Islamic Months and Related Islamic Events

The Islamic year has twelve months that are based on a lunar cycle. Allah says in the Qur'an:

"The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year) - so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth...." (9:36).

"It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory, and the moon to be a light of beauty, and measured out stages for it, that you might know the number of years and the count of time. Allah did not create this except in truth and righteousness. And He explains His signs in detail, for those who understand" (10:5).

Islamic months begin at sunset of the first day, the day when the lunar crescent is visually sighted. The lunar year is approximately 354 days long, so the months rotate backward through the seasons and are not fixed to the Gregorian calendar. The months of the Islamic year are:

1. Muharram ("Forbidden" - it is one of the four months during which it is forbidden to wage war or fight)

2. Safar ("Empty" or "Yellow")

3. Rabia Awal ("First spring")

4. Rabia Thani ("Second spring")

5. Jumaada Awal ("First freeze")

6. Jumaada Thani ("Second freeze")

7. Rajab ("To respect" - this is another holy month when fighting is prohibited)

8. Sha'ban ("To spread and distribute")

9. Ramadan ("Parched thirst" - this is the month of daytime fasting)

10. Shawwal ("To be light and vigorous")

11. Dhul-Qi'dah ("The month of rest" - another month when no warfare or fighting is allowed)

12. Dhul-Hijjah ("The month of Hajj" - this is the month of the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, again when no warfare or fighting is allowed)

Click here to see the Islamic Calender 

Islamic Event in Muharram:

Comemoration of  Imam Hussein's Martyrdom (Shahadat)

who was the grandson of our beloved Prophet Muhammad S., on 10th. of Muharram (Day of Aashura means Tenth Day)

You may know the story of his Shahadat here;

Video 1

Video 2

Islamic Events in Safar

1. The Battle of Abwaa took place on 12th of Safar in the year 2 A.H.
2. The Battle of Khaibar took place in the year 7 A.H. 
3. Hadhrat Ali (R A ) married Prophet  daughter Hadhrat Fatima (R.A.) in the latter days of Safar 2 A.H. 
4. Khubaib Ibn Adey (R.A.) was martyred in Safar in the year 4 A.H. in Makkah. 
5. Zaid Ibn Dathina (RA) was martyred in this month in the year 4 A.H. in Makkah.

Islamic Events in Rabi ul awal

1-Rabi-ul-Awwal :-
Hijrat-e-Madina – Start of Islamic Hijri calendar

4-Rabi-ul-Awwal :- 
Death of Hazrat Fatima Masooma-e-Qum (R.A) – (201 A.H.) [Disputed date]

8-Rabi-ul-Awwal :-

• Martyrdom of Imam Hasan Askari (R.A) – (260 A.H.)

• Beginning of Ghaibat-e-Sughra of Imam Mohammad Mehdi

9-Rabi-ul-Awwal :-  Eid-e-Zahra (R.A)

10-Rabi-ul-Awwal :-

• Death of Hazrat Abdul Mutallib (R.A) – grand father of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) 
• Marriage of Prophet Muhammad(sawaw) and Hazrat Khadija (R.A)

12-Rabi-ul-Awwal :- 

The sacred day of 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal is especially important to the Muslim world, because on this dayProphet Muhammad (S.A.W) was born, who led humanity from darkness to light and who is described by Allah as “a mercy to all the worlds – Rehmat-ullil-Alimeen”. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated by theMuslims in East and West on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal with great devotion and reverence. The occasion like 12th Rabi-ul-Awal is meant to remind people of how the Prophet lived his life and to rejuvenate their Eiman.

16-Rabi-ul-Awwal :- 

Building of Masjid-e-Quba - the first Masjid in Islam – (1 A.H.)

17-Rabi-ul-Awwal :- 

• Birth of Prophet  Muhammad (P.B.U.H)  – (53 years before Hijra)
• Birth of Imam Jafer Sadiq (R.A) – (82 A.H.)

28-Rabi-ul-Awwal :- Death of Hazrat Abu Talib (R.A)

Please also click here fordetailed different important events of Islamic months.

Duas of Prophets in Quran

All Prophets of Islam had been facing challenges in their lives. They never stopped seeking help from Allah Almighty. 

Quran mentions many Duas (Prayers) of Prophets at difficult times. If you know their stories, you will understand their prayers too!

Click here to learn the Duas of Prophets in Quran.

Stories of Prophets and their People in Quran

You've learnt before, that Quran is NOT a Story Book. So you may think, how come it has many stories , which are told, and over told in Quran?

Good Question? Thinking is a good way to evaluate and questioning, and a good way to learn more!

