Jumada Al-Awwal, It’s Importance in the Light of History Events
Umar ibn al Khattab RA was the first who initiated the Islamic calendar. It was 638 A.D (anno domini). The name Hijrah was decided at that time with the consultation of all others at the time of Umar RA.
Jumada al-Awwal can also be written as Jumada al-Ula, Jumada 1. In the sequence of the month list, it comes at fifth with having 29 or 30 days in total. ‘Jamad’ stands for “Arid, dry or rainless” denoting dry months. The meaning may be “to take charge with, commend, commit or care during this month”
Jumada Al-Awwal
Jumada Al-Awwal is the fifth month in the Islamic calendar and signals the beginning of the summer season. “Jamad” itself means “dry or rainless”; however, since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar calendar, Jumada Al-Awwal will occur in winter this year.
What is Jumada Al-Awwal?
Although it is associated with dryness, Jumada Al-Awwal in Urdu can mean “to take charge with, commend, commit, or care during this month.” Therefore, this is a month of dedication and consideration.
Though there are no specific deeds or requirements attached to this month, many Muslims may take this as a period of reflection. We may reflect on the multiple incidents of the month, our connection with Allah (SWT), and our interaction with the Qur’an as a whole.
Notable Jumada Al-Awwal Events
- The Moota battle
- Marriage of Muhammad SAW with Hazrat Khadija.
- Hazrat e Jafar’s RA Martyrdom
- Hazrat Abdullah RA Martyrdom
- Hazrat Abdul Muttalib’s death.
- Birth of Zainab bint Ali RA, 5th Jamadi ul Awwal
- Fatima RA Bint Muhammad SAW was died at age of 23 on 10th of Jamadi ul Awwal
- Burriel of Fatima RA Bint Muhammad SAW was conducted by Hazrat e Ali RA on 13th of Jamad ul Awwal.
- The birth date of Zain Al Abideen RA is on 15th of Jamad ul Awwal
A brief talk about all the Events
The Moota battle that took place in this month Hazrat Zaid RA was chosen for battle and Prophet SAW did not take part in it. Prophet SAW said: “if Zayd ibn e Haarithah is wounded, let Jafar ibn Abi Taalib succeed him. If Jafar is wounded, let Abdullah ibn Rawaahah, succeed him.”(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
It was a miraculous fight between 200000 Roman and Arab troops against the minimal army of 3000 Muslim soldiers. But Allah SWT gave victory to the Muslim army against the Romans.
The Marriage of Khadija RA
The marriage between Hazrat Khadija RA and prophet Muhammad SAW took place in the this month. Hazrat Khadija appointed one of her friends Nafisa to send the message of marriage to Hazrat Muhammad SAW. Prophet Muhammad SAW after the consultation with his uncles accepted the marriage proposal. At that time Muhammad SAW was 25 years old while Hazrat e Khadija was 40 years old. Both uncles of Muhammad SAW participated in the marriage.
Hazrat e Jaffar RA Martyrdom
Hazrat e Jaffar RA martyrdom took place in this month, as the Muslim army met Byzantines at Mu’tah. Hazrat e Zayd RA martyred first and then it was Hazrat e Jaffar RA who carried the charge. He went deep inside the enemies and fought bravely. There is a famous line spoken by Hazrat e Jaffar RA during the battle. He said: “how wonderful is paradise as it draws near! How pleasant and cool is its drink! Punishment for the Byzantines is not far away!” in this war both of the arms of Hazrat e Jaffar were cut off and finally, he died.
Soldiers who came back from the battle they told about the heroic fight of Jafar RA.
One of them said: one said: we have seen 90 wounds in Ja’far’s RA body.
Another said: I have seen him when his right hand was cut off.
Another said: I have seen him when his left hand had been cut off. He had fallen over the ground and his wounds bled.
Prophet SAW said: Jibreel has told me that Allah has granted Jaffar two wings to fly within the paradise.
Hazrat Abdullah RA was martyred in this month and Abdul Muttalib also died in the month of Jamad al Awwal.
Birth of Zainab RA
After Hazrat e Imam Hussain RA it was Zainab RA the third child who was born to Fatimah RA. Her honorable life Is well known to all and the miseries that she faced were enormous. She also faced the greatest disaster when she lost Imam Hussain RA in her life. Her tomb is in Egypt today and visited by many.
