Rajab

Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic Calendar, also called as Hijiri Calendar. The months in the Hijiri Calendar depend on the movement of the moon, and its new month starts upon the sighting of a new moon. It helps in determining the Islamic events and festivals, including Ramadan, Eids, Hajj, or any special event that took place in history.

The Significance of Rajab

Rajab is among the four sacred months that Allah has allocated and its importance is explained by our Prophet (S.A.W). It is considered the sacred month along with Moharram, Dhul al-Qadah, and Dhul al-Hijjah, and in these months’ battles are prohibited. In a Sahih hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A);

The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) said, “Time has come back to its original state, which it was 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-Qadah, Dhul Hijjah, and Al-Muharram, and (the fourth being) Rajab Mudar (named after the tribe of Mudar as they used to respect this month), which stands between Jumad (ath-Thani) and Sha’ban.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari 4662, Book 65, Hadith 184)

In the above Hadith, we can see Rajab was not only important for Muslims but was also important for tribes before Islam. One of the greatest reasons for Rajab being sacred is because it is the month when the biggest event of Miraj takes place.

It is obligatory for Muslims and everyone to not start any battle in the sacred months. It is also mentioned in the Quran:

“The number of months with God is twelve in accordance with God’s law since the day He created the Heavens and the Earth. Of these, four are holy. This is the straight reckoning. So do not exceed yourselves during them; but fight the idolaters to the end as they fight you in like manner, and remember, God is with those Who preserve themselves from evil and do the right.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)

Now that we know how important Rajab is and that it is Allah who made this month important, let’s have a look at the events that are part of the month of Rajab and make it important for the Ummah.

Key Dates of Rajab

Rajab has a great number of events, so let’s discuss it according to its dates arranged in order.

On the 12th Rajab, Hazrat Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib, who was the paternal uncle of Muhammad (S.A.W), passed away. He was just three years older than the Prophet (S.A.W) and was also His (S.A.W) companion. He converted to Islam after the Battle of Badr, even before he converted, he always protected Muhammad (S.A.W) when he lived in Makkah. Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib passed away in Medina at the age of 89 years and is buried in Jannatul Baqee, a cemetery next to Masjid-e-Nabwi.

13^th Rajab is known as the birth date of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A), who was the fourth caliph of Islam. Hazrat Ali (R.A) was the cousin of the Prophet (S.A.W) and also his son-in-law. Hazrat Ali (R.A) was known as the Lion of Allah and he was the first child to accept Islam.

15 Rajab – the death anniversary of Hazrat Zaynab Binte Ali (R.A), who was the beloved daughter of Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatima (R.A). She is known for her role in the battle of Karbala, where she lost her beloved brother Hussain (R.A) and most of her male members.

15^th Rajab is also the death anniversary of Imam Abu Hanifa, one of the biggest scholars in Islamic history. He was a Tabai’i who lived in the times of Sahaba and is one of the major Imams in Islamic fiqah. He died at the age of 68 in Baghdad, Iraq.

The Battle of Khyber took place on the 24^th Rajab, where Muslims fought against the Jews in Medinah. Muslims were held victorious against the Jews and Khyber was occupied by the Muslims. It is narrated by Hazrat Anas (R.A) that:

The Prophet (S.A.W) set out for Khyber and reached it at night. He used not to attack if he reached the people at night till the day broke. So, when the day dawned, the Jews came out with their bags and spades. When they saw the Prophet, they said, ‘Muhammad and his army!’ The Prophet (S.A.W) said, Allahu-Akbar! And Khaibar is ruined, for whenever we approach a nation (enemy to fight) then it will be a miserable morning for those who have been warned.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari 2945, Book 56, hadith 157)

Imam Muslim who was the greatest muhaddith of his time and the author of Sahih Muslim. Imam Muslim was a student and lifelong friend of Imam Bukhari and lived in Nasarabad in his end life. He died on 25th Rajab at the age of 55 years and is buried in his hometown Nasarabad, Iran.

The most important event in the history of mankind took place on the 27^th Rajab. Laylat ul Mi’raj (The Night of Ascension) happened on 27^th Rajab when the Prophet of Allah (S.A.W) visited Masjid Al-Aqsa and started his journey of Mi’raj where he (S.A.W) ascended to the Skies and the heaven. In a hadith narrated by Anas (R.A) Abu Dhar (R.A) said:

“Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) said; ‘The roof of my house was made open while I was at Makkah (on the night of Mi’raj) and Jibril descended. He opened up my chest and washed it with the water of Zamzam. Then he brought the golden tray full of wisdom and Belief and poured it in my chest and then closed it. Then he took hold of my hand and ascended to the nearest heaven. Jibril told the gatekeeper of the nearest heaven to open the gate. The gatekeeper asked, “Who is it?” Jibril replied, “I am Jibril.” (Sahih Bukhari 1636, Book 25, hadith 119)

Another important event took place down the lane on 27th Rajab. Jerusalem was under the rule of the Crusaders, and Salah Uddin Ayubi defeated the Crusader army and occupied Jerusalem, establishing Muslim military dominance.

On the 28^th Rajab, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk abolished the Ottoman Caliphate in the year 1924, which ruled the world for 1000 years. However, the Ottoman Empire was broken down and slowly losing its power, so Mustafa Kemal took the step and abolished it.

Back in the time of sahaba (R.A), the 28^th Rajab was the beginning of Imam Hussain’s (R.A) journey from Medina to Karbala. This journey was to save Islam from its enemies. On this journey, Bibi Zainab, who was the sister of Imam Hussain (R.A), also accompanied him.

Another important event in Islamic history, the Battle of Tabook, took place on the 29^th Rajab. It was an important battle as the Muslims came into authority in the Arab world. Prophet (S.A.W) took an army of 30 thousand men to Tabuk against the Byzantines. Surah At-Taubah was also revealed at this expedition and Muslims were asked to participate in Jihad.

Imam Al-Shafi, one of the four Imams of Muslims, passed away on the 30^th Rajab at the age of 53 years in Fustat, Egypt.

Special Ibadah in Rajab

The month of Rajab is sacred, but there is no special Ibadah that we should observe. The Prophet (S.A.W) encouraged the Muslims to offer volunteer ibadah as this blessed month of Rajab is like the seeds we sow that will reap in the upcoming month of Ramadan.

Its importance can be seen in the following Hadith narrated by Anas (R.A):

Anas said that when Rajab came, Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) said, “O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and bring us to Ramadan.” (Mishkat al-Masabih 1369, Book 4, Hadith 774)

Conclusion

Rajab is a sacred month, and doing volunteer ibadah will increase our spirituality, which will help us to make the most out of the upcoming month of Ramadan. Muslim and Quran brings you a platform that provides you with a world of Islamic resources from where you can learn, practice, and preach your religion. To start your spiritual journey, download our app and start learning instantly.