The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Time has come back to its original state which it had when Allah created the
Heavens and the Earth, the year is twelve months, of which four are sacred; (and out of these four)
three are in succession, namely, Dhul-Qa'da, Dhul-Hijja and Muharram, and (the fourth one) Rajab
Mudar which is between Jumad (Ath-Tham) and Sha'ban." The Prophet (ﷺ) then asked us, "Which month
is this?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle know (it) better." He kept quiet so long that we thought he
might call it by another name. Then he said, "Isn't it Dhul-Hijja?" We said, "Yes." He asked "What
town is this?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle know (it) better.' Then he kept quiet so long that we
thought he might call it by another name. He then said, "Isn't it the (forbidden) town (Mecca)?" We
said, "Yes." He asked, "What is the day today?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle know (it) better.
Then he kept quiet so long that we thought that he might call it by another name. Then he said, "Isn't it
the Day of An-Nahr (slaughtering of sacrifices)?" We said, "Yes." Then he said, "Your blood (lives),
your properties," (the sub narrator Muhammad, said: I think he also said): "..and your honor) are as
sacred to one another like the sanctity of this Day of yours, in this town of yours, in this month of
yours.
You shall meet your Lord and He will ask you about your deeds. Beware! Don't go astray after me by
striking the necks of one another. Lo! It is incumbent upon those who are present to inform it to those
who are absent for perhaps the informed one might comprehend it (understand it) better than some of
the present audience." Whenever the sub-narrator Muhammad mentioned that statement, he would
say, "The Prophet (ﷺ) said the truth.") And then the Prophet (ﷺ) added, "No doubt! Haven't I conveyed Allah's
Message to you! No doubt! Haven't I conveyed Allah's Message to you?"
Narrated by Narrated Abu Bakra:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasizes the sanctity of time and the importance of the sacred months in Islam. He highlights that the year consists of twelve months, four of which are sacred. The Prophet (ﷺ) then underscores the importance of mutual respect and protection of one another's lives, properties, and honor, comparing their sanctity to that of the Day of Sacrifice in Mecca. This serves as a reminder to adhere to moral and ethical conduct among the community.
Modern Application
In today's world, this hadith encourages individuals to respect one another's rights and dignity, fostering a sense of community and harmony. It serves as a reminder to engage in peaceful interactions and to uphold the values of respect and integrity in our daily lives.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Time and Life's Transience because it emphasizes the significance of time and the sacredness of certain periods, urging individuals to reflect on their actions and interactions during these times.
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. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him].
[Fighting in] the sacred month is for [aggression committed in] the sacred month, and for [all] violations is legal retribution. So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he has assaulted you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.
Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.
Allah has made the Ka'bah, the Sacred House, standing for the people and [has sanctified] the sacred months and the sacrificial animals and the garlands [by which they are identified]. That is so you may know that Allah knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth and that Allah is Knowing of all things.
This hadith is #7162 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Abu Bakra:.