Alhamdulillah, a new Islamic month has begun: Jumada al-Awwal 1448 (also called Jumada al-Ula), expected to start today, 12 October 2026, depending on moon sighting in your area. It is the fifth month of the Islamic year. While it does not have special acts of worship like Ramadan or Dhul-Hijjah, every day is a chance to get closer to Allah.
What Does "Jumada" Mean?
The word Jumada is linked to dryness or freezing. It is said that when the months were named, this period fell in a dry season when water was scarce. "Al-Awwal" means "the first", because it is followed by Jumada al-Thani (the second).
An Important Event in This Month
The Battle of Mu'tah took place in Jumada al-Awwal in the 8th year after the Hijrah. About 3,000 Muslims faced a much larger army near Mu'tah in present-day Jordan. Three great companions – Zayd ibn Harithah, Ja'far ibn Abi Talib and 'Abdullah ibn Rawahah – led the army one after another and were martyred, and then Khalid ibn al-Walid took the flag and led the Muslims safely back (Sahih al-Bukhari, 4262). We will share more about these heroes in the coming days, in sha Allah.
Special Days in Every Islamic Month
- Mondays and Thursdays: Sunnah days for voluntary fasting.
- The White Days (Ayyam al-Bid): the 13th, 14th and 15th of the month – this month around 24, 25 and 26 October 2026.
- Every Friday: the best day of the week, with Jumu'ah, Surah Al-Kahf and extra salawat on the Prophet ﷺ.
A Simple Plan for Jumada al-Awwal
For children:
- Learn the name of the month and its place in the calendar (5th month).
- Memorise one short surah – for example Surah Al-Kawthar or Surah Al-'Asr.
- Learn the story of the brave companions at Mu'tah.
For adults:
- Try fasting the White Days this month.
- Read the Quran daily, even one page.
- Choose one Tajweed rule to perfect in your recitation.
The Du'a for the New Moon
اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالْإِيمَانِ، وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ، رَبِّي وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ
"O Allah, bring it over us with blessing and faith, safety and Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah." (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, 3451)
Make This Month Count
A new month is a new opportunity. If you or your child want to read the Quran with confidence, start this month with a qualified teacher. Tehfiz-ul-Quran Academy offers live one-on-one online classes in Noorani Qaida, Tajweed and Hifz. Book a 3-day free trial.