Worship Tied to Hijri Dates: Ramadan, Ayyam al-Beed, Ashura, Arafah, Zakat, Hajj, Iddah
Published: · اردو میں پڑھیں
Many acts of worship are fixed to Hijri dates, which is why knowing the Islamic date matters.
Ramadan
“The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed… whoever of you witnesses the month, let him fast it.” (Quran 2:185). It begins and ends with the crescent: “Fast when you see it and stop fasting when you see it; if it is hidden from you, complete thirty days.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1909; Sahih Muslim 1081). Fasting on the two Eid days is forbidden (Sahih al-Bukhari 1990; Sahih Muslim 1137).
Three days every month (Ayyam al-Beed)
Abu Hurairah (RA) said his beloved ﷺ advised him to fast three days of every month (Sahih al-Bukhari 1981; Sahih Muslim 721). The 13th, 14th and 15th of the lunar month (“the white days”) are specified in Sunan an-Nasa’i 2424 and Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 761 (graded hasan).
Ashura (10 Muharram)
The Prophet ﷺ fasted Ashura and ordered it to be fasted (Sahih al-Bukhari 2004). He said about it: “I hope from Allah that it expiates the year before it.” (Sahih Muslim 1162). He also said: “If I live until next year, I will fast the ninth [as well].” (Sahih Muslim 1134)
Day of Arafah (9 Dhul-Hijjah)
About fasting the Day of Arafah he ﷺ said: “I hope from Allah that it expiates the year before it and the year after it.” (Sahih Muslim 1162). This is for those not performing Hajj.
Hajj
“Hajj is in well-known months” (Quran 2:197), and the new moons are “measurements of time for people and for Hajj” (2:189). Its rites fall on 8–13 Dhul-Hijjah.
Zakat: the lunar year (hawl)
Zakat on savings becomes due when wealth at or above the nisab has completed one year (hawl) — “no zakat is due on wealth until a year passes over it” (Sunan Abu Dawud 1573). Scholars count this year by the Hijri calendar.
Iddah
A widow’s waiting period is “four months and ten [days]” (Quran 2:234), and for women who do not menstruate it is “three months” (Quran 65:4). These months are counted as lunar months. (A divorced woman who menstruates waits three cycles, 2:228, and a pregnant woman until delivery, 65:4.) Consult a qualified scholar for individual cases.
Check the date: Islamic date today in Pakistan · Islamic date tomorrow · Hijri calendar
Frequently asked questions
What are Ayyam al-Beed?
The 13th, 14th and 15th of each Hijri month, recommended for voluntary fasting (Sunan an-Nasa'i 2424; Tirmidhi 761, hasan).
What is the reward for fasting Ashura and Arafah?
Sahih Muslim 1162: the Prophet ﷺ hoped Arafah expiates the previous and coming year, and Ashura the previous year.
Is the zakat year Hijri or Gregorian?
Scholars count the zakat year (hawl) by the lunar Hijri calendar.
How long is a widow's iddah?
Four months and ten days (Quran 2:234), counted in lunar months.
References
- Quran 2:185, 2:189, 2:197, 2:228, 2:234, 65:4
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1909, 1981, 1990, 2004
- Sahih Muslim 721, 1081, 1134, 1137, 1162
- Sunan an-Nasa'i 2424; Jami' at-Tirmidhi 761
- Sunan Abu Dawud 1573