What is Rabi al-Thani? (Introduction)
Rabi al-Thani — written in Arabic as رَبِيعُ الثَّانِي and also known as Rabi ul Akhir (رَبِيعُ الْآخِر) — is the fourth month of the Islamic Hijri lunar calendar. It follows Rabi al-Awwal and comes before Jumada al-Awwal, sitting right at the heart of the early months of the Islamic year.
The name has two parts: Rabi (ربيع) meaning “spring” in Arabic, and al-Thani (الثاني) meaning “the second.” Together, Rabi al-Thani translates as “the second spring.” Its alternate name, Rabi ul Akhir, means “the last spring” — both names trace back to the pre-Islamic Arabian calendar, when this period fell during springtime. Because the Islamic calendar is purely lunar and rotates backward through the solar year by roughly 10–11 days annually, Rabi al-Thani can fall in any season today — spring, summer, autumn, or winter.
This is not a month marked by obligatory fasts or prescribed rituals. Yet it holds deep significance in Islamic history, especially for the Sunni world — for it is the month in which Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Gilani (Ghaus-e-Azam), one of the greatest saints of Islam, passed from this world.
Rabi al-Thani in the Islamic Calendar — Position and Order
The Islamic Hijri calendar consists of 12 lunar months:
| No. | Month Name | Notable Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muharram | Islamic New Year, Ashura |
| 2 | Safar | — |
| 3 | Rabi al-Awwal | Birth of the Prophet ﷺ (Mawlid) |
| 4 | Rabi al-Thani | Urs of Ghaus-e-Azam, Imam Hasan al-Askari’s birth |
| 5 | Jumada al-Awwal | — |
| 6 | Jumada al-Thani | — |
| 7 | Rajab | Isra wal Mi’raj |
| 8 | Sha’ban | Shab-e-Barat |
| 9 | Ramadan | Fasting, Laylat al-Qadr |
| 10 | Shawwal | Eid al-Fitr |
| 11 | Dhul Qa’da | — |
| 12 | Dhul Hijjah | Hajj, Eid al-Adha |
Rabi al-Thani is the quarter-mark of the Islamic year — a natural moment for reflection on one’s spiritual journey since Muharram.
Rabi al-Thani Dates 2025 and 2026 (Hijri Correspondence)
Because the Islamic lunar year is approximately 354 days — about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year — Rabi al-Thani shifts earlier each year on the Western calendar.
Rabi al-Thani 1447 AH (2025):
- Begins: 23 September 2025 (Tuesday)
- Ends: 22 October 2025 (Wednesday)
- Duration: 30 days
Rabi al-Thani 1448 AH (2026):
- Begins: 12 September 2026
- Ends: 11 October 2026
Note: Exact start dates may vary by one day depending on the sighting of the crescent moon (hilal) in your region. Local moon-sighting committees and national authorities should be followed.
Meaning of Rabi al-Thani in Arabic — Full Linguistic Breakdown
Understanding the Arabic roots deepens our connection to this month:
- رَبِيع (Rabi’) — Spring; a season of growth, renewal, and vitality
- الثَّانِي (al-Thani) — The second; indicating its position after Rabi al-Awwal
- الْآخِر (al-Akhir) — The last; used in the alternate name Rabi ul Akhir, meaning “the final spring” of the two Rabi months
Both names are correct and widely used. In South Asia — including Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh — the month is commonly called Rabi ul Akhir or simply Chaar ka Mahina (the fourth month). In Arabic-speaking countries, Rabi al-Thani is more prevalent.
The classical Arabic dictionary Al-Munjad fil-Lugha confirms that Rabi refers to spring in its original usage, although the lunar calendar’s rotation means this month has no fixed seasonal correspondence today.
Important Historical Events in Rabi al-Thani
Unlike many other Islamic months, Rabi al-Thani does not have universally obligatory observances — but several historically significant events occurred during this month that Muslims across the world commemorate:
1. The Urs of Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam — 11 Rabi al-Thani
The most widely observed event of this month is the Urs (death anniversary) of Hazrat Shaykh Muhiyuddin Abdul Qadir Gilani (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ), commonly known as Ghaus-e-Azam (“The Greatest Helper”) or Ghaus ul A’zam Dastagir.
Abdul Qadir Gilani was born in 1077 CE in Gilan, a province of Persia, and spent most of his life in Baghdad, where he established the Qadiriyya Sufi Order — one of the oldest, largest, and most widespread Sufi tariqs in the world. His teachings unified spiritual discipline (tasawwuf), orthodox Islamic law (fiqh), and deep love for the Prophet ﷺ.
