The fifth month of the Islamic calendar, Jumādā al-Awwal, got its name as an indication for the beginning of the summer season in Arab, Jamad meaning rainless or dry.
Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, it means that the months move about 11 days each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. This means that the months of the Islamic calendar do not line up with the same time of year every year. However, the names of the months still hold significant meaning in Islam.
Each month has its own historical and spiritual significance, and many Muslims observe special events and practices during each month. Additionally, the names of the months are often used to mark important events or milestones in the history of Islam.
During the month of Jumādā al-Awwal, there are no obligatory Ibadahs as in Ramadan. However, scholars stress voluntary supplications. This month is an excellent opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their deen, work on their deeds and strengthen their connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
Let’s look at some of the events in Jumādā al-Awwal, their significance, and the Nawafil we can perform this month.
Major Events in Jumādā al-Awwal
1. Marriage of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with Hazrat Khadija (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا)
Although there isn’t consensus on the month of marriage, most scholars believe that the first wedding of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) took place in the month of Jumādā al-Awwal.
Hazrat Khadija (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) sent a proposal for marriage through her friend Nafisa to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), the proposal was accepted, and the marriage between the two took place in this month. At this time, Muhammad (ﷺ) was only 25 years old and had not been given the title of Allah’s messenger.
2. The Battle of Mu’tah
The Mu’tah battle occurred during this month, a fight between 200,000 Roman and Arab troops against 3000 Muslim soldiers. The Prophet (ﷺ) selected Hazrat Zayd (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to lead the army as he couldn’t participate himself. He (ﷺ) further instructed, “If Zayd ibn e Haarithah is wounded, let Jafar ibn Abi Taalib succeed him. If Jafar is wounded, let Abdullah ibn Rawaahah succeed him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
First, Hazrat Zayd (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was wounded and martyred in the battle, and then Hazrat Jaffer (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) led the troops. He fought bravely against the enemies but unfortunately lost his hands and received 90 incurable wounds, resulting in his martyrdom. The Prophet (ﷺ) said that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) granted Hazrat Jaffer (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) wings to fly to paradise for his heroic performance in the battle.
As per the Prophet’s instructions, Hazrat Abdullah ibn Rawahah became the third person to take command of the army. He was a well-known poet and was popularly called the ‘Poet of the Messenger.’ He also succumbed to battle wounds and died in Mu’tah.
After Abdullah, Thabit ibn Aqram picked up the banner and rallied his comrades to victory.
3. Death of Family Members
Two significant family members of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) died during the month of Jumada Al-Awwal. Abdul Mutalib, the grandfather of Prophet (ﷺ), was one of the family members who died. Before his death in Mecca, he assigned his son, the Prophet’s (ﷺ) uncle, as the legal guardian and caretaker of eight-year-old Muhammad (ﷺ)
Many years later, Fatimah رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا)) the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) embraced death on the 10th Jumada Al-Awwal. She had been suffering from a painful illness and was peacefully buried by Hazrat Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) on the 14th of Jamada Al-Awwal, while accounts state that she died in Jamada Al- Akhir too.
4. The birth of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) Granddaughter
The birth of Zainab Bint Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) took place on 5th of Jammad Al Awwal. She was the third child of Hazrat Fatimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) and Hazrat Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) She showed staunch and steadfast character throughout her life despite facing great misery.
She lost Imam Hussain (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) during Karbala and endured it patiently. To this day, people visit her tomb in Egypt and remember her as a brave and respectable Islamic figure.
Significance of Jamada Al-Awwal
The month of Jamada Al-Awwal holds great significance and importance in Islamic history. When many unforgettable events occurred, it was a sign for Muslims to seek lessons and reflect on their deeds. Many important births and deaths took place, especially of those related to the Prophet (ﷺ).
Even though it’s not a particular month of worship, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and His messenger, Muhammad (ﷺ), recommend we participate in voluntary acts of worship. There is no specific time to correct ourselves and learn more about deen, and as Muslims, we should always be working towards improving ourselves.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Take benefit of five before five: Your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death” (Ibn Abbas and reported by Al-Hakim)
Nawafil of Jamada Al-Awwal
Jumādā al-Awwal 2022 falls at the year’s end according to the solar calendar. It is an excellent time to reflect on our daily routines and deeds and spend more time worshipping. Give as much Sedqah as possible and perform good acts to be a part of Sedqah Jariyaah.
Recite Qur’an and read Tafseer to understand the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) better. Perform all voluntary prayers along with the Fard prayers. Ponder, reflect on your deeds, and make the most of the remaining year.
Since this month signifies many deaths and births, it is an excellent time to think about our purpose in this Duniya and start preparing for Akhirah.
Concluding Thoughts on Jumādā al-Awwal – A Month of Spiritual Renewal and Growth
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says, “Surely, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve since the day He created the heavens and the earth.” (Qur’an 9:36). It shows how important it is to consider the twelve months of the lunar calendar and understand each of their significance.
Jumādā al-Awwal is a significant month in Islam, marked by a range of important events and practices. It is a time of spiritual renewal and growth as Muslims reflect on the teachings of the Quran and seek to strengthen their connection with God.
Whether by engaging in optional acts of worship such as fasting or good deeds such as charitable giving, Jumādā al-Awwal provides an opportunity for Muslims to deepen their faith and grow closer to God. As we conclude our observations of Jumādā al-Awwal, we can take inspiration from this month to continue striving for spiritual growth and renewal in our own lives.
If you found this blog on Jumādā al-Awwal informative, be sure to check out: Eid Milad Un Nabi 2022 | 12 Rabi ul Awal
