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| As one of the sacred months, Rajab enjoys special merits and blessings. |
Rajab; the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar; is one of the sacred months. The others being Dhul-Qi`dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram. Rajab is a prelude to Ramzan (Ramadan), the month in which Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset.
As one of the sacred months, Rajab enjoys special merits and blessings. When the month would arrive, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to say:
“O Allah, bless us in the months of Rajab and Sha`ban and enable us to reach Ramadan.” ~ (Ahmad, Bayhaqi, Tabarani)
Rajab Al-Haram – Time when Battles are Prohibited!
The month of Rajab is also known as Rajab Al-Haram (Sacred Rajab in Arabic); as it is one of the four Sacred Months during which battles and conflicts are forbidden.
The Holy Quran referred to the Sacred Months in Sura At-Tawbah:
“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are Sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein” ~ Sura At-Tawbah 9:36
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| The four sacred months are Rajab, Dhul-Qi`dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram. |
Although the Holy Quran has always encouraged Muslims to refrain from intolerant actions committed in anger or inflicting harm on another; there is specific focus on restraint and piety during the four sacred months. The month-long period helps Muslims to reflect and introspect and thereby to do away with the mindlessness of violence.
The Miraculous Journey of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`Raj
Rajab is also the month during which one of the most sacred events in the history of Islam took place - the miracle of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj. Rajab witnessed the occurrence of Al-Israa’ – the miraculous night journey of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) from Mecca to the Holy land of Jerusalem on the 27th day of Rajab.
In reference to this journey, Almighty Allah (SWT) states in the Holy Quran:
“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 Hearing, the Seeing.” ~ Surah Al-Isra 17:1
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| Rajab witnessed the occurrence of Al-Israa’ – the miraculous night journey of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on the 27th day of Rajab. |
The journey of Al-Israa’ is believed to have been followed by the Mi’raj. The journey to Al-Mi`raj refers to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) ascension to the heavens astride the horse Buraq with its mysterious dimensions that is beyond human comprehension.
From an Islamic perspective, the event of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj in one night is a significant one.
“While he was in the higher [part of the] horizon. Then he approached and descended And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer. And he revealed to His Servant what he revealed. The heart did not lie [about] what it saw. So will you dispute with him over what he saw? And he certainly saw him in another descent At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary - Near it is the Garden of Refuge - When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it]. The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]. He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord.” ~ Surah An-Najm 53:1-18
The journey of Isra and Mi’raj was a divine gift for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to comfort and strengthen his heart by showing him the kingdom of heavens and the earth.
Rajab: Gateway to Ramadan
With the start of Rajab, we begin to look forward to the ultimate blessings of the upcoming fasting month of Ramzan (Ramadan). A true Muslim should seize this opportunity and time to embrace the piety and peace bequeathed in Islam.
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