Analysis of the Consecutive Nature of the Four Sacred Months in the Quran

[abdul.samad]

Analysis of the Consecutive Nature of the Four Sacred Months in the Quran

The traditional view, widely accepted among Islamic scholars, is that the 4 sacred months mentioned in the Quran are Dhu al-Qa'dah (11th month), Dhu al-Hijjah (12th month), Muharram (1st month) - three consecutive months - and Rajab ((7th month).  While the traditional understanding of the sacred months being non-consecutive is widely accepted, the interpretation of consecutive sacred months is based on linguistic and contextual analysis of Quranic verses.

1. . Verse 9:5 and the Term "Insalakha":

Quranic Indication:   The verse 9:5 states, "Then when the Hurum Months have 'insalakha' (passed in succession), you may kill the Mushrikeen wherever you find them. Seize them and besiege them and lie in wait for them at every point." The key term "insalakha" literally means "skinned," akin to how one skins a snake gradually and consecutively.  The use of this word indicates that the Hurum months are consecutive, as opposed to a simple phrase like "when the months have passed."

Practical Implication: From a practical perspective, a consecutive period of sacred months would simplify the observance of prohibitions related to warfare and certain other activities, providing a clear, uninterrupted timeframe for these restrictions.

2. Verse 9:3 - Traditional Understanding and Its Issues:

Verse 9:3 states, "This is an announcement from Allah and His messenger to the people on the Day of the greater pilgrimage."  Traditionally, this is understood to be on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.  Therefore, presumably,  the free movement will start from 10th of Dul Hajj and spreads into Muharram (next year), Safer, Rabihul Awwal and until 10th of Rabihul Akhir. This is inconsistent and also this will create confusion since Mushrikeen are prohibited from approaching the Sacred Mosque after this year [9:28], implying that the four months do not include Muharram, Safar, Rabi' al-Awwal, and Rabi' al-Thani.

3. Alternative Interpretation of Yamul Hajjul Akbar:

Yamul Hajjul Akbar could be the first day of Ramadan. The Quran mentions "al hajj shahrun malomat" (well-known months) in 2:197, indicating that Hajj spans over several months.  If Yamul Hajjul Akbar is on the first day of Ramadan, the four consecutive months would be Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah, aligning with the end of the year.  This interpretation links logically with the prohibition of Mushrikeen approaching Masjid al-Haram from the next year onwards.

There is no logical explanation for why Ramadan is not considered a sacred month and waging war during Ramadan is generally not permissible unless Muslims are attacked by enemies.

Rajab was considered a sacred month by the pagan Arabs before the advent of Islam.  It is possible that Rajab was skillfully retained as a sacred month to maintain continuity and influenced by its historical sanctity, ensuring cultural and religious cohesion.

Conclusion:

The analysis suggests that the four Hurum months indicated in the Quran are consecutive, supported by the term "insalakha" and an alternative interpretation of Yamul Hajjul Akbar being the first day of Ramadan.   The 4 consecutive months ends after Dul Hajj, which is the end of the year (Ramadan, Shawwal, Dul Qadah and Dul Hajj).

[Wakas]

peace,

I agree with 4 consecutive months and so does brother Joseph if I recall correctly.

I mention some of those points and others here:
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/quran-calendar.html

[fireheart47]

Dear abdul.samad and Wakas,

Do you think the meaning of "qatal" in 9:5 could be interpreted as "fight" instead of "kill". If the former where true, perhaps it would indicate holy months as time when religious conversion would be less intense, in order to be merciful. It seems like a contradiction to permit killing.

What is holy about the holy months? Are there any activities forbidden during the holy months, which indicate why and how they are holy? For example, do they coincide with any agricultural activity or hardship due to difficult yearly weather?

Thank you for considering these questions.

[Wakas]

I discuss those things here:
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/disproved_traditional_salat.htm
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-hajj-Quran.html
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-al-haram-Quran.html