Four out of twelve months of the year are considered sacred in the Qur'an. Therefore, every Muslim needs to treat them with utmost respect and honour.
In the verse 36 of chapter 9 (Surah al-Tawbah), Allah says: “Indeed the number of months with Allah is twelve months in Allah’s Book, the day when He created the heavens and the earth. Of these, four are sacred. That is the upright religion. So do not wrong yourselves during them. Fight all the polytheists, just as they fight you all, and know that Allah is with the Godwary.”
It is obvious from the quoted verse that the number of months recognized by Allah is twelve. And from these twelve months, only four are considered sacred in the sight of Allah. These sacred months include :
1. Muharram (i.e. the first lunar month)
2. Rajab (i.e. the seventh lunar month)
3. Dhul-Qa’dah (i.e. the eleventh lunar month) and
4. Dhul-Hijjah (i.e. the twelfth lunar month)
The sanctity of these sacred months must be respected and honored by adhering to the commandments of God and refraining from His prohibitions especially those which are emphatically forbidden in these months. Fighting or any act of war is strictly forbidden during these months except in response to aggression. This is because the obedience of God in these sacred months is rewarded in multitude while any act of injustice therein accrues greater punishment from God.
In the light of this, Muslims must endeavor to do as many good deeds as they can and avoid all kinds of disobedience, particularly in these four sacred months. They must also avoid completely fighting or any act of aggression (injustice) against other creatures in the aformentioned months.