Every month in the Hijri Calendar contains many Islamic moments and history. So let’s take a look at the importance and meaning of all 12 Islamic Months.
These are the names of all 12 Islamic Months along with their significance in the history of Islam.
1. Muharram – ٱلْمُحَرَّم – (Forbidden)
This is a very sacred month for Muslims. The meaning of Muharram is ‘Forbidden’, it is called so because all kinds of fighting are forbidden (haram) during this month. Muharram includes Ashura, the tenth day. Our Prophet Muhammad PBUH used to fast in this month.
The Prophet (SAW) has said: ‘The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadhan are those of the month of Muharram.’. In this month, the Grandson of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, Hussain Ibn Ali (RA), along with his family including children was brutally martyred by Yazeed.
2. Safar – صَفَر – (Void)
The meaning of Safar is “Void’ as the Arabs used to leave their homes empty and would return to fighting, or the occupants left to gather food. Other stories tell that around that time of year, they used to loot the houses of their enemies after defeating them in battle, leaving nothing behind. ).
In terms of events, there are two battles of Abwaa and Khyber that took place in this month, although in different years, in 2 A.H and 7 A.H
3. Rabi ul Awwal – رَبِيع ٱلْأَوَّل – (The First Spring)
The meaning of Rabi’ul Al-Awwal is ‘the first spring’, cause it came at the same time as the spring season.
This month is considered a very holy month by Muslims cause the Prophet Muhammad was born in this month (this is disputed in some fiqh). He (PBUH) also migrated from Makkah to Madina Munawwarah this month.
4. Rabi ul Akhir (Rabi al Thani) – رَبِيع ٱلْآخِر – (The Second Spring)
The meaning of Rabi’ul Akhir is the second spring, or other refers to the end of springtime. There is no specific worship prescribed for this month. However, there is an important battle that happens this month that Muslims should know about.
The battle of Furu from Burhan took place in 3 A.H. but our Holy Prophet (SAW) didn’t participate in this battle, instead, He sent one of his companions as the colonel.
5. Jamada Awwal – جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْأُولَىٰ – (The First Of Parched Land)
The meaning of Jumada Awwal is ‘the first of parched land’. This is a very significant month because in this month the Holy Prophet (PBUH) married His first wife, Khatija (R.A). And the grandfather of Rasulullah, Abdul Muttalib (RA), who took great care of him, passed away this month.
Jumada Awwal is recognized by the battle of Mut’ah that took place in 8AH, which became the greatest Muslim battle in that era. In this battle, Khalid ibn Walid (RA) was proclaimed by our Holy Prophet (PBUH) as being one of the swords of Allah.
6. Jumada Al-Akhirah – جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْآخِرَة – (The Last Of Parched Land)
There was a mournful moment when the First Caliph, Abu Bakar passed away on the 22nd of Jamada Al-Akhirah 13 AH at the age of 63. Therefore at the same time and same month, Umar bin Khattab was appointed as the Second Caliph who replaced Abu Bakr (R.A).
Yarmuk Battle also took place this month. The Battle of Yarmuk involves the Muslim Arabs and the army of the Byzantine Empire, with at least 3,000 Muslims dead in this battle.
7. Rajab – رَجَب – (Respect, Honour)
This is the second sacred month for Muslims, which means fighting is forbidden this month. The meaning of Rajab is ‘to respect’, it is called so because this is one of the four sacred months in Islam. The most important event that happened in Rajab is when the Messenger (SAW) of Allah went on the journey of Isra Mi’raj (Ascension to Heavens) and He brought back the gift of Salah for Muslims.
The battle of Tabuk also took place in this month in 9AH, this is the last battle the Prophet participated in. It’s highly recommended to seek forgiveness (Istighfar) this month and also fasting in Rajab will get you a greater reward. Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA) was also born this month.
8. Shaban – شَعْبَان – (Scattered)
It was called Shaban because it marked the time when Arabs used to go in diverse directions to fight their enemies after the sacred month of Rajab.
According to the Aishah (RA), the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to fast during this time besides in Ramadhan. The 15th night of Sha’ban is considered a very blessed one, called “Shab e Baraat” or ‘night of forgiveness’ which means to attain Allah’s Salvation through His remembrance, reciting the Holy Quran, and praying.
9. Ramadan – رَمَضَان – (Burning Heat)
Ramadhan is the most honorable month on the Islamic calendar. During this time, Muslims were given obligatory fasting from pre-dawn till sunset for the sake of Allah, fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam.
The Holy Quran was also revealed in this special month, and then there is also the night of power (Laylat al -Qadr), which is a night that is better than a thousand months and many more. This month, Muslims were also suggested to increase charity giving.
10. Shawwal – شَوَّال – (Raised)
On this month, Allah awarded Muslims with the gift of Eid ul Fitr after month-long fasting in Ramadan, and also on this day sins were forgiven. It’s sunnah to do 6 days of fasting this month as the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has directed us in the past.
Our Prophet (SAWW) got married to Aishah this month, the beloved uncle of Rasulullah (SAWW), who helped him and other Muslims in tough times and also died in Shawwal. The battle of Uhud took place this month in 3AH.
11. Dhul Qadah – ذُو ٱلْقَعْدَة – (The One Of Truce/Sitting)
This is the third sacred month for Muslims. War is banned this month, however, people are allowed to defend themselves if they get attacked. the importance of Zul Qaddah is the 25th. It’s the history when the situated of Holy Kaba.
On that night, Allah Almighty poured blessings on people, and many people prayed on this night. If someone fasts this day is equal to seventy-year fasting and it also erases the sins of seventy years. Prophet (SAWW) and his companions returned to Makkah to perform Umrah in 7AH. The battle of Khandaq also occurred this month in 5AH.
12. Dhul Hijjah – ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة – (The One Of Pilgrimage)
This is the fourth sacred month for Muslims. This month, the Hajj as the Fifth Pillar of Islam is performed.
Muslims from all around the world visit Makkah to perform Hajj. The first ten days are the most virtuous in this month, all Hajj rites are performed within these ten days. Eid Al-Adha happens on the tenth day of this month.
