What Are the 4 Holy Months in Islam? Names, Importance, and Virtues 

The four holy months in Islam are considered a valuable gift. The four sacred months, Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab, are periods of reflection, worship, and peace.

These months are when Muslims are encouraged to increase piety, avoid sin, and draw near to Allah, thus constituting an important part of Islamic practice and faith.

The Concept of Sacred Months in Islam

Islam puts a lot of emphasis on time and has designated some times more sacred than others. Among them, the 4 holy months in Islam hold a special position.

These months are not just sacred due to historical significance but also because Allah has commanded special reverence and conduct during them. Allah Himself explicitly mentions the 4 holy months in Islam in the Quran:

“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…” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)

This ayah establishes the sacred status of these months and orders Muslims to take special care of their actions during this time.

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Names of the 4 Holy Months in the Hijri Calendar

The 4 holy months in Islam are:

• Dhul-Qi’dah
• Dhul-Hijjah
• Muharram
• Rajab

These months are considered sacred due to their historical importance and divine decree, during which acts of worship are highly encouraged and sinful actions carry greater weight.

Quranic Verses About the Sacred Months

Here are some key Quranic verses about the sacred months that highlight the significance of the 4 holy months in Islam:

1. Surah At-Tawbah (9:36) – The Primary Verse About the Sacred Months

“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…” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)

This is the most direct reference to the 4 holy months in Islam. It establishes the concept of sacred time in the Islamic calendar and warns believers to be especially mindful of their actions during these months.

2. Surah At-Tawbah (9:37) – Prohibition of Altering the 4 holy Months in Islam

“Verily, the postponing [of a sacred month] is an increase in disbelief by which those who have disbelieved are led [further] astray. They make it lawful one year and unlawful another year to correspond to the number made unlawful by Allah and [thus] make lawful what Allah has made unlawful…” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:37)

This verse refers to a pre-Islamic practice where people used to interfere with the calendar for their own benefit. Allah forbids such interference and reiterates the sanctity of the sacred months.

3. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:194) – Fighting During the Sacred Months

“The sacred month for the sacred month, and for [all] violations is legal retribution. So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he has assaulted you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:194)

This verse addresses the issue of warfare and fighting during the 4 holy months in Islam, making clear that even a defensive retaliation must still be proportionate and carried out in a state of God-consciousness.  

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What Makes These Months Special for Muslims

The 4 holy months in Islam, Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab, are uniquely significant due to their divine designation and the emphasis placed on righteous conduct during them. These months are not man-made traditions but part of Allah’s sacred decree.

Allah says in the Quran: “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.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)

What is indicated in the verse here is that the sacredness of these months has its foundation in creation itself. Their sacredness is within the order of Allah.

One of the main things that are special about the 4 holy months in Islam is the emphasis on abstaining from injustice and sin. The verse continues to state:

“So do not wrong yourselves during them.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)

This is a firm reminder that sins in these months are greater, and good deeds are more greatly rewarded. These months provide Muslims with a chance to become closer to Allah with a higher degree of responsibility.

In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also clarified which months are sacred:

“The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months—Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram—and Rajab which stands alone between Jumada and Sha’ban.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 4662, Sahih Muslim 1679)

To Muslims, the 4 holy months in Islam present themselves as an annual opportunity to intensify worship, through fasting, prayer, charity, and abstaining from all injustice, and to cease from all forms of evil. They are months of peace and spiritual focus, which help the faithful purify their actions and minds.

Acts Encouraged and Discouraged During the Holy Months

The 4 holy months in Islam offer believers a chance to spiritually recharge and renew their relationship with Allah. Since these months hold special significance, Muslims are encouraged to engage in specific acts of worship that maximize the blessings of this sacred time.

1. Fasting During Muharram (Especially Ashura)

Fasting is one of the most rewarding acts of worship, and during the 4 sacred months in Islam, it is even more so.

While fasting during Ramadan is obligatory, fasting during Muharram, and particularly the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), is extremely desirable. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Fasting the Day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.” (Sahih Muslim 1162)

This day coincides with a number of significant incidents in Islamic history, including the rescue of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers from Pharaoh’s persecution. It is a day of reflection and spiritual cleansing for Muslims.

2. Greater Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

The 4 holy months in Islam are a time of increased dhikr, reciting Allah’s names and attributes. Engaging in regular dhikr, especially during these months, purifies the heart and draws one close to Allah. The Quran itself encourages dhikr:

“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:41)

Muslims are encouraged to offer daily dhikr as a means of remaining conscious of Allah, seeking His forgiveness, and cultivating a heart that is grateful.

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3. Seeking Forgiveness and Repentance

Since the 4 holy months in Islam are a time of heightened reward and accountability, Muslims are encouraged to seek Allah’s forgiveness with more sincerity.

The sacredness of these months renders it the most ideal time to repent for any previous faults and seek Allah’s mercy. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days in Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a whole year.” (Sahih Muslim 1164)

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Conclusion

The 4 holy months in Islam provide a unique opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their spirituality, seek forgiveness, and consolidate their relationship with Allah.

Embracing the sanctity of these months not only results in individual growth but also creates a culture of peace and harmony within the Muslim community.

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FAQs

Is Ramadan a sacred month in Islam?

No, Ramadan is not one of the 4 sacred months in Islam, but it is a blessed month, known for fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

Why is Ramadan not a sacred month

Ramadan is not a sacred month because Allah mentioned only four sacred months in the Quran and Ramadan is not one of them.