Month 5 of the Hijri calendar
Jumada al-Ula: the Fifth Month of the Islamic Calendar
Jumada al-Ula (or Jumada al-Awwal) is the fifth month of the Hijri year. Its name comes from “jamad”, dryness or freezing, a reminder of the season in which the month fell when it was named.
The battle of Mu’tah
In Jumada al-Ula of the year 8 AH a Muslim army met the Byzantine forces at Mu’tah, in present-day Jordan. Three commanders appointed by the Prophet ﷺ were martyred in turn: Zayd ibn Harithah, Ja‘far ibn Abi Talib and ‘Abdullah ibn Rawahah, before Khalid ibn al-Walid led the army safely back. The Prophet ﷺ announced their deaths in Madinah before the news arrived (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Keeping up good deeds
There are no special practices for this month. The scholars encourage regularity: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are few” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim).
When does Jumada al-Ula start?
| Hijri year | First day | Last day | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1446 AH | Sunday 3 November 2024 | 1 December 2024 | 29 |
| 1447 AH | Thursday 23 October 2025 | 21 November 2025 | 30 |
| 1448 AH | Monday 12 October 2026 | 10 November 2026 | 30 |
| 1449 AH | Friday 1 October 2027 | 30 October 2027 | 30 |
| 1450 AH | Wednesday 20 September 2028 | 18 October 2028 | 29 |
| 1451 AH | Monday 10 September 2029 | 8 October 2029 | 29 |
| 1452 AH | Saturday 31 August 2030 | 28 September 2030 | 29 |
Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. Countries that rely on sighting the crescent may begin a month one day later (or earlier).
Jumada al-Ula: questions
When does Jumada al-Ula 1448 start?
On 12 October 2026; it ends on 10 November 2026 after 30 days, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar.
When does Jumada al-Ula 1449 start?
On 1 October 2027, and it lasts 30 days.
Is Jumada al-Ula a sacred month?
No. The four sacred months are Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qa‘dah and Dhu al-Hijjah.
Which months come before and after Jumada al-Ula?
Rabi‘ al-Thani comes before it and Jumada al-Akhirah after it.