What righteous deeds are recommended in the sacred months? A friend mentioned that these months are no different from the rest of the months, and that righteous deeds performed in them hold no particular distinction or special merit. Kindly clarify what the sacred months are, whether they hold any special virtue compared to the other months, and what kind of righteous deeds are recommended during them? It would be helpful to mention some examples of deeds that are emphasized in these months.

The four sacred months—Rajab, Dhul Qa‘dah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram—are among the most beloved times to Allah Almighty. Righteous deeds in these months carry great reward and special virtue due to their honored status with Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty says, “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” (Quran, 9: 36). Their being sacred means that sins committed during them carry greater punishment, while acts of obedience are rewarded more abundantly.  Allah Almighty has favored certain times over others and distinguished some with special merit, so that they may serve as seasons of goodness, occasions for answered supplications, increased rewards, diligence in acts of worship, and avoidance of sins. 

 

Righteous deeds in the Sacred Months

Among the greatest acts of devotion during the sacred months is maintaining the obligatory acts of worship, especially performing the prescribed prayers on time, for they are the most beloved deeds by which a servant draws nearer to his Lord the Almighty. In a hadith qudsi (a divine narration attributed to Allah and transmitted by the Prophet), Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said,
“Allah says, ‘My servant does not draw nearer to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him’”
(recorded by Bukhari).

One must also refrain from sins, avoid disobedience, and not wrong oneself, for committing such acts in the sacred months is more serious and carries greater consequence.[1] Other righteous deeds encouraged in these months is frequent fasting, as they are particularly appropriate for fasting and are distinguished by their virtue.[2] The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said, “Fast during the sacred months and refrain from sinning; fast during the sacred months and refrain from sinning; fast during the sacred months and refrain from sinning”
(recorded by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah). Several of the righteous predecessors are reported to have been keen to observe fasting during the sacred months, including ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar, al-Hasan al-Basri, and Abu Ishaq al-Sabi‘i. Sufyan al-Thawri said,
“Fasting in the sacred months is more beloved to me.”[3]

In addition, making frequent remembrance of Allah is one of the greatest acts of devotion. Allah Almighty says,
“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance.” (Quran, 33: 41). In addition, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Shall I inform you of the best of your deeds, the purest of them in the sight of your Lord, the highest in rank, … It is the remembrance of Allah”
(recorded by at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah).

 

The ruling

Based on the above, the sacred months are among the most beloved times to Allah Almighty. Accordingly, one must observe the obligatory prayers on time, avoid sins and acts of disobedience, and increase righteous deeds such as fasting, charity, making remembrance of Allah, and other acts of righteousness.

And Allah Almighty knows best.