Jumādā al-Thani, also known as Jumādā al-Akhirah, is the sixth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. According to the Islamic Calendar 2022, it began on the 4th of January following the Islamic month of Jumādā al-Awal. It will come around again on the 26th of December 2022 and go into January, according to the Islamic Calendar 2023.
Although Jumādā al-Akhirah isn’t an especially significant month of worship in Islam, various important events took place. So, today we’ll highlight some of these major events and explain the meaning of this month.
What is the Meaning of Jumādā al-Thani?
In pre-Islamic times, it was common for the people of Arabia to name months according to the season they occurred in, the weather conditions at the time, or according to the practices that occurred during that time.
For example, Jumādā means ‘parched or dry land devoid of rain.’ In some references, it also means ‘to freeze.’ The word al-Thani translates to ‘the second.’ Hence, as per pre-Islamic times, Jumādā al-Thani literally meant the second or last of the dry months, the first being Jumādā al-Awal.
Major Events that Took Place in Jumādā al-Thani
Many notable events took place in the month of Jumādā al-Akhirah that have immense significance for Muslims of different sects.
1. Birth of Hazrat Fatimah al-Zahra
According to various references, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his first wife Hazrat Khadijah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) welcomed their youngest daughter, Hazrat Fatimah al-Zahra (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) on the 20th of the month of Jumādā al-Akhirah.
There are differences among scholars about the exact year of her birth; some claim it was five years before the Prophet (ﷺ) received his first revelation, while others believe it was five years after this event.
Nevertheless, Hazrat Fatimah al-Zahra (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) is believed to be the purest woman ever to have lived, and undoubtedly the individual closest and dearest to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
2. Death of Hazrat Fatimah al-Zahra
Jumādā al-Thani is also the month in which Hazrat Fatimah al-Zahra (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) died, only two months after the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) passed away. Therefore, most scholars believe it to be the 3rd of the month.
The cause of Hazrat Fatimah’s death is debatable between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Sunni Muslims claim she died because of the grief of her father’s passing since they were extremely close and held the highest regard for each other. They believe that after the Prophet’s (ﷺ) death, Hazrat Fatimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) lost her appetite and happiness and spent each subsequent day and night crying and praying in his remembrance.
On the other hand, Shia Muslims believe that Hazrat Fatimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) died because of injuries she sustained in a raid at her house. However, no matter what sect you follow, Hazrat Fatimah’s (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) death marks a sad day in Islamic history.
Her final burial place is unknown.
3. Campaign of Dhatas Salasil
The Campaign of Dhatas Salasil, which took place after the Battle of Mu’tah, also happened in the month of Jumādā al-Akhirah.
Talks were taking place between the tribes that had supported the Ghassanids during the battle, and they were planning to attack the city of Madinah. So Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) commanded an army of 300 men and 30 horses, headed by Amr ibn al-Aas, to go on an expedition against them.
On reaching Salasil and facing the larger army, the Muslim expedition sent a message requesting more men. The Prophet (ﷺ) sent 200 more soldiers, and during the night, the Muslims attacked and subdued the enemy.
4. Death of Hazrat Abu Bakr
According to most references, the 22nd of Jumādā al-Thani marks the death of Hazrat Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). He was among the people who accepted Islam in its infancy and succeeded Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the new Islamic Caliph after his death.
Hazrat Abu Bakr was a highly devoted Muslim and extremely loyal companion of the Prophet (ﷺ). He was his closest ally and accompanied him during many important Islamic events, including the Hijrat from Makkah to Madinah.
After serving as Caliph for only two years, two months, and two weeks Hazrat Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) developed a fever and became bed-ridden. Before his death, he nominated Hazrat Omar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) as his successor and the next Caliph of the Islamic state.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) is buried next to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Other notable events that took place in the month of Jumādā al-Thani include:
- 3rd Jumādā al-Thani: Death of Harun Al-Rashid
- 10th Jumādā al-Thani: Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib’s (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) victory in the Battle of Jamal (Bassorah)
- 13th Jumādā al-Thani: Death of Umm-al-Banin (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) the wife of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ)
Nawafil to Recite in Jumādā al-Thani
Although there are no specific duas or nawafil for the month of Jumādā al-Thani, we must perform voluntary acts of worship such as reciting the Quran, carrying out sadqah-e-jaariyah, and praying for Allah’s forgiveness and blessings. This is also what the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) has guided us to do all year round.
Abu Hurairah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“When a man dies, all his good deeds come to an end except three: Ongoing charity (sadqah-e-jaariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous son who prays for him.” Sunan an-Nasa’i 3651
Ibn ‘Abbas (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.”Riyad as-Salihin 1873
The Spiritual Significance and Observances of Jumādā al-Thani in Islam
Jumādā al-Thani is just around the corner, and so is the new year. So, make sure to ask for repentance and Allah’s blessings, perform noble deeds and help those in need, and share the message of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) with your family and friends.
If you enjoyed learning about the significance, major events, and optional acts of worship during Jumādā al-Thani, be sure to check out our other blogs for more information on Islam and its practices. We hope these resources help deepen your understanding and connection to the faith.
