Four Sacred Months in Islam
TL;DR: The four sacred months in Islam are Rajab, Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram. Allah has sanctified them since the creation of the heavens and the earth, prohibited initiating warfare during them, and multiplied the value of good deeds and the weight of sins within them.
What Are the Sacred Months in Islam?
The sacred months (Arabic: الأشهر الحرم, Ash-hur al-Hurum) are four months that Allah sanctified since the day He created the heavens and the earth, granting them a status and dignity above all other months of the year.
The Arabic word "Hurum" (حُرُم) is the plural of "Haram", meaning both forbidden and sacred. These months are so named because Allah prohibited initiating warfare during them — a divine protection known since the time of Ibrahim عليه السلام.
Scholars distinguish two types of sanctity in Islam:
- Temporal sanctity (الحرم الزماني) — the four sacred months: periods where Allah prohibited initiating war and multiplied the value of acts of worship.
- Spatial sanctity (الحرم المكاني) — the sacred precincts of Makkah and Madinah: places where hunting, cutting trees, and other acts are prohibited.
The Sacred Months in the Quran and Sunnah
In the Quran
"Indeed, the number of months with Allāh is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allāh [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion [i.e., way], so do not wrong yourselves during them."
"[Battle in] the sacred month is for [aggression committed in] 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 Allāh and know that Allāh is with those who fear Him."
"Indeed, the postponing [of restriction within sacred months] is an increase in disbelief by which those who have disbelieved are led [further] astray. They make it permissible one year and unlawful another year."
In the Sunnah
"Time has come back to its original state which it had when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth; the year is twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them are in succession: Dhul-Qa'da, Dhul-Hijja and Al-Muharram, and (the fourth being) Rajab Mudar (named after the tribe of Mudar as they used to respect this month) which stands between Jumad (ath-thani) and Sha'ban."
Narrated by Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) | Sahih Al-Bukhari 4662 & Sahih Muslim 1679 | Read the complete hadith — Hadeeth Encyclopedia →
"The best fast after Ramadan is the month of Allah, Muharram, and the best prayer after the obligatory prayer is the night prayer."
Status: [Authentic] | Narrated by Abu Hurayrah | Sahih Muslim 1163
The Four Sacred Months in Islam — Full List & 2026 Dates
| Month | Position in Hijri Year | 2025-2026 Dates | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajab | 7th month | 21 Dec 2025 — 19 Jan 2026 | Isolated |
| Dhul Qadah | 11th month | 18 Apr — 16 May 2026 | Consecutive |
| Dhul Hijjah | 12th month | 18 May — 16 Jun 2026 | Consecutive |
| Muharram | 1st month | 16 Jun — 14 Jul 2026 | Consecutive |
⚠️ Dates are subject to moon sighting and may vary by one day depending on your country. Always confirm with your local mosque or Islamic authority.
Managing a mosque? Create your personalised sacred months calendar in PDF format, ready to print or share digitally: Masjidbox Calendars →
1. Rajab — the 7th Month
Its name comes from "Rajaba" (رجب) — to venerate and magnify. The Arabs called it "Rajab Mudar" after the tribe of Mudar who scrupulously maintained its sanctity. It is the only isolated sacred month, situated between Jumada al-Akhirah and Sha'ban. In 1447 AH it ran from 21 December 2025 to 19 January 2026.
2. Dhul Qadah — the 11th Month
Its name comes from "Qu'oud" (القعود) — sitting, resting. The Arabs ceased all fighting and travel during this month to prepare for Hajj. It is the first of three consecutive sacred months. The Prophet ﷺ performed three of his four Umrahs during Dhul Qadah.
Read also: Dhul Qadah Month — meaning and historical events →
3. Dhul Hijjah — the 12th Month
The month of the great Hajj — millions of pilgrims from across the world converge on Makkah. It contains the first ten blessed days (the best days of the entire year), the Day of Arafat (9 Dhul Hijjah), and Eid al-Adha. The day of Achoura is expected on 25 June 2026.
4. Muharram — the 1st Month
The Prophet ﷺ called it "the month of Allah" (شهر الله) — the only month explicitly attributed to Allah. It is the beginning of the new Hijri year and the best month for voluntary fasting after Ramadan. The day of Ashura (10 Muharram) is expected on 25 June 2026.
Why Are These Months Sacred?
A Divine Decree Since the Beginning of Creation
The sanctity of these months is not a human tradition or tribal custom — it is a divine decree established since the day Allah created the heavens and the earth, as the Prophet ﷺ affirmed in his Farewell Hajj sermon (Sahih Al-Bukhari 4662).
An-Nasi' — the Manipulation of Sacred Months in Jahiliyyah
The Quraysh practised what is known as An-Nasi' (النسيء) — postponing a sacred month to permit warfare. When they wanted to fight during Rajab, they would declare that month to be Sha'ban and call Sha'ban "Rajab." Allah condemned this in Surah At-Tawbah 9:37, calling it "an increase in disbelief." Islam restored the sacred months to their original divinely ordained positions.
Protecting the Hajj Season
Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah flank the Hajj on both sides, ensuring the safety of pilgrims on their way to and from Makkah — a divine protection essential in the Arabian Peninsula where tribes were in constant conflict.
The Wisdom — Reconciliation and Peace
These months provide an opportunity for hearts to soften and for people to reconcile what disputes have broken. When emotions settle, decisions are made with composure and wisdom — away from anger and haste.