He passed away on 11 Rabi al-Thani, 561 AH (1166 CE) in Baghdad. His shrine, the Mazar of Ghaus-e-Azam in the Bab al-Sheikh neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, remains one of the most visited Islamic shrines on earth.
His famous titles include:
- Ghaus-e-Azam (The Greatest Spiritual Succour)
- Muhiyuddin (Reviver of the Faith)
- Sultan ul Awliya (King of the Saints)
- Peeran-e-Peer (Shaykh of Shaykhs)
2. Agyarwi Sharif — The 11th of Every Islamic Month
In the Qadiri tradition and across much of South Asian Islam, the 11th of every Islamic month is observed as “Agyarwi Sharif” (the eleventh) as a form of Esaal-e-Sawab (sending spiritual reward) to Ghaus-e-Azam. The Agyarwi of Rabi al-Thani holds special significance as it marks his actual day of wisaal (passing).
Common practices on Agyarwi Sharif include:
- Recitation of the Holy Quran with Esaal-e-Sawab
- Khatm-e-Ghawsiyah (recitation of Salawat Ghausia)
- Feeding the poor and distributing food (niyaz)
- Attending dhikr gatherings at local mosques and shrines
- Reciting Surah Ya-Seen and Surah al-Fatiha for the departed
3. Birth of Imam Hasan al-Askari — 8 or 10 Rabi al-Thani
Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS), the Eleventh Imam in the Twelver Shia tradition, was born on either the 8th or 10th of Rabi al-Thani (dates vary among narrations), 232 AH. He was the son of Imam Ali al-Hadi and is revered as one of the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through his daughter Sayyida Fatima al-Zahra (RA).
4. Wisaal of Imam Ghazali — 14 Rabi al-Thani
Imam Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ), the towering scholar known as Hujjatul Islam (Proof of Islam), passed away on 14 Rabi al-Thani, 505 AH (1111 CE). His masterwork Ihya Ulum al-Din (Revival of the Religious Sciences) remains one of the most influential books in Islamic history.
5. Wisaal of Shaykh Ibn Arabi — 22 Rabi al-Thani
Shaykh Muhiyuddin Muhammad Ibn Arabi, the Andalusian Sufi philosopher and author of Fusus al-Hikam, passed away on 22 or 28 Rabi al-Thani, 638 AH (1240 CE). He is buried in Damascus, Syria.
6. Wisaal of Imam Ahmad Sirhindi — 27 Rabi al-Thani
Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi (Mujaddid Alf-e-Thani رحمۃ اللہ علیہ), the great Naqshbandi scholar and reviver of Islam in the Indian subcontinent, passed away on 27 or 28 Safar — though some sources record Rabi al-Thani. He is buried in Sirhind, Punjab, India.
7. Wisaal of Hazrat Fatimah bint Musa — 10 or 12 Rabi al-Thani
Bibi Fatimah Ma’sumah, daughter of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and sister of Imam Ali al-Ridha, passed away on 10 or 12 Rabi al-Thani, 201 AH. Her shrine in Qom, Iran is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the Shia world.
The Spiritual Significance of Rabi al-Thani
No Compulsory Acts, But No Less Important
Scholars of Islam emphasize that the absence of specific obligatory acts in Rabi al-Thani does not diminish its value. Every moment in a Muslim’s life is an opportunity for worship, and every month in the Islamic calendar is a gift from Allah (SWT).
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
This hadith reminds us that no day — and no month — is empty of spiritual potential.
Rabi al-Thani as a Time of Reflection
Being at the one-quarter mark of the Islamic year, Rabi al-Thani is an ideal moment to assess:
- How many of Ramadan’s missed fasts have been made up (Qaza roza)?
- Are missed obligatory prayers being compensated (Qaza namaz)?
- Has the Quran recitation schedule set in Ramadan been maintained?
- What Islamic goals were set at the start of Muharram — and what progress has been made?