Quran says that whenever people were invited towards the Message of Quran, they used to object and criticize , like ...What ...Another Story Books? But Quran answers that Quran is NOT a Story Book ...or...

Asaateer oul Awwaleen  اساطيرالاوالين (Stories of the by-gone people).

Infact...

Quran is a REMINDER  Zikr/ Dikr ذِكر ! 

Quran is also called, Furqaan  فرقان ( The distinguisher of right and wrong), Noor  نور (Light), Huda  هدىَ(Guidance)

So Quran only warns us by highlighting some FACTS about those people, who were warned with the help of Allah's Prophets or Messengers, in past. Only some important parts of information is revealed and repeated in Quran which can Guide us, or teach us some moral lessons. They areNOT to entertain us!
So we must no add or delete any information from the account mentioned in Quran, as Quran is the most authentic source of information. Moreover making stories out of such stories is, not only disrespecting Quran, but also demeaning their purpose.
However many Ahadees or the Sayings of Prophet Muhammad S. and the Authentic Historical facts can help us relate to some essential detail, otherwise not mentioned in Quran.
All we are required , is to be"faithful", yet "carefull"!

There are 25 Prophets mentioned in Quran ,including Prophet Muhammad S. with their names mentioned several times. and you can find the related account of the Prophets and their People  in Quran, as shown in websites like this. 

You may Search English Name of the Prophet's name in Quran , OR in Arabic, .
Take help from the Arabic Keyboard to write the Arabic Names. , first.
Now study what is mentioned about each prophet in Quran.You will be able relate to their stories at different places in Quran.

Also, 

      Videos like this may also help you understand the stories of Prophets in Quran.
      There is some more detail, from other historical courses.

      All the best for your assignments! Don't forget to take help from your parents. Thanks and JazakAllah!

Here's an Example :

      Writing the Story of Prophet Adam عليه السلام
     
       The Quran mentions the creation of Adam, at seven places;
     2:24 , 7:11, 15:13,  17:61,  18:50,  20: 116, 38:74 .....So study these verses and note down the important detail to write the story, like, Adam , clay, names , prostration (sajda), Angels, Heaven, Forbidden tree, etc...
      Now we arrange all the information, together;

 Story of Prophet Adam عليه السلام:
    
     Part 1:

      Allah created Prophet Adam, from Clay, and taught him Names (gave him Knowledge). Then He ordered all Angels to prostrate or do Sajda to Adam. All prostrated before Adam, except Iblis, the Shaitan or Satan.
      When Allah asked him why he didn't obeyed Allah's order, Iblis proudly explained, that since he was created from FIRE , while Adam was created from CLAY, so he was SUPERIOR than Adam. Iblis showed his prejudice (Takkabar) which Allah didn't like. and asked him to get out . Iblis was jealous of Adam so he made a challenge that he would keep misleading Adam and all the human generations , until the Judgment Day. 
    
       Part 2:

       Allah created Adam's Wife and asked them to live in Heaven. In Heaven they could not feel hunger or thirst , hot or cold. Allah allowed them to go everywhere, except near a FORBIDDEN TREE. 
I     Iblis or Shaitan mislead them and they ate the fruit of the Forbidden Tree. Suddenly both of them became conscious of their bodies, and felt that they need to cover them with leaves.
      Later they became very ashamed of their dis-obedience of Allah's order and asked forgiveness from Allah. Allah forgave them, yet He made it clear that,  they and their generations,  will be TESTED for RIGHT and WRONG and if they want to return to HEAVEN again, they are required to PASS THE TEST, on EARTH.

       Test your understanding;

Q: What was Prophet Adam created from?
     Q: What were Angels and Jinns created from?
     Q: Who was Iblis? Was he an Angel or Jinn?
     Q: Why did Allah ask Angels to Prostrate before Adam?
     Q:  Why Iblis did not prostrate to Prophet Adam?
     Q: What Did Iblis asked for, after Allah ordered him to get away?
     Q: Where did Adam and his Wife use to live?
     Q: What did Allah order Prophet Adam and his Wife?
     Q: Who mislead Prophet Adam and his Wife?
     Q: What happened when Prophet Adam and his wife
           ate from the FORBIDDEN TREE?
     Q: What Allah said after forgiving Prophet Adam and his Wife for his mistake?
     Q: Which moral lessons do you learn from this story?
     
..                                           .....................................................................

STORY OF PROPHET AYUB (Job)  عليه السلام

        Prophet Ayub story is very briefly explained in Quran.He was a very wealthy and Healthy person. He had a happy family. 

