16 Jun Dhul Qa’dah, The Sacred Month
Dhul Qa’dah is one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar (Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab being the other three).
The four Sacred Months were made four, three in succession and one alone, so that the Hajj and Umrah are performed with ease.
Dhul-Qadah, the month before the Hajj month, was made sacred because they refrained from fighting during that month.
Dhul-Hijjah, the next month, was made sacred because it is the month of Hajj, during which they performed Hajj rituals.
Muharram, which comes next, was made sacred so that they are able to go back to their areas in safety (after performing Hajj).
Rajab, in the middle of the lunar year, was made sacred so that those coming from the farthest areas of Arabia are able to perform Umrah and visit the House and then go back to their areas safely.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Allah says about the sacred months:
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˺. (At-Tawbah 9:36)
The Prophet (Pbuh) also said about them,
“The division of time has turned to its original form which was current when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth. The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred. Three are in succession: Dhul-Qidah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab of (the tribe of) Mudar which comes between Jumada Thani and Shaban.” (Al-Bukhari)
Allah (SWT) warns us from doing injustice to ourselves during these months.
Qatadah said about Allah’s statement, (so do not wrong one another 9:36),
"Injustice during the Sacred Months is worse and graver than injustice in other months. Verily, injustice is always wrong, but Allah makes things graver than others as He will." (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
Punishments for performing sins in these months were magnified and rewards for good deeds are magnified.
Ibn Abbas (ra) said, ‘In all (twelve) months, Allah then chose four out of these months and made them sacred, emphasising their sanctity, making sinning in them greater, in addition to multiplying the rewards of righteous deeds during them’. (Tafsir Ibn Katheer)
We all tend to focus our energies on Ramadan and some of us continue fasting the six days of Shawwal. But how much do we know about the sacred months. Let’s make an effort to learn more about these months.
Qatadah said:
“Almighty Allah chose of (the different kinds of) His creation [some] things and persons as having special places and importance than others (in His sight).
He Most High chose from the angels messengers [to convey His divine messages, mercy, punishment, etc., to the worlds]; chose from discourse that which reminds of Him; chose from the places on the earth His mosques; chose from the months Ramadan and the sacred ones; chose from days Friday, and from nights the Night of Decree. So hold in high esteem that which Almighty Allah holds in high esteem.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
Allah (swt) has filled the year with blessed months! We should take advantage of the opportunities in which His mercy descends in extra abundance.
The Prophet (Pbuh) said ‘Keep doing good all your life, and avail yourselves for the winds of Allah’s mercy. For indeed Allah Ta’ala has certain winds of mercy which he sends on whoever he wishes among his slaves. Ask Allah to conceal your faults and to keep you safe from danger.’ (Bayhaqi)
Let us make the most of these ‘winds of mercy’ and earn the pleasure of our Lord. May Allah allow us to gain his blessings throughout the year! Ameen
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The Prophet (Pbuh) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small.