As stated by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), four out of the twelve Islamic months are sacred in which Allah has specifically commanded believers to avoid wrongful deeds and seek forgiveness from Allah. One of these holy months is the month of Rajab.
“Time has come back to its original state which it had when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth; the year is twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them are in succession: Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Al-Muharram, and Rajab of Mudar [a title of Rajab], which stands between Jumada (ath-Thani) and Sha’ban” – Sahi Bukhari
Rajab 2022 began on the eve of February 21. You might not have known the significance and sanctity of this month back then, so today, we’ll be discussing the importance of Rajab and why we must pay special attention to doing good deeds and seeking Allah’s mercy during this period.
The Meaning of Rajab
Rajab is the seventh Islamic month and is also called Rajab al-Murajjab (highly esteemed and magnified). The word Rajab is derived from the traditional Arabic verb ‘Rajaba,’ meaning ‘to respect.’
According to religious scholars, the word Rajab can be broken down into three letters, each highlighting a distinct characteristic of Allah:
- Ra stands for Rah’matullah (mercy of Allah)
- Jeem stands for Ju’duAllah (generosity of Allah)
- Ba stands for Bir’uAllah (kindness of Allah)
The Significance of the Month of Rajab
Rajab holds exceptional importance in Islam. Because of its various virtues, it is known by 18 different names, some of which are Al-Mu’ali (the elevator), Al-Mu’tahir (the cleanser), Al- Murajjab (the revered), and Al-Asamm (the deafening).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said that Rajab is the ‘month of Allah’, the Prophet’s month is Shaban, and Ramadan is the month of the Ummah. Therefore, Muslims are advised to perform good deeds, abstain from doing anything prohibited or disliked in Islam, devote ample time to prayer, and help the needy during this sacred month.
Significant Islamic Events During Rajab
Some historically significant events that took place during the month of Rajab include:
- Marriage of Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) noble parents
- The conception of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ)
- The miraculous event of Al-Mi’raj (night journey and ascent of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to the heavens) took place on the 27th
- The birth of Hazrat Ali Ibn-e-Abi Talib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) took place on the 13th
Good Deeds During The Sacred Month Of Rajab
To earn Allah’s blessings and cleanse ourselves of previous sins, Muslims should perform the following deeds in the sacred Rajab month:
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Cease Fighting
The beginning of Rajab puts all hostility and wars on hold. That is why it is also known as Rajab al-Asamm or silent Rajab since fighting is strictly prohibited during this month.
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Seek Forgiveness
The sacred month of Rajab provides an excellent opportunity to seek forgiveness from Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said that Rajab is the month of absolution and is also called al-Asabb in Islam, pointing to the immense divine mercy it brings to Muslims. Hence, anyone who seeks mercy from the Almighty with pure intentions will be pardoned.
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Observe Fast
Fasting during Rajab holds immense rewards. The doors of hell will close for a person who fasts for one day during Rajab, who will be pardoned from Allah’s wrath while also being rewarded by an angel in heaven. Notable Muslim scholars who fasted in Rajab include Ali Hassan Al-Basri, Abu Ishaak Al-Siba’I, and Sufyan Al Thawree.
Aishah narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to fast on Monday and Thursday:
“The Prophet used to try to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.” Jami` at-Tirmidhi 745
Hence, it is also recommended that Muslims fast on Monday and Thursday during Rajab to fulfil the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) and to reap the maximum benefits of this sacred month.
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Give Sadaqah
Giving charity is the best way to thwart evils and gain Allah’s pleasure and reward both in this world and the hereafter. Since Rajab is about seeking Allah’s mercy, charity is highly recommended.
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Performing Umrah
There is no Hadith about any extra rewards for performing Umrah in Rajab. However, devout ad notable Muslims such as Ali Ibn Abi Talib, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, and Uthman Ibn Afaan performed Umrah during Rajab. Therefore, many people go for the sacred pilgrimage in this holy month.
Conclusion For The Significance Of The Month Of Rajab In Islam
The month of Rajab is the ‘month of Allah’. It is among the four sacred months during which many significant events took place, most notably the event of Al-Mi’raj. It is also the month during which Allah’s blessing and mercy are maximized.
Hence, it is recommended that Muslims pray for forgiveness and reward throughout this month, especially during the first night, which is believed to be the night when prayers are answered.
Moreover, it is Sunnah to prepare for Ramadan during this month, so use your time wisely and conscientiously. May Allah bless us all and forgive our sins, Ameen!