       First Allah tested him by taking away his wealth and property. Prophet Ayub never stopped thanking Allah, even then and said that everything belongs to Allah. Then Allah tested his patience , again, and took away his family. Even then he remained patient and said that everything belongs to Allah. Finally Allah put him to a very hard test. Prophet Ayub lost his health and became very sick. He tolerated it with great patience. 

      One day when his suffering became unbearable for him, he prayed to Allah. Allah took mercy on his sincere and patient prophet and asked him to stomp his foot on the ground. Soon a fountain of water appeared by a miracle. Allah asked him drink  and wash his body with the miracle water. He did so and became healthy , again. Allah also gave him the replacement for his lost wealth and family. Prophet Ayub became healthy and wealthy again and lived happy ever after with his family. 

       Moral Lesson of this story: We should never lose our TRUST  توّكّل in Allah, and should alway show PATIENCE   صبر  on all kind of worldly losses.

                                                       

      Assisted story research done by 

      Ayaa  Ibrahim   (12 yrs)

      Quran Class 
Read Prophet Ayub's story in Quran  from verses 21:83 and 21:84

                                                               ....................................

        
                 STORY OF PROPHET NUH (Noah) عليه السلام
                      

Prophet Nuh was the first of the greatest prophets , after Prophet Adam. Prophet Nuh is mentioned in several  verses in glorious Quran with his struggle with the deniers , who  used to  worship idols and were not listening to Prophet Nuh.

Finally, Allah decided to punish them for their dis-belief. Prophet Nuh warned his people about the coming punishment, but they didn’t pay attention, and called him a ‘liar’, as always.

Allah asked Prophet Nuh to build a ship. People laughed at Prophet Nuh. When the ship was ready Prophet Nuh called the believers to board the ship. He also boarded pairs of animals and birds of different kinds in the ship.

After sometime, dark clouds started appearing and the rain started. It rained heavily for many days, the whole  land got covered with flood. All disbelievers got drowned in the flood, including Prophet Nuh’s own son, who dis-obeyed his father.

Prophet Nuh prayed for mercy , from Allah and Allah stopped the rain. The flood subsided and the surviving believers began their lives again.

Moral Lesson of the Story:

Allah is very Patient to the stubborn behaviors of dis-believing people. His punishment can be very severe . Even the family members of Prophets can not escape the punishment , if they dis-obey Allah's commandments.

Assisted story research done by

Hanef Ahmed  (9 yrs)

Quran Class

Read Prophet Nuh’s story in Quran  from verses 11:25 to 11:48

                ................................

STORY OF PROPHET YUNUS (Jonah)  عليه السلام   

  Prophet Yunus was a Prophet of Allah. He told his people that Allah is one and only worthy of worship. His people didn't listen to his message which frustrated him. He ran away from his people and boarded a ship. People threw him into the sea , where a whale swallowed him. He became very sad for what he did and prayed to Allah , while he was in the belly of the fish. Allah answered his prayer and the fish threw him on an open shore. He was very sick due to a skin disease, but he went back to his people and gave them Allah's message, again. People listened to him and believed in Allah.

Moral lesson of the Story:

Prophets are very responsible people who give Allah's message to people. They should trust Allah and should not become sad or quit their responsibility .

Assisted story research done by

Tenir Ahmed (8 yrs)

Quran Class

Read Prophet Yunus story in Quran from verses 37:139 to 37:148

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STORY OF PROPHET ZAKARIYA عليه السلام

   Prophet  Zakariya was very old, yet he had no children. It made him very sad and disappointed. He feared that there would be no one after him to carry out his work and responsibilities. He wanted to have a strong leader to guide his people , after him. 

   Prophet Zakariya was appointed as a guardian of  Mariyam (Mary) by Allah, who was  the mother of Prophet Isha (Jesus). She used to pray in an islolated place, outside the town. One day when Prophet Zakariya went to see her, he noticed fresh food ,there. He asked Mariyam that who brought this food for her. Mariyam told him that Allah provided her with all RIZK (Provisions).

   Prophet Zakariya hoped from Allah and prayed for a son. Allah listened to  his prayer and gave him the good news of a pious child Yahya (John) . At First, Prophet Zakariya did not believe the news and wondered how could he have a child in his very old age and while his wife was barren, or not capable of bearing a child. Allah assured him that it was not difficult for Allah, who also created him from nothing. He was asked not to speak to people for three days (a fast of silence). Later, Prophet Yahya was born, who was a very obedient son and a very righteous leader for his people.

    Moral Lesson of the story: Never lose hope of Mercy from Allah. Nothing is Impossible for Him. Allah is always ready to bless his Righteous Servants.

