, many pilgrims will begin entering Mecca in anticipation of the Hajj.
Dhu al-Hijjah
Dhu al-Hijjah is the final month of the Hijri calendar and is one of the four sacred months.
It is the month in which the Hajj takes place. This occurs in the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah.
The first ten days are the best days of the year! We should resolve ourselves to fast and do plenty of good deeds during these days.