Rajab is the seventh Islamic month and is one of the four sacred months of Islam in which the battles are prohibited. It is stated in Quran’s Surah al-Maidah, “O you who have believed, do not violate the rites of Allah or [the sanctity of] the sacred month…” (5:2)
The meaning of Rajab can be defined as respect. It is an important month of the Islamic calendar.
The events that took place in the history of Islam in Rajab are very significant events that make the month so important in Islam. In this month, the birth of Hazrat Ali (RA), the fourth caliph of Islam and cousin plus son-in-law of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) took place. Moreover, the event of Isra and Miraaj (journey of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) from Makkah to Jerusalem and then from Jerusalem to the Heaven) also took place in the month of Rajab. Also, Hazrat Nooh (AS) and his people saved themselves from the flood in this month.
Rajab is also called Al-Asamm, the deaf month because no rattle of weapons was heard in this month as battle was prohibited. Furthermore, it is also called deaf month because only the good deeds of the believers are noted in this month and the sins which they commit in this month are forgiven.
This month is also called the month of Rajm which means stoning to death. Demons are stoned in Rajab and are forced to go away.
It is also called mutahhar meaning cleaned because whoever fasts in this month is cleaned or purified from his/her mistakes and sins. However, it is advised to fast in the mid of the month or on some specific days or by giving the three days break. In hadith, fasting in the whole month isn’t mentioned but doing so is not prohibited either.
The Prophet (SAWW) in his farewell sermon said, “Time has completed its cycle and is as it was on the Day when Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year is twelve months, from which four are sacred, three consecutive months – Zul-Qadah, Zul-Hijjah and Muharram – and the Rajab of Mudar which comes between Jumaada and Sha’baan.” (Bukhaari)
“…Then, the most amazing thing will happen between (the months of) Jumada and Rajab…” (Hadith)
The Holy Prophet (SAWW) said, “Rajab is a month of asking for forgiveness. So, ask for forgiveness from Allah (SWT). He is verily the Forgiver, the Merciful. It is highly recommended to repeat, Astaghfirullaah wa as-aluhut tawbah”.
Conclusion:
Rajab is an important Islamic month as it’s one of the sacred months. Moreover, the birth of Hazrat Ali (RA), the event of Isra and Miraaj and the incident of Hazrat Nooh (AS) in this month even more significant. Muslims should utilize the time they have got and must seek forgiveness and perform fasting in order to gain rewards.
