When the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) sighted the moon of Rajab, he used to pray to Allah in the following words: “Allahumma barik lana fi Rajab wa sha’bana waballighna Ramadhana.” ( O Allah! Make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us and let us reach the month of Ramadhan).
The month of Rajab (current month) is one of the blessed months of Allah. Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic calendar. This month is regarded as one of the sacred months (al-ash-hurul hurum) in which battles were prohibited in the days of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). It is also a prelude to the month of Ramadhan because Ramadhan follows it after the inventing month of Sha’ban.
Rajab marks the beginning of the spiritual season of every believer ending with the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan with the Eid-al-Fitr. These three months (Rajab, Sha’ban and Ramadhan) are unmatched in their importance.
The Prophet said: “Rajab shahrullah, wa sha’bana shahri, wa Ramadhan shahra ummati.” (Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha’ban is my month and Ramadhan is the month of my ummah).
Ibnu Umar said: “There are five nights in which invocation (du’a) is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the night of mid-Sha’ban, the night of Jumuah, the night of Eid-al-Fitr and the night of Eid-al-Adha.”
As the month is linked itself to Allah because of its superabundant favours and benefits sunnah prayers, fasting and other good deeds are to be elevated.
Fasting is one of the most recommended acts during this month. It becomes wajib (obligatory) during the month of Ramadhan, but it is highly recommended during the months of Rajab and Sha’ban. Fasting, be it only one day during these months, is rewarded with untold bounties.
Abi Sa’eed (ra) related: “Rajab is one of the four forbidden months (in which fighting is prohibited).” Its days are written on the gates of the sixth heaven. When a man fasts one of its days and renews his fast with the fear and consciousness of Allah, Allah will makes that gate to speak and makes that day to speak, saying,: “O our Lord! Forgive him.”
Muslims are encouraged to do more ibadah, sadaqah, dhikr and istighfar as much as they can because mercy drops from the heaven like a gentle rain in the month of Rajab. Allah (S.W.T) will forgive and have mercy on whom who recites: “Astaghfirullahalladzi la ilaha illa huwa wahdahu la sharikalahu wa atubu ilahi.” (I ask forgiveness of Allah, who is no God save He, and no other; has no partner and I turn repentant to Him).
The Prophet used to say: “Rajab is a month of seeking forgiveness, so seek forgiveness from Allah; He is verily the Forgiver, the Merciful.” Wallahu A’lam.
(Prepared by Abdul Muhaemin Karim)