Dhul Qadah –A Sacred Month

Dhul Qadah is the 11^th month in the Islamic calendar  and translates to the month of truce or the month of sitting, in which Muslims can prepare for their Hajj pilgrimages in Dhul Hijjah. During this month, violence and fighting are forbidden, which ensures Muslims can go to and from Makkah peacefully for their pilgrimages.

This month is one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar. The other three are Muharram, Rajab, and Dhul Hijjah. In the month of Dhul Qadah, both good and bad deeds are heavier, meaning we should aim to increase acts of worship like giving to charity and making dua, and stop sinning: ‘... so do not wrong yourself during them’ (Quran 9:36)

This coming year, Dhul Qadah begins on the evening of 21^st May and ends on evening of 18^th June 2023.

An Introduction to the Islamic Hijri Calendar

The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months, four of which are sacred. These are Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah. Significant Islamic festivals take place in these months that make them more sacred than others, as well as commemorating historical events. This is why Dhul Qadah is particularly important in increasing acts of worship. However, we should still try to increase our worship in other months, whether it be by reading more Qur’an, giving charity, or feeding the needy.

These sacred months should act to increase our Taqwa (awareness of God), in which we are more attentive to our deeds and the implications of them and what we can do to earn the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

Importance of Dhul Qadah

Many major events occurred during the month of Dhul Qadah, which make this month sacred:

The Battle of the Trench occurred during the month of Dhul Qadah, in which the Muslims dug a trench to protect themselves and safeguard the city of Madina from the Makkans, who wished to kill the Prophet (PBUH). This battle occurred in the year 5 AH, meaning five years after Hijrah (migration), and digging a trench was suggested by the Prophet’s (PBUH) companion, Salman Al-Farsi (RA). There were around 10,000 Makkans and 3,000 Muslims, yet due to the trench, the Muslims won.

Another significant event that occurred during this month was the Treaty of Hudaibiya, which was signed during this month in the year 6 AH. This treaty was written by Ali (RA) and signed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to ensure a period of 10 years of peace between the Quraysh in Makkah and the Muslims in Madina, with the intention to allow Muslims to attend Makkah for pilgrimages.

After the Treaty of Hudaibiya, the first Umrah by the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions was performed in the month of Dhul Qadah. While Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage, it holds a lot of reward. In addition, during this month, Allah (SWT) made Hajj obligatory for Muslims, which is to be performed at least once in a lifetime.

Giving Charity in Dhul Qadah

Giving charity in this month is particularly important, as deeds in this month are heavier than in other months. Here at Orphans in Need, we have a number of appeals and sponsorship options that will allow you to support those in need, whether it be a poor family, orphans, or widows.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘Charity extinguishes sinful deeds just as water extinguishes fire’ (Ibn Majah). Follow the teachings and practices of the Prophet (PBUH) by donating to Orphans in Need here.