Jumada al-Ula: The Fifth Islamic Month
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Jumada al-Ula (جمادى الأولى) is the fifth month of the Islamic calendar. The name is derived from the Arabic root meaning 'to freeze' (jamada), as it originally fell in winter when water would freeze. Like the other non-sacred months outside of Ramadan, it has no specific prescribed acts of worship unique to it.
Historical Events
Several significant events occurred during Jumada al-Ula. The Battle of Mu'tah (8 AH / 629 CE), one of the most important early Muslim military encounters with the Byzantine Empire, took place in this month. In this battle, three successive commanders (Zayd ibn Harithah, Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, and Abdullah ibn Rawahah) were martyred before Khalid ibn al-Walid took command and skillfully withdrew the Muslim forces. The Prophet, informed of the battle through revelation, wept for his companions and gave Khalid the title 'Sayf Allah' (Sword of Allah).
The Birth of Fatimah
Some scholars place the birth of Fatimah bint Muhammad, the beloved daughter of the Prophet and wife of Ali ibn Abi Talib, in Jumada al-Ula, though the exact date is disputed. She is one of the four greatest women of all time according to the Prophet's own testimony.