Among the four holy months explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an, Dhul Qadah holds a position of profound significance in the Islamic calendar. Allah states in Surah At-Tawbah (9:36):
“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.”
These four months—Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab—are times of heightened spiritual awareness when Muslims are called to exercise exceptional discipline and self-restraint. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reinforced this divine instruction, stating:
“Verily, time has come back to its original state which it had when Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred, three of them are in succession: Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab, which stands between Jumada and Sha’ban.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The concept of “Ashhur al-Hurum” (sacred months) underlines a time when the integrity of life, property, and peace must be preserved with utmost diligence. In pre-Islamic Arabia, even the most antagonistic tribes would cease hostilities during these months to facilitate safe passage for trade and pilgrimage. Islam elevated this tradition by anchoring it in divine guidance.
Dhul Qadah distinguishes itself through its role as a month of preparation and spiritual readiness. It serves as the gateway to the intensely spiritual month of Dhul Hijjah and the momentous pilgrimage of Hajj. The very name “Dhul Qadah” derives from the Arabic word “qa’ada,” meaning “to sit,” signifying a time when fighting ceased and people “sat” in peace.
Allah emphasises in the Qur’an (2:197):
“Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj.”
This verse highlights the importance of preparation before the pilgrimage, which begins in Dhul Qadah.
For Muslims, whether performing Hajj or not, this month offers unique spiritual opportunities:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught:
“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
This hadith underscores the importance of spiritual preparation in Dhul Qadah for the coming virtuous days.
The sacred status of Dhul Qadah predates Islam, with Arabs recognising its sanctity long before the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ time. Islam preserved and divinely sanctioned this tradition, imbuing it with deeper spiritual meaning.
Several pivotal events in Islamic history occurred during Dhul Qadah:
In the sixth year after Hijrah, during Dhul Qadah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions set out to perform Umrah in Makkah. Prevented from entering, they negotiated the Treaty of Hudaibiyah with the Quraysh. Though seemingly unfavourable at first, this treaty proved to be a strategic triumph for Islam, described in the Qur’an as a “clear victory” (48:1):
“Indeed, We have given you a clear victory.”
This diplomatic achievement exemplifies the power of peaceful negotiation and long-term vision—qualities that Dhul Qadah continues to symbolise.
The following year in Dhul Qadah, the Prophet ﷺ and his companions peacefully entered Makkah to perform the promised Umrah, demonstrating unwavering commitment to fulfilling obligations and maintaining peace.
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
“Allah’s Messenger ﷺ performed Umrah in Dhul Qadah, and the people of Makkah made peace with him on the condition that he would perform Umrah the following year.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
These historical episodes illustrate the enduring values of patience, diplomacy, and spiritual steadfastness that Dhul Qadah represents in Islamic tradition.
Prominent Islamic scholars throughout history have emphasised the distinctive nature of Dhul Qadah. Classical exegetes like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi noted that the prohibition of violence and conflict during this month allowed pilgrims to travel safely to Makkah.
Ibn Kathir, in his renowned tafsir, explains that the term “sacred” (hurum) in relation to these months means:
“Allah has made fighting during these months a greater sin than in other months.”
Al-Qurtubi further emphasises that these months were selected for their connection to the rituals of Hajj, with Dhul Qadah serving as the preparation period.
Contemporary scholars continue to highlight Dhul Qadah’s role as a spiritual stepping stone to Dhul Hijjah, encouraging Muslims to use this time for heightened devotion and moral rectitude.
Dhul Qadah presents Muslims with exceptional opportunities for spiritual growth and divine closeness. The sacred nature of this month magnifies the rewards for righteous deeds while also increasing the gravity of transgressions.
“I said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers and give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.”
These acts of worship and righteousness align perfectly with the peaceful and contemplative nature of Dhul Qadah, preparing the believer’s heart for the upcoming month of Dhul Hijjah.
The Qur’an reminds believers (2:194):
“The sacred month is for [the observance of] the sacred month, and for [all] sacred things, there is the law of retribution. So whoever transgresses against you, transgress against him in the same way that he transgressed against you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.”
Keeping track of the Islamic lunar calendar connects Muslims to the rhythms of worship established by Allah. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar directly correlates with acts of devotion and spiritual milestones.
Understanding the significance of months like Dhul Qadah allows Muslims to:
Allah mentions in the Qur’an (9:36-37):
“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… so do not wrong yourselves during them.”
This verse emphasises the divine wisdom behind the Islamic calendar and the importance of respecting its sacred periods.
As Dhul Qadah 2025 approaches, Muslims in the UK and worldwide have a precious opportunity to reconnect with this sacred month’s spiritual heritage. This month serves as a divine invitation to reflection, peace, and preparation for the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah that follow.
The lessons of Dhul Qadah—diplomacy over conflict, patience over haste, and spiritual growth over worldly distractions—remain profoundly relevant in our contemporary world. By embracing these values, we honour the divine commandment and the prophetic example.
Al Qulub Trust invites the community to participate in our upcoming educational programmes, charity initiatives, and communal worship during this blessed period. Together, let us revive the spirit of Dhul Qadah through sincere devotion and compassionate action, seeking Allah’s pleasure and drawing closer to Him in this sacred time.
1. What is Dhul Qadah?
Dhul Qadah is the 11th month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an (9:36). The name derives from the Arabic word “qa’ada” meaning “to sit,” referring to the cessation of warfare during this period.
2. Why is Dhul Qadah considered sacred?
Dhul Qadah is sacred because Allah explicitly designated it as one of the four sacred months (Al-Ashhur Al-Hurum) in the Qur’an. During this month, fighting is prohibited, good deeds carry greater rewards, and sins are considered more serious.
3. What are the four sacred months in Islam?
The four sacred months in Islam are Dhul Qadah (11th month), Dhul Hijjah (12th month), Muharram (1st month), and Rajab (7th month), as confirmed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in authentic hadith (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
4. What special acts of worship are recommended during Dhul Qadah?
During Dhul Qadah, Muslims are encouraged to increase Qur’an recitation, perform voluntary fasting (especially Mondays and Thursdays), engage in night prayers, give charity, seek forgiveness, reconcile differences, and attend Islamic knowledge circles.
5. What significant events occurred during Dhul Qadah in Islamic history?
Two major events occurred in Dhul Qadah: the Treaty of Hudaibiyah (6th year after Hijrah) and the Compensatory Umrah performed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions (7th year after Hijrah).
6. How does Dhul Qadah relate to Hajj preparation?
Dhul Qadah serves as the essential preparation period before Hajj, which occurs in Dhul Hijjah. It is when pilgrims finalize travel arrangements, learn Hajj rituals, increase spiritual readiness, settle outstanding matters, and seek forgiveness.
7. Are there specific prohibitions during Dhul Qadah?
During Dhul Qadah, Muslims should be especially careful to avoid conflict, harmful speech (including backbiting), all forms of injustice, and wasteful activities, as warned in the Qur’an (5:2).
8. Does the reward for good deeds increase during Dhul Qadah?
Yes, rewards for good deeds are multiplied during Dhul Qadah, based on the Islamic principle that righteous actions performed during sacred times carry greater spiritual weight.
9. How can Muslims in the UK observe Dhul Qadah?
Muslims in the UK can observe Dhul Qadah by attending educational programmes at mosques, increasing charitable activities through organisations like Al Qulub Trust, setting aside time for extra worship, participating in community service, reconciling relationships, and preparing spiritually for Dhul Hijjah.
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