‘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…’ [Qur’an, 9:36]
The four sacred months of Islam are Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qa’dah, and Dhul-Hijjah.
Thus, Dhul-Qa’dah is an elite month simply because Allah (SWT) has chosen it to be so. As He says in the Qur’an, ‘And your Lord creates what He wills and chooses; not for them was the choice. Exalted is Allah and high above what they associate with Him. [Qur’an, 28:68]
It is essential to respect the month Allah has chosen to be sacred, for reasons He knows best. Allah commands us not to ‘wrong ourselves’ during Dhul-Qa’dah, which means we should be extra-careful about fulfilling our obligations and not falling into sin.
Ibn Abbas (RA) said, ‘In all (twelve) months, Allah then chose four out of these months and made them sacred, emphasizing their sanctity, making sinning in them greater, and multiplying the rewards of righteous deeds during them’. [Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
Qatadah (RH) said, ‘Injustice during the sacred months is worse and graver than injustice in other months. Verily, injustice is always wrong, but Allah makes things graver than others as He wills. [Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
The sacred months thus give us the opportunity to gain more rewards every day, but there is also the danger of gaining more sins with our bad deeds. This means we should be extra-vigilant in increasing our good deeds and seeking forgiveness.
What are some tips for increasing your good deeds in Dhul-Qa’dah?
1) Don’t harm others.
2) Take care of your health.
3) Pray the Ishraq prayer (a voluntary two rak’ah) after sunrise.
4) Read more Qur’an.
5) Observe Sunnah fasts.
What are some tips for seeking forgiveness in Dhul-Qa’dah?
1) Make dua that Allah forgives you.
2) Recite some simple tasbih before seeking forgiveness.
3) Give charity as often as you can.
4) Recite Surah Mulk every day.