Death of Fatimah RA
Hazrat e Fatimah RA was died in the same month and was buried by Hazrat e Ali on 13th of Jamad al Awwal. She died due to illness. Sufi scholar Muzaffar Ozak writes on her death that,
“After our Master had honored the world of the Hereafter, Fatima would neither eat nor drink and she forgot all laughter and joy. She had an apartment built for her in which she stayed by night and day, weeping her heart out for her beloved father.”
Birth of Zain ul Abideen
Zain ul Abideen was also born in this month. He is also known as the son of the best two. He was respected among his companions. He was very pious. According to Abu hamza during the month of Ramzan, he used to be in prayers for the whole of nights.
He was poisoned at the end. After his death it is said that people came to know it was Zain ul Abideen who used to distribute food in people at night by covering his face, so that he could not be recognized. What a tremendous life he had. May Allah be pleased with him.
uring Jumada Al-Awwal, the Moota battle took place. Hazrat Zaid (AS) was selected for battle, whilst Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not participate. The fight was between a colossal 200,000 Roman and Arab troops and a minimal 3000 Muslim soldiers. Despite this great divergence in numbers, Allah (SWT) granted triumph to the Muslims.
As well as this victory, the Prophet (PBUH) married Hazrat Khadija (AS) during this month. Hazrat Khadija sent one of her friends with a proposal of marriage, which the Prophet (PBUH) then accepted.
Furthermore, Hazrat e Jaffar’s martyrdom occurred during Jumada Al-Awwal. Firstly, Hazrat e Zayd (AS) was martyred, yet Hazrat e Jaffar (AS) was forced to carry the charge. Soldiers who returned from battle praised Jaffar’s brave and heroic fight against the enemies, claiming that he had incurred 90 wounds and had lost his hand in battle. However, the Prophet (PBUH) announced that Allah (SWT) granted Jaffar (AS) wings to fly into the Paradise.
This was one of two martyrdoms of the month, as Hazrat Abdullah (AS) was also subjected to such. Abdullah was a well-known poet of Arabia and was given the title of “Poet of the Messenger.” In fact, he brought the message of triumph to the community of Medina.
Another death that occurred during Jumada Al-Awwal was that of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet (PBUH). Before his death in Mecca, he had a dream that he should assign the care of the eight-year-old Prophet (PBUH) to Muhammad’s (PBUH) uncle.
On the 5th Jumada Al-Awwal, the third child of Hazrat e Fatimah (AS), Zainab (AS), was born. It is known that she faced great misery throughout her life, and she was honoured due to her endurance of such. The largest disaster that she was subjected to was the loss of Imam Hussain (AS). The immense respect for her prevails as many still visit her tomb in Egypt to this day.
Additionally, Fatimah died on the 10th Jumada Al-Awwal, being buried by Hazrat e Ali on the 13th Jumada Al-Awwal. Her sad death was a result of a painful illness.
On the 15th Jumada Al-Awwal, Zain ul Abideen was born, “the son of the best two.” He obtained immediate and eternal respect from birth which stemmed from his undying faith to Islam. This was made apparent by his dedication to be in prayer for the whole of the nights during Ramadan. Unfortunately, his life was ended by poison. Upon his death, it was revealed that he used to distribute food with his face covered so that he could not be recognised.
Jumada Al-Awwal Significance
The month of Jumada Al-Awwal is of great importance within Islamic history due to the great happenings of this time. Each personality who experienced birth or death in this month was blessed by Allah (SWT) and welcomed into Paradise.
When is Jumada Al-Awwal 2023?
Jumada Al-Awwal will begin on 15 November 2023 and end on 14 December 2023, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
Make the Most of Jumada Al-Awwal
Since December is the last month of the solar calendar, you may use the month of Jumada Al-Awwal as a period of self-reflection. You may contemplate your prayers and connection to Allah (SWT) or consider the limited contact that you were able to have with your family and friends for the past year. Perhaps you will resolve this by making time to contact or connect with the important people in your life.
Similarly, you might ask yourself how often you give to charity or volunteer your time to others for the sake of Allah (SWT). Alternatively, you could ponder how effectively you read and reflect upon the Qur’an and ultimately improve yourself and grow closer to Allah (SWT).
The month of Jamad al Awwal has got great place and importance in the history of the Muslims as it relates them to the great incidents happened in this month. May Allah be pleased with all the personalities who were born and died in the month of Jamad al Awwal. Aameen!
