How important are the sacred months and how do we keep the sanctity

Glorified and Exalted is Allah above all that exists. May His endless benediction be showered upon the best of mankind Muhammad – Peace be upon Him. 

Islam is a religion that promotes peace, harmony, and respect for all beings. It is a faith with fundamental beliefs that are essential to its practice. One such practice is the sanctity of the sacred months. Allah specifically informs the Muslims about this in the glorious Quran thus:

Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred, (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein… – Quran 9[At-Taubah]:36

The verse quoted above only mentions to us that there are four sacred months. Evidence that points to the specifics is found through the sunnah of the Messenger of Allah. This is one of the reasons why we can’t practise or understand Islam properly without the implementation of the sunnah. In the Hadith of Abubakr, the prophet peace be upon him was reported to have said:

“Time has completed a cycle and has assumed the form of the day when Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year contains twelve months of which four are sacred. Three of them in consecutive order: Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram. And also Rajab of Musldar, which comes between Jumada and Sha’baan.” – Abu Dawud

This Hadith categorically mentions the four months that are considered sacred: Rajab, Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram. These months are considered holy because of their historical and religious significance. They are also known as “Al-Ashhur Al-Hurum” which literally means the sacred months. During these months, Muslims are expected to behave in a certain way and avoid certain practices.

One may wonder and ask, why are these months considered sacred?

It is because Allah in His infinite Mercy and Wisdom, chose them to be sacred and He Alone is the one who gives meaning, purpose and value to that which He created. However, what is paramount is keeping to the sanctity of these months, which means, no fighting, transgression, injustice, or oppression should occur during this period. the most important aspects of keeping the sanctity of the sacred months is to refrain from engaging in any form of violence or aggression against others. This includes physical violence, verbal abuse, and any other form of harm that can be inflicted upon other people. As Muslims, we are expected to be peaceful and respectful towards one another during these months, and to avoid any kind of conflict, war or dispute.

Another important aspect of keeping the sanctity of the sacred months is to avoid any sinful or immoral behaviour. This includes engaging in acts of indecency, immorality and shameful deeds. We are expected to maintain a high level of good conduct during these months and to avoid any behaviour that is considered sinful. It’s said that the sins in these months are multiplied in manifolds the way good deeds are multiplied. This is to tell you how grievous it is to indulge in iniquities.

In addition, the believers are encouraged to increase their acts of worship and devotion during the sacred months. This includes performing extra prayers, reciting the Quran, and giving charity. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the best ten days of the entire year. During this period, good deeds are multiplied. Scholars have even mentioned that these days are better than the days of Ramadan. Therefore, engage in acts of kindness and compassion towards others, especially those who are less fortunate.

These are a few rewardable deeds you can indulge in during these sacred months:

• Do not transgress against yourself by committing sins. Remember the sins committed in these months are worse and more severe in the sight of Allah
• Indulge in a lot of good deeds that will increase your state of piety. Observe your prayers on time, fast, give charity, read the Quran and do a lot of Dhikr.
• Maximise the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah in doing good deeds. This is because there is no better time in which doing good is more beloved to Allah than this period.
• These ten days are also the period of hajj. If you have the means, go on a pilgrimage to the holy lands.
• As for the ones at home who are not performing the hajj rites, fasting is recommended for you on the day of Arafah – 9th Dhul Hijjah. Allah’s Apostle assures you that this will expiate your sins of the preceding year and the following one.
• On the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah which is the day of Adha, the best deed you can perform is to slaughter the udhiya.
• All through the days of the sacred months, keep your tongue moist with Dhikr – the remembrance of Allah.
•  Fast as much as you can in Muharram as the prophet mentioned that the most excellent fasting after Ramadan is that of Allah’s month Muharram.
• The day of Ashura occurs on the 10th of Muharram. It’s also a practice from the sunnah to fast on that day adding a day before it or a day after it as combined two days.
•  Remember as humans we all fall short. If you perchance did commit sins in the sacred months, then do not delay your repentance and do it sincerely.

Overall, keeping the sanctity of the sacred months is an important aspect of our faith and practice as Muslims. It encourages us to behave in a manner that is respectful, peaceful, and morally upright. By doing so, we can demonstrate our commitment to Islam and promote a culture of peace and harmony within their communities.