What to Do in Rabi al-Thani — Practical Spiritual Guide
Even though no specific rituals are prescribed for this month, here are productive Islamic practices recommended by scholars for Rabi al-Thani:
Ibadah (Worship):
- Maintain the five daily prayers with congregation (jama’at) where possible
- Offer Tahajjud (night prayer) regularly, even if only two rak’ahs
- Increase recitation of Durood Ibrahim or Durood Taj in honor of the Prophet ﷺ
- Make regular Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) — at least 100 times daily
Quran:
- Complete one recitation (khatm) of the Quran if possible
- Memorize at least one new Surah
- Begin or continue learning Tajweed (proper Quranic recitation)
Fasting:
- Make up any Qaza fasts from Ramadan — this is obligatory (fardh)
- Observe voluntary (nafl) fasts on Mondays and Thursdays as per the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
Sadaqah (Charity):
- Give regular sadaqah to orphans, widows, and the poor
- Sponsor a meal for a needy family (particularly meaningful on Agyarwi Sharif)
- Donate to reliable Islamic organizations doing humanitarian work
Knowledge:
- Read or listen to lectures on the life of Ghaus-e-Azam Abdul Qadir Gilani
- Study Futuh al-Ghayb (Revelations of the Unseen) — a key collection of his discourses
- Attend Islamic circles (halaqat) at your local mosque
Family:
- Strengthen family ties (silah al-rahim) — visit relatives and parents
- Teach children about Islamic months, their names, and meanings
- Recite bedtime duas and short surahs with children
Ghaus-e-Azam Abdul Qadir Gilani — Brief Biography
No article on Rabi al-Thani is complete without honoring the saint most associated with this month.
Full Name: Sayyid Muhiyuddin Abu Muhammad Abdul Qadir ibn Abi Salih Musa Jangi-Dost al-Hasani al-Husayni al-Gilani
Born: Ramadan 470 AH / 1077 CE — Gilan, Persia (modern-day Iran)
Passed Away: 11 Rabi al-Thani, 561 AH / 1166 CE — Baghdad, Iraq
Lineage: A Sayyid — descended from both Imam Hasan (RA) and Imam Husayn (RA), grandsons of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Tariqah: Founder of the Qadiriyya Sufi Order
Shrine: Bab al-Sheikh, Baghdad, Iraq
He traveled to Baghdad at age 18 to seek knowledge, studying under the great scholars of his time. After years of profound spiritual struggle and retreat, he emerged as the foremost teacher and preacher of his era. His sermons reportedly drew tens of thousands — Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
His famous work Al-Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq (Sufficient Provision for Seekers of the Path of Truth) and Futuh al-Ghayb (Revelations of the Unseen) remain studied globally to this day.
The Qadiriyya Order he established spread from Baghdad to every corner of the Muslim world — including present-day Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Turkey, Egypt, West Africa, and beyond — making it arguably the most widely distributed Sufi order in history.
Rabi al-Thani vs Rabi al-Awwal — Key Differences
| Feature | Rabi al-Awwal | Rabi al-Thani |
|---|---|---|
| Position | 3rd month | 4th month |
| Meaning | “The first spring” | “The second / last spring” |
| Key Event | Mawlid al-Nabi ﷺ (12 Rabi al-Awwal) | Urs of Ghaus-e-Azam (11 Rabi al-Thani) |
| Prescribed Rituals | None obligatory | None obligatory |
| Islamic Significance | Very high — birth of the Prophet ﷺ | Significant — major saints’ anniversaries |
| South Asian Observance | Eid Milad-un-Nabi | Agyarwi Sharif |
The Islamic Lunar Calendar — Why Dates Change Every Year
A common question is: Why does Rabi al-Thani fall on different Gregorian dates every year?
The Islamic Hijri calendar is a purely lunar calendar — each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal) and lasts 29 or 30 days depending on the moon’s cycle. A full lunar year has approximately 354 days, which is 10 to 12 days shorter than the 365-day Gregorian solar year.
This means every Islamic month — including Rabi al-Thani — shifts approximately 10–11 days earlier on the Gregorian calendar each year. Over roughly 33 years, every Islamic month completes a full rotation through all four seasons. This is why Rabi al-Thani (meaning “second spring”) may actually occur in winter, summer, or autumn in any given year.
Saudi Arabia uses the Umm al-Qura calendar for civil purposes, which is an astronomically calculated lunar calendar. Most other Muslim countries follow actual moon sighting (rukyat), which can cause the start of a month to differ by one day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rabi al-Thani
Q1: What is Rabi al-Thani in English?
Rabi al-Thani means “the second spring” in English. It is the fourth month of the Islamic Hijri lunar calendar, also known as Rabi ul Akhir or “the last spring.”
Q2: Which number month is Rabi al-Thani?
Rabi al-Thani is the 4th month of the Islamic calendar, following Muharram (1st), Safar (2nd), and Rabi al-Awwal (3rd).
Q3: Is there any special fast or prayer for Rabi al-Thani?
