What is Dhul Qadah (Zulkaedah)
Dhul Qadah (Zulkaedah) is the 11th month of the Islamic (hijri) calendar and one of the four sacred months as ordained by Allah (SWT).
“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…”
It is during this month that the initiation of fighting is prohibited, as it is also in the three remaining sacred months, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab.
“They ask you [Prophet] about fighting in the prohibited month. Say, ‘Fighting in that month is a great offence…” [Qur’an, 2:217]
When is Dhul Qadah (Zulkaedah)?
This year, Dhul Qadah (Zulkaedah) will begin on 21 May 2023, following the month of Shawwal.
As with other Islamic months, there are either 29 or 30 days in Dhul Qudah, depending on the sighting of the moon’s crescent.
Importance of Dhul Qadah (Zulkaedah)
While there are no days of worship that are prescribed for Muslims during the month of Dhul Qadah, it is a month that has been selected by Allah (SWT) as one of His sacred months. In it, both the sins and good deeds of humanity are deemed to be of more significance.
“In all (twelve) months, Allah then chose four out of these months and made them sacred, emphasising their sanctity, making sinning in them greater, in addition to multiplying the rewards of righteous deeds during them.”