Rabi al-Thani

Overview

Rabi al-Thani, also called Rabi al-Akhir (the Latter Spring), is the fourth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. The month follows directly after the festive observances of Rabi al-Awwal and continues the spring-like rhythm of the early Islamic year. Like Safar, it contains no major canonical observances and is not classified among the sacred months.

Notable Observances

The eleventh of Rabi al-Thani is observed by the Qadiriyya Sufi order as the urs (death anniversary) of Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani of Baghdad, the founder of the order and one of the most influential spiritual figures of the medieval Islamic world. Across South Asia and West Africa, Qadiriyya communities organize gyarvi sharif gatherings on this date with Qur'an recitations, distribution of food to the poor, and the recitation of qasidas in praise of Sheikh Jilani.