There are no specifically prescribed obligatory fasts or prayers for Rabi al-Thani. However, regular Sunnah acts — such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, praying Tahajjud, and giving sadaqah — are encouraged throughout the year, including this month.
Q4: When is Ghaus-e-Azam’s Urs in 2025?
The Urs of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Gilani (Ghaus-e-Azam) falls on 11 Rabi al-Thani, which corresponds to 3 October 2025 in the year 1447 AH.
Q5: What is Agyarwi Sharif?
Agyarwi Sharif refers to the observance on the 11th of every Islamic month, dedicated to sending spiritual reward (Esaal-e-Sawab) to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Gilani (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ). The word “Agyarwi” (اگیارہویں) is an Urdu/Hindi word for “eleventh.” The Agyarwi of Rabi al-Thani is particularly significant as it marks the actual date of his passing.
Q6: What is the difference between Rabi al-Thani and Rabi ul Akhir?
They are the same month — just two different names. Rabi al-Thani (second spring) and Rabi ul Akhir (last spring) both refer to the 4th month of the Hijri calendar. Both names are correct and used interchangeably.
Q7: When does Rabi al-Thani 2026 start?
Rabi al-Thani 1448 AH is expected to begin on approximately 12 September 2026, subject to actual moon sighting confirmation.
Q8: Why is the name “spring” used if it’s not always spring?
The names Rabi al-Awwal and Rabi al-Thani (both meaning spring) originate from the pre-Islamic Arabian calendar, when these months consistently fell during the spring season. After the adoption of a purely lunar calendar, the months began rotating through all seasons — but the original names were preserved.
Q9: Is it permissible to celebrate Urs and Agyarwi?
This is a matter of scholarly discussion within Islam. Mainstream Sunni scholars, particularly of the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools, generally permit gathering for Quran recitation, dhikr, and Esaal-e-Sawab, provided no un-Islamic practices are involved. Muslims should follow the guidance of their local qualified scholars.
Q10: What good deeds (amal) should I do in Rabi al-Thani?
Since there are no specially prescribed rituals, focus on universal Islamic practices: maintaining daily prayers, making up missed (Qaza) fasts from Ramadan, increasing Quran recitation, giving sadaqah, observing Sunnah fasts, and strengthening family bonds.
Dua for Rabi al-Thani (General Dua for All Months)
The following supplication, narrated in various hadith collections, is appropriate for beginning any Islamic month:
اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْأَمْنِ وَالْإِيمَانِ وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالإِسْلَامِ وَالتَّوْفِيقِ لِمَا تُحِبُّ وَتَرْضَى
“Allahumma ahillahu ‘alayna bil-amni wal-imani was-salamati wal-Islami wat-tawfiqi lima tuhibbu wa tarda.”
Translation: “O Allah, bring this month upon us with security, faith, safety, Islam, and guidance toward what You love and are pleased with.”
Summary — Key Takeaways About Rabi al-Thani
Rabi al-Thani is the fourth and final “spring” month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. Though it carries no obligatory special acts, it is spiritually rich for several reasons:
The month is most prominently associated with the wisaal (passing) of Ghaus-e-Azam Hazrat Abdul Qadir Gilani on 11 Rabi al-Thani — a figure whose influence on global Islam, particularly Sufism and South Asian Muslim culture, is immeasurable. The Agyarwi Sharif observance, the commemoration of other great scholars like Imam Ghazali and Ibn Arabi, and the sheer fact that it marks one quarter of the Islamic year all make Rabi al-Thani a month deserving of reflection, gratitude, and renewed spiritual effort.
Use this month wisely. Complete your Qaza fasts. Give in charity. Visit your family. Read the Quran. And remember that every single day — in every single month — is a gift that will be accounted for.
“And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon, each swimming in its orbit.” (Quran 21:33)
Article prepared for Islamic educational purposes. Dates are based on the Umm al-Qura calendar and may vary by one day due to actual moon sighting in your region.
Saif is the content author and creator behind DesiTarikh.pk, a platform dedicated to providing accurate and easy-to-understand information about desi calendar months, Islamic dates, cultural events, and seasonal timelines of Pakistan and South Asia.
With a strong focus on simplicity and clarity, Zohi aims to help readers understand traditional and modern calendar systems in one place. The content is designed for students, researchers, bloggers, and everyday users who want quick and reliable date-related information without confusion.
Through DesiTarikh.pk, Zohi continues to document monthly calendars, important cultural events, and historical timing details in an organized and SEO-friendly format.