Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic calendar and is one of the four sacred months. It stands alone, unlike the other three (Dhu’l-Qa`dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram) which come one after the other
This year, the sacred month of Rajab begins on Monday 23rd January 2023, at Maghrib time. Allah has chosen Rajab above other months to be sacred, so of course, we must pay special attention to this period and ensure we are acquainted with its virtues!
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ himself would venerate this month. When the month entered he would seek its blessings, saying:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا في رَجَبٍ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ بَلِّغْنا رَمَضَانَ
“O Allah bless us in Rajab and Sha`ban and enable us to reach Ramadan!”
Narrated by Ahmad, al-Bayhaqi and al-Tabarani
Rajab is the key to the months of goodness which follow it. For that reason Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq said: “In the month of Rajab you sow the seeds, in Sha`ban you irrigate them and in Ramadan you reap the harvest.” He also said: “Rajab is like a wind, Sha`ban is like a cloud and Ramadan is like rain.”
Rajab was the month in which the Prophet’s blessed parents were married, and the month in which Sayyidah Aminah became pregnant with the Best of Creation ﷺ. Most of the scholars say that the Isra’ (Night Journey) and the Mi`raj (Ascension) took place on the 27th night of Rajab. This was the night on which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ received the greatest ennoblement that a created being ever received from Allah.
When one of the pious scholars became ill he said: “I have asked Allah to delay my death until the month of Rajab because I have heard that those that die in that month are saved from the Fire.” Allah answered his supplication and he died in Rajab.
The scholars encourage us to turn to Allah on the first night of Rajab. It has been narrated that:
“There are five nights on which du`a is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha`ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al-Fitr and the night before Eid al-Nahr (al-Adha).”
Narrated by al-Bayhaqi as a statement of Abu Darda
Sayyiduna `Ali, may Allah be well pleased with him, used to spend four nights in worship: the first night of Rajab, the nights before the two `Eids, and the 15th night of Sha`ban.
The best way of preparing the heart to receive divine gifts is purification and repentance. It has been narrated: “Seek much forgiveness from Allah in Rajab because in every hour (of the month) Allah frees people from the Fire.” Narrated by al-Daylami.
For this reason the scholars say that Rajab is the month of seeking forgiveness, Sha`ban is the month of bestowing prayers upon the Prophet, and Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. Thus it is recommended to seek much forgiveness in Rajab.
The Prophet (saw) said, ‘Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha‘ban is my month and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah’. [Suyuti]
Subhan’Allah, this is a great title to be honoured with, and no doubt we should be paying special attention to the month that bears this honour.
The reward of our good actions is multiplied in the sacred months, so it is recommended to do as many good deeds as possible. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ recommended fasting at least some days in each of the sacred months. Some of the Companions, among them Sayyiduna `Umar and his son `Abdullah and al-Sayyidah Aishah, liked to make `Umrah in Rajab.
At the same time, bad deeds are also more serious in the sacred months so we must do our utmost to avoid any wrongdoings.
A sacred month is similar to a sacred place. Just as it is recommended to bathe and purify oneself before entering the haram of Makkah and while in it one is more conscious of one’s actions. Likewise with a sacred month, we should enter it in a state of purity and try to maintain that purity throughout by doing good and avoiding evil.
O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha`ban and enable us to reach Ramadan. Peace and blessings upon the one who guided us to all good and warned us of all evil, our Master Muhammad and his blessed family and Companions and all those that follow his guidance until the end of time.
Make the most of this blessed month. While most of us rightfully, give importance to Ramadan, we must not neglect Rajab’s status. Let us use this time to invest in our Akhirah by spending in the way of Allah. ILM have numerous programmes for you to support. Please click here to make a donation today.
