Rajab

The month of Rajab is one of the four most sacred months in the Islamic calendar . The other three are Muharram, Dhul Qa’da, and Dhul Hijjah. Each of these months has significant and special events or meanings behind them. The other months in the year are also important and have their own rewards.

When translated, Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar, means ‘to respect’. It is haram (forbidden) to fight or be involved in conflict during this month as it is considered ‘Allah’s (SWT) month’. This month is a particularly sacred time as it is believed that Allah (SWT) designated Rajab as a sacred month to ensure Muslims could go on Umrah without being harmed or attacked.

When is the Month of Rajab?

The month of Rajab begins on 23^rd January 2023 and ends on the 20^th of February 2023.

Significant Events During Rajab

There have been a number of significant events that have taken place in the month of Rajab. It was during this month that it is said that the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) parents got married and that the Prophet (PBUH) was conceived.

The 13^th Rajab was also a key date as Ali (RA) was born on this day, who was a close companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and later became his son-in-law.

In the month of Rajab in 9AH, the Prophet (PBUH) received news that the emperor of Rome was preparing to attack the Muslims, at which point he took 30,000 men to fight the Roman army. This is where the Battle of Tabuk took place. The Roman army retreated, and a peace treaty was signed.

Another significant event, perhaps the most significant during this month, was the Night Journey and Ascension: Al-Isra' Wal Mi’raj , on the 27^th day of Rajab. On this journey, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) travelled from Makkah to Jerusalem on the Buraq, and from there he ascended to heaven. In heaven, he met Allah (SWT), who instructed the Prophet (PBUH) and the Muslims to pray fifty daily prayers. When descending from heaven, the Prophet (PBUH) met Musa (AS), who was sure that the Muslims could not complete fifty prayers a day and told him to go back and ask Allah (SWT) for a reduction. It was reduced, but again, Musa (AS) told Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to ask for a further reduction.

This exchange continued until it was reduced to five daily prayers, at which point, the Prophet (PBUH) felt ashamed to ask for another reduction. A voice sounded, saying, “The prayers have been reduced to five, but they will be rewarded as though they were fifty.” This shows Muslims that those who pray the five obligatory prayers will be rewarded immensely.

Worship in This Month

During the month of Rajab, it is encouraged to increase our Ibadah (worship). We can do this by reciting more Qur’an, helping neighbours, caring for orphans, making up missed prayers and fasts, and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT) through dua. There are specific duas that can be recited during this month, and duas made in Rajab can be powerful.

Given the month of Rajab is close to Ramadan, it is a great time to start good habits and cut out bad ones to prepare for Ramadan. In addition, sincere acts and good deeds that are done during this month are more virtuous than in other months due to its sacredness.

Fasting in Rajab

Fasting in the holy month of Rajab is virtuous, whereby acts of worship hold more reward than in other months. As a result of this, many Muslims fast voluntarily during this month, and some women make up missed fasts from previous years.

Some Muslims choose to fast on the 27^th of Rajab, on the night of Al-Isra' Wal-Mir'aj, which is an optional fast that holds the same reward as fasting any other day in the month of Rajab. Therefore, it is not specifically recommended to fast on this day, but some people practice this.

Giving Charity in Rajab

Good deeds in this month are more virtuous than in other months, so giving charity is recommended. You can also give charity during other months, at any time of the year to follow the sunnah. You can donate to Orphans in Need today, by sponsoring an orphan or supporting our appeals.

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