The Islamic calendar holds immense significance in the lives of Muslims. It is the guiding light used to determine the time of critical annual rituals such as paying Zakat (alms-tax), Saum (fasting), and performing Hajj (the great pilgrimage).
Rabi Al Thani 2022 began on 28th October and will end on 26th November. Rabi Al Thani, also known as Rabi Al Akhar, is the fourth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. The literal meaning of Rabi Al Thani is the second or last spring, referring to the end of the spring period.
Today we will discuss the significance of this month, highlight some major events that took place during this month and tell you about some nawafil to recite to gain Allah’s favor.
The Significance of Rabi Al Thani
During the rule of the Ottoman Empire, Rabi Al Thani was called ‘Rèbi’ Al Aher’. This might be the reason it is also called Rabi Al Akhar.
Unlike the four sacred months highlighted by the Prophet (ﷺ) – Dhul Qa’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab – there is no specific reward for worship in the month of Rabi Al Thani. However, performing good deeds with pure intentions is always rewarded by Allah.
To gain more of Allah’s favors during this month:
- Recite the Holy Quran, especially Surah Maryam, Surah Fatiha, Surah Taha, and Surah Muzammil
- Perform nawafil
- Performing wird or Dhikr, i.e., continuous recitation of Istaghfaar and Ayat-ul-Kursi
- Keep voluntary fasts (nafli Soum)
- Help the poor and needy
- Care for the sick
- Donate to charity
Since Rabi Al Thani is the fourth Islamic month, it marks one-fourth of the way through the year. This provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate your performance as a Muslim during the previous months and promise to increase worship in the coming months.
Moreover, Muslims worldwide passionately make arrangements for Niyaz (food, etc., prepared and distributed for conveying reward to deceased religious elders and scholars) and offer Fatiha. The Niyaz is mainly given to the poor, who benefit greatly during this month, and the believers obtain contentment and enlightenment.
Concerning this, Hazrat Anas bin Malik (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) is reported to have asked the Prophet (ﷺ): “Oh Messenger of Allah, when we give charity on behalf of our deceased and perform Hajj on their behalf, do they receive the reward of these actions?” The beloved Prophet (ﷺ): replied: “Without doubt, they do receive their rewards. Not only that, but they become very happy, just as any one of you would become happy on receiving gifts”.
Similarly, Hazrat Ayesha reported that A man said to the Prophet (p.b.u.h), “My mother died suddenly and I thought that if she had lived, she would have given alms. So, if I give alms now on her behalf, will she get the reward?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied in the affirmative. (Sahih Bukhairi, 1388)
Rabi Al Thani – Significant Events
Here’s a list of some notable events that took place in the month of Rabi Al Thani:
- 8th or 10th Rabi Al Thani: Birth of Hasan al-Askari (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ)
- 10th or 12th Rabi Al Thani: Death of Fatimah bint Musa (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ)
- 11th Rabi Al Thani: Death of Abdul Qadir Gilani
- 15th Rabi Al Thani: Death of Habib Abu Bakr al-Haddad
- 27th Rabi Al Thani: Death of Ahmad Sirhindi
Two major events in Rabi Al Thani were the Battle of ‘Furu’ at Buhraan in 3 A.H and another battle in 9 A.H. The Prophet (ﷺ) did not take part in this battle and allocated one of his companions, Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), as Colonel on his behalf.
Nawafil for the Month of Rabi Al Thani
As mentioned above, there is no mention of reciting any specific duas or performing special nawafil in the month of Rabi Al Thani. However, saying nawafil to ask for Allah’s favors and mercy doesn’t require any specific time or month.
Nawafil brings believers closer to Allah and helps them succeed in securing a higher rank in Jannah (Paradise). They offer a way for believers to directly convey their grievances, desires, and fears to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) so that He may provide refuge and ease.
It is reported by Abu Hurayrah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says: My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it”. (Al-Bukhari)
Conclusion for Rabi Al Thani – Significance, Major Events & Nawafil
The month of Rabi Al Thani allows us to ask for Allah’s forgiveness and rewards and remember deceased religious scholars and elders. However, there are still a few days left before Rabi Al Thani 2022 comes to an end, so give maximum charity, offer nawafil, recite the Holy Quran, and vow to become a better Muslim.
May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) bless us all, ameen!
