Dhul Qadah 1448 (2027): dates, meaning and what to do

When is Dhul Qadah 2027 in Kenya?

Dhul Qadah 2027 is expected to begin on Thursday 8 April 2027 and end about 6 May 2027. Dhul Hijjah is then expected to begin on 7 May.

The month starts when the new moon is sighted, so the date in Kenya can move by one day. Dates further ahead, like 2028, are less certain. See the Islamic calendar 2027.

What is Dhul Qadah in the Islamic calendar?

Dhul Qadah is the eleventh of the twelve months of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It follows Shawwal and comes before Dhul Hijjah.

It is one of the four sacred months (Qur’an 9:36). The others are Dhul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. The name is often explained as "the one of sitting", because people traditionally stopped fighting and stayed at home in this month.

Why is Dhul Qadah important?

Dhul Qadah is important because it is a sacred month and because it is part of the Hajj season. The Qur’an says that the number of months with Allah is twelve, and that four of them are sacred (Qur’an 9:36).

In the sacred months, doing wrong is a greater sin, and doing good is a greater chance for reward. Scholars say this is a reason to take extra care with our words, our money and how we treat others.

It is well known that the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed his Umrah journeys in Dhul Qadah. Dhul Qadah has no special required worship of its own. Its value is in the sacred status and the closeness to Hajj.

What events happen in Dhul Qadah?

There is no fixed holiday in Dhul Qadah. It is a quieter month, but important for people preparing for the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims from Kenya and around the world travel in this period. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, between the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the people of Makkah, is traditionally dated to this month. Read more about the pilgrimage in Hajj and Umrah.

What can Muslims do in Dhul Qadah?

Muslims can do the same good deeds as in any month, with extra care for the sacred status of the month. There are no special prayers or rituals to invent for it.

• Avoid wrongdoing. Take extra care with what you say and do.
• Prepare for Dhul Hijjah. Plan your fasting, your giving and your Qurbani.
• Fast voluntarily. Mondays and Thursdays are good days to fast at any time of year.
• Keep up prayer, dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and Qur’an. Small and steady is best.
• Give Sadaqah. Giving is rewarded in every month.
• Umrah. If you are able, Umrah can be performed outside Hajj days. Ask a trusted guide about the rules.

Reflect, too, on your dealings with other people. Pay debts that are due, keep promises and say sorry where you have wronged someone. These are good deeds at any time, and the sacred months are a good reminder.

If you plan to perform Hajj, choose a licensed operator and ask a scholar to explain the rites to you.

What does a sacred month mean in practice?

A sacred month (in Arabic, ash-hur al-hurum) is a month in which fighting and wrongdoing were forbidden, even before Islam, and which Islam confirmed as sacred. There are four of them, three together (Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram) and one on its own (Rajab).

• Do not wrong others. Do not cheat, insult, take what is not yours or harm anyone.
• Do not wrong yourself. The Qur’an warns believers not to wrong themselves in these months (Qur’an 9:36).
• Do more good. Because the month is honoured, scholars encourage extra good deeds, in a way that you can keep up.

Being sacred does not mean that Muslims must hold special events. There is no extra prayer or fixed practice for the month, and Muslims should not invent one. Simply be more careful and more generous than usual.

How can I give charity in Dhul Qadah with Islamic Relief Kenya?

You can give Sadaqah on the donation page or by M-Pesa. Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386). Many families in Kenya, including pastoralist families in places like Garissa, face hardship in dry seasons.

• Online. Give at donate.islamic-relief.or.ke by card or M-Pesa.
• M-Pesa. Use Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210. Type the fund name as the account.

Dhul Qadah is also a good time to plan your Qurbani early. Livestock keepers and buyers in Kenya often see higher demand before Eid al-Adha, so deciding in advance helps you choose a healthy animal at a fair price. Giving a regular Sadaqah in this sacred month is another way to prepare your heart for the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

Planning ahead for Qurbani? Read Eid al-Adha and Qurbani.