The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Time has come back to its original state which it had on the day Allah created the Heavens and the Earth. The year is twelve months, four of which are sacred, three of them are in succession, namely Dhul-Qa'da, Dhul Hijja and Muharram, (the fourth being) Rajab Mudar which is between Juma'da (ath-thamj and Sha'ban. The Prophet (ﷺ) then asked, "Which month is this?" We said, "Allah and his Apostle know better." He kept silent so long that we thought that he would call it by a name other than its real name. He said, "Isn't it the month of Dhul-Hijja?" We said, "Yes." He said, "Which town is this?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He kept silent so long that we thought that he would call it t,y a name other than its real name. He said, "isn't it the town (of Mecca)?" We replied, "Yes." He said, "What day is today?" We replied, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He kept silent so long that we thought that he would call it by a name other than its real name. He said, "Isn't it the day of Nahr?" We replied, "Yes." He then said, "Your blood, properties and honor are as sacred to one another as this day of yours in this town of yours in this month of yours. You will meet your Lord, and He will ask you about your deeds. Beware! Do not go astray after me by cutting the necks of each other. It is incumbent upon those who are present to convey this message to those who are absent, for some of those to whom it is conveyed may comprehend it better than some of those who have heard it directly." (Muhammad, the sub-narrator, on mentioning this used to say: The Prophet then said, "No doubt! Haven't I delivered (Allah's) Message (to you)? Haven't I delivered Allah's message (to you)?"
The Sacred Nature of Time and Place
This profound hadith establishes the sanctity of time as ordained by Allah since creation. The Prophet (ﷺ) reaffirmed the divine calendar of twelve months, with four specifically designated as sacred: Dhul-Qa'da, Dhul-Hijja, Muharram (three consecutive months), and Rajab Mudar. This restoration emphasizes that Islamic timekeeping follows celestial, not human, calculations.
The Threefold Sacred Context
The Prophet's deliberate questioning about the month (Dhul-Hijja), the place (Mecca), and the day (Day of Nahr) creates a powerful triad of sanctity. This method of instruction ensures the listeners internalize the sacredness through active participation rather than passive reception.
The Day of Nahr (10th of Dhul-Hijja) represents the culmination of Hajj rituals, when sacrifices are offered. By linking this specific day with Mecca during the sacred month, the Prophet establishes multiple layers of holiness that reinforce one another.
Inviolability of Muslim Rights
"Your blood, properties and honor are as sacred to one another as this day of yours in this town of yours in this month of yours" - this powerful analogy makes the protection of Muslim life, wealth, and dignity equivalent to the sanctity of the most sacred contexts in Islam. This establishes the fundamental principle of mutual rights and responsibilities within the Muslim community.
Ultimate Accountability and Warning
The reminder "You will meet your Lord, and He will ask you about your deeds" connects worldly conduct with eternal accountability. The specific warning against cutting necks after the Prophet's departure foresaw the political turmoil that would emerge and serves as perpetual counsel against intra-Muslim conflict.
The Duty of Conveying Knowledge
The command to convey the message highlights Islam's emphasis on knowledge transmission. The remarkable insight that "some of those to whom it is conveyed may comprehend it better than some of those who have heard it directly" acknowledges that understanding develops through reflection and study, not merely physical presence.
The Prophet's Confirmation of Delivery
The repeated question "Haven't I delivered Allah's message?" serves as both a confirmation that the message was completely conveyed and a final emphasis on its supreme importance. This rhetorical device ensures the audience recognizes the gravity of what they've witnessed.