Each one of the Holy Month retains its significance and prestige in bringing about the calendar the way it exists. The 7th month of the Islamic calendar, Rajab is honoured as one of the most sacred and devotional months out of four. In contextual form, Rajab means ‘respect’. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad said:
“Rajab is the month of Allah, Shaban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah.”
The holy months are unmatched in their importance. There is a myriad of justifications why Rajab carries such prestige in Islam and for every Muslim. Let us shed light and provide a deeper view of some of the most important rationales and how this month can be constructive for every Muslims.
Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:
“Lo! The number of months with Allah is twelve months by Allah’s ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong, not yourselves in them.” (Quran, 9:36)
So the merit of the month of the Rajab is the same as the merit of the other sacred months of Islam.
The sacred month of Rajab traces the commencement of the spiritual season of every devotee which finishes up with the fasting month of Ramadan and the Eid-ul-Fitr. We should praise the Almighty Allah and thank Him for allowing us an opportunity to refine ourselves of our evils and negligence in the holy month of Rajab.
It is narrated by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW):
“Rajab is the month of Allah that is called Al-Asab (the pourer) for Allah showers His servants with mercy in it”.
The days of the Holy Month of Rajab are more likely a chance for people to retreat to Allah (SWT) and take advantage of His forgiveness and mercy and vanish all the bitterness, contempt, and hatred that might have been flaring up in the past.
Rajab is also marked as the month of the birth of The Lion of Allah, Hazrat Ali (RA). He was the first among youth who submitted to Islam barely at the age of 10. Hazrat Ali (R.A) was only 10 years old when Prophet Muhammad received his very first revelation from the Almighty Lord.
He was born within the Holy Kabah in Mecca on Friday, 13th Rajab 23 BH. He (RA) was the son of Hazrat Abu Talib (RA) who was the uncle of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and had brought him (SAW) up. His mother Fatima bint-e Asad was also an honourable lady from the tribe of Bani Hashim. When Imam Ali (RA) was born his name was suggested by Hazrat Muhammad that’s why his name came to be more notable.
Shab e Miraj is also observed by Muslims all across the world. It is well-known for the names and inscriptions like Isra and Miraj and sometimes Waqia e Miraj as well. It is the 27th day of the month of Rajab. It was the year 621 when Prophet Muhammad journeyed to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem (Al-Quds) and then to Miraj on a special journey to meet the Creator of this Universe Allah Almighty, crossing seven skies. It is written in Islamic Scriptures that the Holy Prophet travelled on a white horse on which was named Burak.
The Isra Night is also cited in the Holy Quran in the following words:
“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.” (Quran, 17:1)
There is a grand emphasis on the month of Rajab in the sight of Allah (SWT). The month of Rajab is the key to the opening of the month of blessings, goodness and seeking forgiveness.
