The Islamic Months:Lataif al-Ma'arif

Allah (Exalted is He) says: «It is He Who made the sun to be
a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages
for it, that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time)» [Yunus:
5]. Allah (Exalted is He) thus informs us that He attached the calculation of
years and reckoning of time to determining phases of the moon. Allah (Exalted
is He) made a year into twelve months. He says: «the number of months in the
sight of Allah is twelve (in a year) - so ordained by Him the day He created
the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred». [AI-Tawba: 36]. Allah made
the moon the basis of calculation because its appearance on the horizon is not dependent
on any calculations. Rather, it is something manifest and seen by the naked
eye. On the other hand, understanding the movement of the sun is dependent on
calculations and records. Allah (Exalted is He) imposed certain duties on His
servants which have to fulfill in the lunar months, e.g. fasting, zakah, hajj.
Moreover, Allah made certain days and nights superior to others. There are in each
of these meritorious seasons of the months, days and hours, and gains proximity
to this Master through acts of obedience. This book provides details on duties
for the different months of the year and acts of obedience which are peculiar
to certain months and seasons. It provides ample of information on how to use
these sacred moments profitably, and it helps one in making preparations for
the Hereafter, and preparing for death before its arrival. The book abounds
with references from the Holy Quran, Hadith, and statements of the companions,
jurists, scholars and others to add to the value of the book.