Assisted Reasearch done by Surush Ahad (10 yrs.)

Quran Class

Read the story of Prophet Zakariya in Quran in verses  3:33 to 41, 9:2 to 15, 21:88 to 90

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STORY OF PROPHET YUSUF عليه السلام…………PART 1

   The story of Prophet Yusuf is mentioned in detail in Quran. He wasa  very beloved son of his father named, Prophet Yaqub. One night when he was just a boy,he saw a dream in which he saw seven stars ,the Sun  and the Moon prostrating before him.His Father felt that the dream was very special so he asked Yusuf not to mention the dream to his brothers. He feared his brothers might harm him in jealousy. 

     Prophet Yusuf brothers were already jealous of their father’s love for Yusuf . They made a plot to get rid of him. One day Prophet Yusuf bothers requested their father to let Yusuf go out with them . They promised that they would take a good care of him.  When Prophet Yaqub let Prophet Yusuf go with their brothers to play around., they took him to a far and lonely place .They  threw down Yusuf into a dried well. Then they  brought back his shirt , soaked in false blood to  tell their father, that a wolf had eaten Yusuf. Prophet Yaqub became very sad and prayed for the safety of Prophet Yusuf as he did not believe the story.

Luckily, a caravan was passing by that desert. They saw Prophet Yusuf, who was just a little boy, in the well , when they threw in their pot , in hope for  water. They  pulled him out of the and took him along with them. Later, they sold him to a kind-hearted Egyptian couple, who took care of Prophet Yusuf just like their son. He grew up in their care.

Moral Lesson of the story: Jealousy is EVIL . People can harm their own relatives out of jealousy. 

Assisted  Story Research done by

Ahmed Ibrahim (8 years)

Quran Class

Read the story of Prophet Yusuf in “Surah Yusuf” , the 12^th Chapter in Quran.

Part 2 of the story will be added later.

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About the Message of Quran

·         What does Quran say when Allah wants to stop us from doing anything?

           La  لا (Don't)

·         What do you mean by Halaal حلا ل and Haraam  حرام  ? 

           Halaal is permissible or allowed.

           Haraam is respected or not allowed.

• What is Zabiha زبيحه ?
• Zabiha. The process of slaughtering a halal animal according to the Islamic method. The following should be observed: The name of God (Allah) is to be pronounced as a reminder that we do not have the right to take the animal's life except by the permission of God to meet our need for food.  (adapted from http://www.isnahalal.ca/info.html)
•           What is Tayyab  طيّب ?

           Good , Pleasant. Quran often speaks of Halaal and Tayyab , together.
           See the meanings of Tayyab in dictionary here.

           What is Makrooh مكروه ?
           Hateful, undesirable. 
           See the meanings of Makrooh in the dictionary here.

·         What does Quran say about eating, in general? 

           Eat and Drink , but not in excess (means do not over eat or drink)

·         What is Haraam in eating and drinking?

           meat of the already dead animal, blood,

           Animal slaughtered in the name some other person or god. 

           Food given in the name of any other person/god except Allah.

·         What does Quran say about back-biting? 

           Back-biting is like eating the flesh of the dead person.

·         What does Quran say about taking revenge and forgiveness?

           Quran allows to take equal revenge, but also encourages forgiveness.

·         What does Quran say about Fighting? 

           Quran allows fighting in defence only.

·         What does Jihaad جهاد  mean? 

           Jihaad means Strive or Struggle in the way of Allah. It can be personal struggle to become a      better person or to struggle to improve the condition of society or to fight back the enemy    who attacks Muslims or Islam.
See the meaning of Jihaad here.

·         What does Quran say about making divisions in Islam?
            Quran says Do not make divisions in Islam or Muslims. Making divisions/sects is haraam.

·         What does Quran say about lairs?
           Allah curses the liar.

     What does Quran say about money-waster?
     The one who waste money is the kin of Shaitan.
  

·         What does Quran says about spreading corruption? What is corruption called in Arabic?
           Spreading any type of corruption on Earth is Haraam. Allah does not like the one who spread corruption.
             In Arabic the corruption is called  fasaad  فساد.
       click for meanings of Fasaad here.

·         What does Quran say about Fairness and Justice?
      Be Fair and Just in dealing. Allah loves the Just or Fair person.

·         Does Quran allow stealing,spying,jealousy,envy,calling names,making fun,swearing and showing-off?
        All of the above, are Haraam.


      Why is Magic haraam?
      Magic is haraam because Allah does not allow anyone to deceive or manipulate others.

