Virtue of the Month of Rajab

Virtue of the Month of Rajab
By the Name of Allah, praises be to Allah, prayer and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Muslims pay specific attention to the Hijri Months, as the calendar is set based on the Time of the Hijrah (Migration) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina. The month of Rajab is among these Hijri Months.

Rajab is One of the Sacred Months

There are four sacred months among the Hijri months: Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. These months are sacred because fighting is prohibited during them, and the punishment for committing prohibited acts in these months is more severe than that for committing them in the other months.

Allah the Al-Mighty said: “Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him].”

Allah’s word, “So do not wrong yourselves during them,” indicates the significance and sanctity of this month. It also indicates that committing sins during them is more severe.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also emphasized the sanctity of Rajab. He distinguished it as a month of divine blessings and a chance for spiritual highness.

Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Time has returned to its original order as it was on the day when Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab of Mudar, which comes between Jumada and Sha’ban.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

So this verse and Hadith indicate the importance of the sacred months, and from among them is Rajab.

Rajab as an Introduction to Ramadan

Rajab is the seventh month according to the Hijri calendar. It is preceded by Jamada al-Akhar and followed by Sha’ban, which is followed by Ramadan. So, both Rajab and Sha’ban are considered introductions to Ramadan.
It is too important to receive Rajab with special attention. You have to know that what you plant in Rajab and Sha’ban, you will for sure gain in Ramadan, the blessed.

As it is important to avoid committing sins during Rajab for its sanctity, making punishment for the sin severe, it is also important to know that the reward for good deeds will be greater, too. So increase your good and righteous deeds during it, such as offering prayers regularly, reciting the Holy Qur’an, giving charity, fasting, seeking forgiveness from Allah, and so on.

By committing to such good deeds and keeping away from evil deeds, you are preparing yourself spiritually and physically for the greatest month, Ramadan. You are training your soul and your body to these great acts of worshipping so that you will enter Ramadan with a soul and body more prepared for it. So do not let any day pass from Rajab without exploiting it in a good deed.
It is also good to recite this supplication repeatedly during Rajab and Sha’ban. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “O God, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and bring us to Ramadan.”

A Miracle took place in Rajab.

The most important miracle in Islamic history took place on the night of the 27th of Rajab. It is the miracle of Al-Isra’ Wal-Mi’raj (the Night Journey and the Ascension). This great miracle occurred in Rajab when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was accompanied by the angel Gabriel from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended to the heavens, Paradise, and then to Sidrat al-Muntaha, where he (the Prophet) saw Allah the Al-Mighty and when the prayers were obligated on him and all Muslims.

Thus, sufficient for the greatness of the month of Rajab is that it is the month during which one of the greatest events in Islam has occurred and that it is the month in which prayer was obligated. Such events give the month of Rajab a greater rank among Muslims.

From the above, we can conclude the Virtues of the Month of Rajab as follows:
1- Rajab is one of the sacred months.
2- Rajab is considered an introduction and a preparation for Ramadan.
3- Rajab is the month during which the miracle of Al-Isra’ Wal-Mi’raj took place.

Recommended Acts in Rajab:

There are no obligatory acts specified for the month of Rajab, but for its rank, righteous acts are highly recommended to be performed during it. Among these recommended acts are:
* Istighfar: It is highly recommended that you seek forgiveness from Allah the Al-Mighty.
* Fasting: It is recommended that voluntary fasting be offered during Rajab.
* Prayers and Supplications: It is recommended that you engage in voluntary prayers and recite more supplications.
* Charity: It is recommended to give charity during Rajab, and if you do not have anything as a charity, know that a good word is a charity, and even a smile is a charity.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, it has become clear that the month of Rajab has a special rank in Islam, and this encourages Muslims to make use of each second of it. It is a chance to purify your heart and soul, enter Ramadan with a sound heart and determined soul, and get close to Allah.
May Allah guide us to exploit this month in His Obedience and keep us away from disobeying Him!

References

Iftaa’ Department. https://www.aliftaa.jo/QuestionPrintEn.aspx?QuestionId=2677

https://islamqa.info/en/answers/332295/virtues-of-the-month-of-rajab