The month of Rajab: Its importance in Islam

LINGUISTICALLY, the word Rajab comes from the Arabic root letters Ra’, Jim, and Ba’, which mean “to strengthen or support something with something else.” It also means “to respect and honour something.”

Rajab is a sacred month in Islam; therefore, warfare and conflict are strictly prohibited during this time in order to preserve its holiness.

Allah says: “Indeed, the postponing [of restriction within sacred months] is an increase in disbelief by which those who have disbelieved are led [further] astray. They make it lawful one year and unlawful another year to correspond to the number made unlawful by Allah and make lawful what Allah has made unlawful. Made pleasing to them is the evil of their deeds; and Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.” [Surat At-Tawbah: 37]

The noble Prophet Muhammad SAW also said: “The division of time has turned to its original form which was current when Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: three are in succession—Dhul-Qa‘dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram—and the fourth is Rajab of (the tribe of) Mudar, which comes between Jumada ath-Thaniyah and Sha‘ban.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Allah’s Messenger SAW specifically mentioned “Rajab of Mudar” so that there would be no confusion as to which month he was referring to. This is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. This blessed month is a time of spiritual preparation before Ramadan. It is a great opportunity to renew one’s connection with Allah, leave behind sins, and increase in good deeds. Rajab carries great virtues and holds significant importance in Islam.

Rajab has great importance in Islam, including the following:

Engaging in warfare is prohibited: Allah SWT says: “They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about fighting in the sacred months. Say, ‘Fighting during these months is a great sin.’” [Surat Al-Baqarah: 217]

Committing sins is more severe than in other months: Allah SWT says: “Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth, of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months.” [Surat At-Tawbah: 36]

Allah commanded us not to violate their sanctity: Allah SWT says: “O believers! Do not violate Allah’s rituals, the sacred months, the sacrificial animals, the offerings decorated with garlands, nor those pilgrims on their way to the Sacred House seeking their Lord’s bounty and pleasure.” [Surat Al-Ma’idah: 2]

Significant historical events in Rajab mentioned in the Qur’an

The expedition of Tabuk: Allah says: “Allah has already forgiven the Prophet and the Muhajirin and the Anṣar who followed him in the hour of difficulty, after the hearts of a party of them had almost inclined [to doubt]. Then He forgave them. Indeed, He is Kind and Merciful to them.” [Surat At-Tawbah: 9:117]

After the conquest of Makkah and the victory at Hunayn, the people of the Arabian Peninsula were forced to recognise the newly emerging Muslim power.

The Byzantine Empire was considered the greatest military power at the time. Seeing this emerging Muslim state as a threat, Caesar decided to destroy it before it became too powerful. To achieve this, he gathered a massive army consisting of Byzantine forces and pro-Roman Ghassanid tribes.

When Prophet Muhammad SAW heard this news, he immediately began preparing an army. He chose to meet the Byzantine forces in their own territory at Tabuk rather than allowing them to invade the Muslim lands. He publicly announced the expedition and called upon his companions to prepare. Almost everyone joined the Prophet SAW, with only a few left behind. The army departed from Madinah to Tabuk in the month of Rajab.

Although engaging in battle during sacred months is prohibited, this expedition was a necessary act of self-defence. Had it not occurred, the Byzantines would likely have invaded Madinah.

This was the most difficult expedition the Muslim army had ever undertaken. It occurred during a year of severe drought, in scorching heat, and involved the longest distance they had ever traveled for a military campaign.

Allah SWT rewarded them greatly for their perseverance. They returned to Madinah without engaging in battle, as the Romans lacked the courage to confront them.

Isra wal mi‘raj: Allah SWT says: “Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.” [Surat Al-Isra: 17:1]

Isra wal Mi‘raj represents two miraculous journeys undertaken by our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW during his time in Makkah. Isra refers to the night journey from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. Scholars have differing opinions regarding the exact timing, but many hold that it occurred in the month of Rajab.

The sacred month and recommended acts of worship

Voluntary fasting: One may fast during this month as much as possible without specifying particular dates. The Prophet SAW said: “Fast some days of the sacred months and not others.” [Sunan Abu Dawud]

Studying the Seerah (Islamic history): Reading the Seerah of Rasulullah SAW helps us understand the significant events that occurred during this month over 1,400 years ago.

Preparing for Ramadan: Islamic scholars have described Rajab as a month of preparation for Ramadan. Dhu’n-Noon al-Masri (RA) said: “Rajab is the month for giving up sins, Sha‘ban is the month for acts of obedience, and Ramadan is the month for receiving gifts and honours.”

Ibn Rajab (RA) said:  “The month of Rajab is the key to the months of goodness and blessing.”

Abu Bakr al-Warraq al-Balkhi (RA) said: “Rajab is the month of sowing, Sha‘ban is the month of irrigating the crop, and Ramadan is the month of harvesting.”

Asking Allah to allow us to reach Ramadan: The following du‘a is mentioned in several hadith collections:

Allahumma barik lana fi Rajab wa Sha‘ban wa ballighna Ramadan

“O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha‘ban and allow us to reach Ramadan.” [Tabarani al-Awsat]

Although this hadith is classified as weak, there is no harm in supplicating to Allah with this du‘a.

Giving charity: Charity is a virtuous deed that helps extinguish sins and earns Allah’s forgiveness. Beginning to give sadaqah in the sacred month of Rajab is an excellent way to prepare for Ramadan and seek Allah’s pleasure.