·         What does Quran say about dealing and judging people in general?
      Allah says deal with them nicely. Only Allah can judge people.

·         What does Quran say about dealing with parents, relative , orphans and poor?
      Allah wants us to do Ehsaan to them, meaning doing good to them without expecting anything in return.

·         How should Muslims deal with their parents especially, according to Quran?
      With Ehsaan. When they grow old don't say 'fie' to them . (Fie means any word of dis-respect). Respect your Mother even more for the sake of pain she bears foryou.
      You may read  the detail of Quran on parents here.

·         What is Ehsaan احسان  ?
      Favour, without expecting any favour in return.
      See the dictionary for the meaning of Ehsaan here.

·         What does Quran encourages everyone to seek?
      Knowledge or ilm علم

·         What is the principle called in Quran, by which Allah has created this whole Universe? 
      Balance or Meezaan  میزان

·         What is creating dis-balance, called in Quran? 
      Corruption or Fasaad فساد

·         What does Quran say about the Love of Allah?
      Allah loves;
      The patient, the Just (Fair), the good-door, the dutiful, the one who purifies.

·         Which type of people Allah does not love according to Quran?
      Allah does not love;
      The sinner, the un-just (un-fair), proud/arrogant, boastful/show-off, mischief-maker (corruptor). the aggressor (who crosses the limits).

·         Does Quran Allow Racism?
      Allah says the whole mankind is ONE NATION. Any discrimination based on culture, language or traditions etc is not allowed in Islam. Quran says all these things are Allah's signs to recognize each other. The best person is the one who has more Taqwah in heart. ( Taqwah تقوي means being conscious of Allah and fearing His anger).
         
       You may read what does Quran say about It here.



      Does Quran allow any competition?
      Quran does not allow any competition , except in Good deeds and Knowledge.

·         What does Quran say about charity? Can Muslim give charity to non-Muslims?
      Quran says anything in excess (which is not needed) can be charity. We can give money, food, clothes, time, efforts to help others. 
      Yes. Charity is for everyone.Even for animals and plants.

·         What does it mean that Quran is Shifa?
      Quran is Allah's gifted words. They have many physical, moral and spiirtual effects for the one who reads and study it. That's why it is called Shifa  شفاء  meaning the Cure or Treatment.

     What is the benefit of remebering Allah?
      Remembering of Allah gives peace to hearts. 

·         What does Quran call those people who try to understand the Messages of Allah?
      Intelligent/Wise  people اولوالباب .

·         Do you know any Verse of Message with meanings from Quran?
      You may learn many verses and their meanings to share with your friends.
       Learn some short verses of Quran in Arabic and English here.
      You may find this collection helpful too. The Golden Verses of Quran .

·         Do you know any Surah with meanings from Quran? 
      You may learn some short Surahs from Quran and their meanings here.


      Do you know any Duas (Prayers0 from Quran and their meanings?
      You may learn some Duas from Quran here.


     What does Quran says about reading Quran.
     
     

'And recite the Qur'an in slow measured rhythmic tone.  (73:4)

You may also read more here about reading Quran in Quran here.

 What is Tajweed  تجويد ?
      Tajweed are the rules of reading  or Qawaid قوائد.for better reading Look into  the dictionary here .

 Can you learn to read reading Quran without learning rules?

      No . If you can read Quran it means you know the rules of reading. 
      You may revise the rules here "Quran Teacher" 


        What is meaning of Safeer سفير ? What are you learning in Safeer Program ,at Quran class?
         Safeer    means the one who shares the message with other people.
         Safeer program is to increase your knowledge and understanding about Islam, so that you may represent and share it.


         What is the best way to improve reading and memorization skills?
         Practice.

What are the good values you should present in class , as a student?
Be Good and disciplined,; Be respectful ; Listen carefully, and don't waste your time. JazakAllah

What about Tricky Questions?

What if , certain things are not clearly or directly mentioned in Quran. e.g. celebrating birthdays, going on fun rides in wonderland, playing musical instruments, watching T.V etc?
In that case , use your own sense of judgment, according to the knowledge and understanding of Islam.
Ask those who have more knowledge and understanding.
Remember, that Religion of Allah is fashioned according to human nature. The rules and regulations are what is right with reason and what is wrong with reason.
For example, Muslims don't celebrate the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad S. like Christmas is the celebration of Jesus a.s.
Generally big birthdays parties are just show-off and are celebrated to collect gifts. Many video games are just waste of time and money. There are many other sports which are healthy for mind and body.
Hope you will use your own power of thinking, resoning ans justifying! InshAllah!