As sacred Rajab approaches

Rajab, the eighth month of the Islamic Calendar, is insha Allah, only three weeks away. It is one of the four sacred months decreed by Allah (swt) Who said: “Indeed, the number of months with Allah is 12 (lunar) months in the register of Allah (from) the day He created the heavens and the earth; […]

Rajab, the eighth month of the Islamic Calendar, is insha Allah, only three weeks away.

It is one of the four sacred months decreed by Allah (swt) Who said: “Indeed, the number of months with Allah is 12 (lunar) months in the register of Allah (from) the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred …” (Qur’an, 9:36).

These four sacred months were mentioned by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) during his farewell pilgrimage: “O People! Time has gone back to how it was at the time Allah created the Heavens and the Earth. A year has 12 months, four of which are sacred, three consecutive, Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab.” (Bukhari)

The Prophet (pbuh) is also reported to have said, “Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha`ban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah.” (Al-Suyuti).

The description of Rajab by the Holy Prophet as the month of Allah is really a clarion call on Muslims to ensure that they are conscientious in their belief, through a redoubling of their effort in being truthful in word and action; to be charitable, courteous and helpful to one another with the sole intention of pleasing Allah (swt). It is a message on how venerable the month is and how Muslims should use it to prepare for Ramadan.

The Prophet (pbuh) himself venerates Rajab. Indeed immediately the month commences he would seek its blessings, praying: “O Allah bless us in Rajab and Sha`ban and enable us to reach Ramadan!”(Ahmad)

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 (pbuh) received the greatest ennoblement that a created being ever received from Allah.

Allah (swt) reminds Muslims to guard their actions during the sacred months: “O you who have believed, do not violate the rites of Allah or (the sanctity of) the sacred month.” (Qur’an, 5:2).

He also said about the sacred months: “…so do not wrong yourselves during them (i.e., the sacred months).” (Qur’an, 9:36).

These two verses show the importance of being conscientious believers. The only way Muslims can make sure they do not wrong themselves during the sacred months is to be conscious of their actions, not to be lax in their duties to God. Allah (swt) has given Muslims these sacred months to turn back to Him and to take account of ourselves.

It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) that: “There are five nights on which du`a is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the 15 night of Sha`ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al-Fitr and the night before Eid al-Adha).”

Scholars also say that Rajab is the month of seeking forgiveness, whereas Sha`ban is the month of sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet, and Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. Thus it is recommended to seek much forgiveness in Rajab.

Also, the rewards of Muslims’ good actions are multiplied in the sacred months. The Prophet (pbuh) 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 A’isha (ra), 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. We must also try to maintain a state of purity through doing good and avoiding evil. May Allah (swt) be our guide.