“Indeed, the ordained number of the months with Allah is twelve lunar months, as was decreed in the Preserved Heavenly Book of God on the day He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred – and that is the upright religion – so, do not wrong yourselves or others in them. Yet, fight the warring idolaters, all together, even during them, just as all of them fight you therein. And know that God is with the God-fearing.” Qur’an 9V36.

With the commencement of Dhul Qa’dah on Tuesday (April 29), Hajj season this year (2025) has taken a definite shape. Indeed, the plan marshalled by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in collaboration with other stakeholders such as state pilgrim welfare boards and private tour operators, has May 9, 2025 for the inaugural airlifting of intending pilgrims from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The outbound flight is expected to be concluded on May 24, 2025, while the return trip is planned to run between June 13 and July 2, 2025.

But what is Dhul Qa’dah in the lunar calendar of Muslims? Why is the month considered sacred? Were there historical events that happened in Dhul Qa’dah? Are there special activities or acts of worship recommended to be performed during this month? Our sermon today (Dhul Qa’dah 4, 1446 AH) will seek to address these posers.

Dhul Qa’dah month is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. It is the 11th month of the Hijri year and holds a special importance for Muslims due to its historical, spiritual, and religious importance.

The Arabic words Dhul Qa’dah (or Dhu al-Qi’dah) literally mean “the month of truce or rest”, as this was the time in which fighting was not allowed and peace was established.

As it is indicated in the Quranic verse (9:36) quoted above, there are four sacred months, which include the Dhul Qa’dah month. Generally, Muslims are encouraged to increase in piety during these sacred months, refrain from sinning, and do good deeds and acts of worship.

Specifically, Dhul Qa’dah is placed in the Islamic calendar as a sacred month. It is the eleventh month of the Hijri calendar and is meant for deeper reflection, more devotion, and peace.

The significance of the Dhul Qa’dah month is rooted in the Qur’an, where Allah (SWT) mentions the concept of sacred months (Qur’an 9:36).

This verse emphasizes that Allah has made four of the months sacred, and Dhul Qa’dah month is one of them. Allah advises Muslims to act righteously and avoid sins during these sacred months. The significance of this month is relevant, as the sacred months were times of peace, reflection, and spiritual growth.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) also mentioned that the month of Dhul Qa’dah is sacred. A famous hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari states: “The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months – Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram – and Rajab…” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3197).

As it is evident in this hadith, Dhul Qa’dah month is one of the four sacred months of the year. It is important to note that sinful actions are considered even worse, and righteous deeds are rewarded more in the sacred months compared to the months that are not sacred. Thus, the sacred status of this month encourages Muslims to improve themselves and to refrain from acts that could destroy their relationship with Allah.

The Dhul Qa’dah month has additional historical significance. In the age of ignorance, literally pre-Islamic Arabia, fighting was halted in this month because it was perceived to be a time of respite, reflection, and resolution of disputes.

This continued with the Islamic belief that fighting was not permitted in this month, and it became a time of greater spirituality. In addition, during Dhul Qa’dah, the Holy Prophet (SAW) and his companions signed the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, a notable treaty of peace with the Quraysh.

This treaty allowed the Muslims to go to Makkah to make the pilgrimage the following year, adding to the broader social context that made the month spiritually important.

The beauty of this month is that it emphasizes peace and reflection, which provide an opportunity to connect with Allah (SWT) to gain immense rewards.

Generally, Muslims are encouraged to engage in certain meritorious deeds that include the followings:

Articulation of Dhikr: In an elevated way, it is not just one of the favoured acts of worship in Dhul Qa’dah month; it might be the single most important acknowledged act of worship in the month of Dhul-Qa’dah. The Qur’an demonstrates to us as believers the teaching to earn great rewards with Dhikr as in Qur’an 33:41: “O you who believe! Remember Allah with much mention of praise and remembrance.”

Ultimately, as a result of articulation of these phrases of worship, such as SubhanAllah (All exaltation belongs to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah), and Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest), professes the absoluteness that Allah is Pure, Great, and encounters the believer’s heart.

Making Dua (supplication): The Dhul Qa’dah month is an opportune time for Dua, as Allah is indeed always listening to His servants’ calls, especially in the sacred months. Muslims are encouraged to invoke Allah for forgiveness, hidayah (guidance), and barakah (blessings).

The Prophet (SAW) is noted to invoke Allah abundantly. Therefore, Muslims can utilize the time to ask Allah for their own personal needs and to ask for others during the month of Dhul Qa’dah. After all, the command is, “Yet, the Lord of all of you, O humankind, has said: Call upon Me in prayer, I shall answer you.” (Qur’an 40:60).

Voluntary fasting: While there are no required fasts in the Dhul Qa’dah month, fasting in this sacred month is highly encouraged and is a recommended Sunnah act. The Prophet (SAW) recommended fasting on the white days (13, 14, and 15 of the lunar month), and therefore, this can also be implemented as well in Dhul Qa’dah (this will correspond with May 11 – 13, 2025).

Fasting is a way of purifying the soul and it also increases devotion and piety. Voluntary fasting during the month of Dhul Qa’dah helps to get closer to Allah and increase rewards.

Giving charity (Sadaqah): Another important deed of worship in the Dhul Qa’dah month can be charitable giving. The reward for charitable giving is multiplied during the sacred months. Giving to those in need carries a special significance and has great rewards.

Muslims can give to the poor, donate to a good cause, or support the building or maintenance of masjids, schools, or any effort that is beneficial to the community. “The charity of those who expend their wealth in the way of Allah may be likened to a grain of corn, which produces seven ears and each ear yields a hundred grains. Thus Allah develops in manifold the charity of anyone He pleases, for He is All-encompassing, All-knowing.” (Qur’an 2V261).

Through Allah’s commands, Sadaqah (charity) purifies wealth and brings tranquillity into the heart. Muslims should consider practicing this deed generously through Dhul Qa’dah, and it can attract many blessings.

Seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) is one of the best deeds to do in the Dhul Qa’dah month. The Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings be upon him), encouraged his followers to seek forgiveness for their sins on a regular basis.

Like the two previous acts of worship, seeking forgiveness has multiplied effects in our sacred months and is an avenue of mercy from Allah.

Muslims may benefit greatly from the frequent recitation of Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli dhambin wa atubu ilayh (“I ask forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, from every sin and I turn to Him”) as a means of seeking forgiveness from Allah and invoking Allah’s mercy.