Virtues of the Sacred Months — Ibn Abbas and Qatadah
The Statement of Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) — the "Translator of the Quran" and cousin of the Prophet ﷺ — said:
"Good deeds during the sacred months are multiplied in reward, and bad deeds during them are multiplied in weight."
Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما | Opinion of the majority of scholars
The Statement of Qatadah رحمه الله
"Any righteous act — whether prayer, fasting, zakah, Quran recitation, or maintaining family ties — carries a greater reward during the sacred months. And wrongdoing and injustice during them is more severe than in other months — even though injustice is forbidden at all times."
Qatadah ibn Da'amah رحمه الله | Tabi'i
Recommended Acts of Worship During the Sacred Months
Recommended in All Sacred Months
- Voluntary fasting — especially the white days (13th, 14th, 15th of the lunar month) and Mondays and Thursdays
- Night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl) — the best prayer after the obligatory prayers (Sahih Muslim 1163)
- Quran recitation and reflection — connecting with the words of Allah during the sacred months brings immense blessings
- Charity (Sadaqah) — its reward is multiplied during these months
- Dhikr and supplication — SubhanAllah, Al-Hamdulillah, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar
- Maintaining family ties and reconciliation — injustice is more severe, reconciliation is more meritorious
- Sincere repentance (Tawbah) — these months are a golden opportunity to return to Allah
Specifics of Each Month
Rajab: Spiritual preparation for Sha'ban and Ramadan. No specific act of worship tied to a particular day of Rajab is established by an authentic hadith.
Dhul Qadah: Multiply Umrah — the Prophet ﷺ performed three of his four Umrahs during this month.
Dhul Hijjah: Fast the first nine days, especially the Day of Arafat. Perform Hajj for those who are able. Multiply takbir and tahlil during the first ten days.
Muharram: Fast as much as possible — the best month for fasting after Ramadan. Fast Tasu'a (9 Muharram) and Ashura (10 Muharram) together.
Check prayer times during the sacred months with Masjidbox One →
What to Avoid During the Sacred Months
- Committing sins and disobedience — their weight is greater: ﴿فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ﴾ "so do not wrong yourselves during them"
- Wronging oneself and others — injustice is more severe during these months than at other times
- Neglecting worship — these are periods of multiplied reward that must not be wasted
- Quarrels and cutting family ties — Islam calls for peace and reconciliation, especially during these months
- Initiating warfare or aggression — Allah prohibited initiating combat during these months except in self-defence
- Innovating specific acts of worship — avoid any act of worship not established by an authentic hadith
FAQ — Sacred Months in Islam
What are the four sacred months in Islam?
The four sacred months in Islam are: Rajab (7th month), Dhul Qadah (11th month), Dhul Hijjah (12th month), and Muharram (1st month). Three are consecutive — Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram — and one is isolated: Rajab.
What is the virtue (fadl) of the sacred months?
Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما stated that good deeds are multiplied in reward and bad deeds are multiplied in weight during the sacred months. Qatadah رحمه الله clarified that any righteous act — prayer, fasting, zakah, Quran recitation, or maintaining family ties — carries a greater reward during these months.
Are the sacred months mentioned in the Quran?
Yes. Allah mentions them in Surah At-Tawbah (9:36): "Indeed, the number of months with Allāh is twelve [lunar] months... of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them." He also condemns the manipulation of sacred months (An-Nasi') in 9:37.
Is fasting obligatory during the sacred months?
Fasting is recommended (sunnah) but not obligatory. The most recommended is fasting in Muharram — the Prophet ﷺ said: "The best fast after Ramadan is the month of Allah, Muharram." (Sahih Muslim 1163)
Why is Ramadan not one of the sacred months?
Ramadan is a blessed month (mubarak) but distinct from the sacred months (haram). Allah chose Ramadan for obligatory fasting and the revelation of the Quran. The sacred months have a different nature — the prohibition of initiating warfare and the multiplication of acts. Each has its unique place in Islam.
When are the sacred months in Islam in 2026?
Rajab: 21 Dec 2025 — 19 Jan 2026 | Dhul Qadah: 18 Apr — 16 May 2026 | Dhul Hijjah: 18 May — 16 Jun 2026 | Muharram: 16 Jun — 14 Jul 2026. Dates may vary by one day depending on moon sighting.
Can Hajj be performed outside of Dhul Hijjah?
No. Hajj has prescribed months in Islamic law: "Hajj is [during] well-known months" (Al-Baqarah: 197). The standing at Arafat, the pillar of Hajj, is only valid on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Umrah, however, can be performed at any time of year.
What is An-Nasi' and how does it relate to the sacred months?
An-Nasi' was the pre-Islamic practice of postponing a sacred month to permit warfare. Allah condemned it in Surah At-Tawbah 9:37 as "an increase in disbelief." Islam restored the sacred months to their original divinely ordained positions — exactly as Allah established them since the creation of the heavens and the earth.
Conclusion
The four sacred months in Islam are a divine gift for every Muslim who wishes to renew their relationship with their Lord and multiply their good deeds. They are rabbanic milestones in the Hijri calendar, reminding us that time belongs to Allah alone, and that there are sacred periods we must venerate and make the most of.
Whether you are an imam teaching your congregation, a mosque administrator organising programmes, or a Muslim seeking to improve yourself, the sacred months offer you an invaluable opportunity to multiply your reward and purify your heart.
O Allah, we are in Your sacred month. Help us to venerate it and make the best use of it. Make us among those who multiply their acts of worship and distance themselves from sins. And conclude these sacred months for us with Your forgiveness and pleasure. Ameen.