The month of Rajab holds a unique position in the Islamic calendar as one of the four sacred months ordained by Allah (SWT). It is the seventh month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, preceding Sha’ban and the holy month of Ramadan. Rajab is a time of spiritual renewal, increased devotion, and preparation for the blessings of Ramadan. Through fasting, prayer, and reflection, Muslims worldwide honor the virtues and historical events that make Rajab a truly sacred month.
What is Rajab?
Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and one of the four sacred months as ordained by Allah (SWT). The month of Rajab precedes the month of Sha’ban and the holy month of Ramadan, containing many benefits and virtues for worshippers due to some of the most precious days in the Islamic calendar occurring in this month.
The reason why Rajab is given this name
Rajab is named for its veneration, as “Rajab” derives from the root word meaning to support or strengthen. Ibn Faaris explained that it refers to honoring or venerating something. In pre-Islamic times, the Arabs also called Rajab Munassil al-Asinnah, meaning “the one that causes the sharp heads of weapons to be taken off.” During this month, they would cease fighting, remove metal tips from weapons, and hold the month in reverence, as described by Abu Rajaa’ al-‘Ataaridi and narrated by al-Bukhari. The practice of not fighting and venerating Rajab was also affirmed by al-Bayhaqi.
What is the significance of the month of Rajab?
Allah (SWT) ordained Rajab as one of the four sacred months of the year, making it virtuous for several reasons:
- Fighting is prohibited during the four sacred months.
- All transgressions during these months weigh heavier as wrong deeds.
- All sincere acts of worship are deemed more virtuous.
Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve in the book of Allah, since the day He created the Heavens and the Earth. Four of them, they are sacred.
(Qur’an | 9:36)
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, which stands between Jumada (ath-Thani) and Sha‘ban.
(Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari)
Key Events that Took Place in Rajab
- The Birth of Ali (RA) On the 13th of Rajab, Ali (RA), the cousin and companion of the Prophet (PBUH), was born.
- The Prophet’s (SAW) miraculous night journey, Al Isra’ wal Miraj, people believe occurred on the 27th of Rajab.
- Battle of Tabuk In Rajab of 9 AH, the Battle of Tabuk took place, when the Prophet (SAW) led 30,000 men to face the Roman army. The Romans retreated, resulting in a peace agreement.
- Salahuddin al-Ayyubi Liberated Jerusalem In Rajab of 583 AH (1187 CE), Salahuddin al-Ayyubi liberated Jerusalem after 88 years of Crusader occupation.
Fasting in Rajab
Fasting during any of the sacred months is an excellent time to include supererogatory acts of worship, voluntary prayers, du’a, and Sadaqah Jariyah due to the inherent virtuosity of the month.
Benefits in the Month of Rajab
Rajab is the month of Allah, one of the four sacred months of the year, and the month in which Al Isra’ wal-Mi’raj took place, making it a month of blessings. Muslims should increase worship and devotion to Allah Almighty in Rajab to earn great rewards. By working on improving character and increasing good deeds in Rajab, believers can gain immense benefits in Ramadan.
Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq al-Balkhi (RA), the uncle of Imam Tirmidhi (RA), said: “The month of Rajab is the month of planting (your seeds), Sha‘ban is the month of irrigating/watering (them), and Ramadan is the month of harvesting the crop.”
How Many Days Should I Fast in Rajab?
The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. It is also recommended to fast on the white days (13th, 14th, and 15th). In 2025, this means one should fast around 11 days.
Why Do Muslims Fast in Rajab?
Allah Almighty greatly rewards fasting during the sacred months. It serves as preparation for Ramadan and is an act pleasing to Allah (SWT). Many Muslims also fast in Rajab to make up for missed fasts from the previous Ramadan.
Why Is Fasting on the 27th Rajab Important?
Muslims choose to fast on the day of Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj to commemorate the blessed event and earn extra rewards.
Rajab Duas
There are many Du’as that can be recited during the month of Rajab. Below are some examples:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَبٍ، وَشَعْبَانَ، وَبَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ
Transliteration: Allahumma baarik lanaa fi Rajabin wa Sha’baana wa balighnaa Ramadan.
Translation: O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan.
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَاهْدِنِي وَعَافِنِي وَارْزُقْنِي
Transliteration: Allaahumma ighfirlee, war-Hamnee, wahdinee, wa ‘Aafinee, warzuqnee.
Translation: O Allah! Forgive me, show mercy to me, guide me, grant me health, and grant me provision.
What Are the Sacred Months in Islam?
There are four sacred months in Islam: Zulkaedah, Zulhijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. During these months, Muslims strive to avoid fighting and refrain from bad deeds.
The sacred months are designated as such because Allah has ordained them. As mentioned in the Quran:
“It is He Who made the sun a radiant source and the moon a reflected light, with precisely ordained phases, so that you may know the number of years and calculation ˹of time˺. Allah did not create all this except in truth [for a purpose]. He makes the signs clear for people of knowledge.”
(Quran 10:5)
Laylat Rajab (The Night of Wishes)
Laylat Rajab, also known as the Night of Wishes, is indeed a spiritually significant night in the Islamic calendar, occurring on the first night of Rajab. It is a night of great blessings and opportunities for worship.
The practice involves:
- Performing twelve rak’ahs between Maghrib and Isha, with specific recitations in each rak’ah (Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Qadr, and Surah Al-Ikhlas).
- Reciting praises like “Allahumma salli ala Muhammad” and “Subbooh, Quddoos” during prayer and prostration.
- Making personal supplications after completing the prayer, asking for Allah’s mercy, and fulfilling one’s needs.
This night is deeply revered as a chance for believers to seek divine mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. By following these practices with sincerity, one can expect not only spiritual elevation but also protection and intercession on the Day of Judgment.