When are Islam’s special months? Of the four sacred months in Islam—Dhul Qa’idah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab—Rajab, occurs in the middle of the Islamic year as the seventh lunar month. The Qur’an offers this instruction:

Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them.  (9:36) 

What is required in a sacred month? While we know clearly that our bad deeds carry a heavier weight during sacred months, so do our good deeds. And this is the perfect time to renew our efforts and intentions to cherish the gifts of health and well-being. That means we are, right now, poised to reap the benefits of the sacred month of Rajab.

At the start of this sacred month, let’s prioritize our health—be it physical, mental, or spiritual. The 6 Keys of Wholesome Health are how Rihla Wellness distills traditional teachings of natural medicine into an actionable framework for clients:

• diet | elimination;

• activity | rest;

• social | spiritual connection

Whether you feel the need to address one or all of these areas, success is built on habits. the Messenger of Allah said “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few. ' (Ibn Majah).

Maybe you’ve had some natural health success with an herbal remedy, a detox, or a lifestyle shift. Wherever it was, ask yourself if it is a healthy habit you can sustain or is this an area to build up into a lasting change.

Take time at the beginning of this month to assess where you are in your wellness journey; then establish some realistic goals that you can take immediate action on.

The best place to start for improving you health is learning the hidden cause of most illnesses and what you eat.