Dhul Qa'dah: The Eleventh Islamic Month
Suggest editSacred Status
Dhul Qa'dah (ذو القعدة) is the eleventh month of the Islamic calendar and the third of the four sacred months. Its name means 'the one of sitting,' because the pre-Islamic Arabs would sit and refrain from travel and warfare during this month. It is the first of the three consecutive sacred months (Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram).
Significance
Dhul Qa'dah is the month of preparation for Hajj. Pilgrims begin making their travel arrangements, and those performing Hajj Tamattu' may enter ihram for Umrah during this month before the Hajj season begins in Dhul Hijjah. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH / 628 CE) was concluded in Dhul Qa'dah, a pivotal event that the Quran called 'a clear victory' (Quran 48:1) and which led to the peaceful spread of Islam.
Worship
As a sacred month, Muslims are reminded to be especially mindful of avoiding sin and increasing worship. The general principle of the sacred months applies: 'So do not wrong yourselves during them' (Quran 9:36). While no specific fasts or prayers are prescribed for Dhul Qa'dah, the excellence of voluntary worship during the sacred months is affirmed by scholars.