Significance & Blessings of the Month of Rajab in Islam

Every Holy Month holds its own significance and importance in the Islamic calendar. There are months in the Islamic calendar that are superior to the other months because of the days in them. The Holy Month Rajab is one of the four sacred months that Almighty Allah mentioned in the Holy Quran and holds great significance related to the spiritual affiliation of the Muslims with this holy month. In contextual form, the literal meaning of Rajab is to ‘respect’. In Holy Quran Allah Almighty says about this sacred month in these words: “Undoubtedly, the number of months with Allah is twelve in the Book of Allah since the day He created heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred. This is the right religion. Therefore, do not wrong yourselves in these months.” (Quran, 9:36) The holy month of Rajab is the key to the opening of the month of blessings and goodness. Seeking Forgiveness, Istaghfaar in the moth of Rajab has immense importance. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to say in the month of Rajab: “Rajab is a month of seeking forgiveness, so seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT); He is verily the Forgiver, the Merciful. It is highly recommended to repeat ‘Astaghfirullaah wa as-aluhut tawbah”. The Holy month of Rajab, in its extreme favors, benefits, reverence, and sanctity, is next to none. The holy month of Rajab is linked to Almighty Allah (SWT) as Shaban to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Ramadan to His Muslim Ummah. According to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), one who observes one fast during the month of Rajab will gain rewards similar to if one has fasted for forty years. The most important event in the Islamic history which took place on this sacred month, on 27th of Rajab is the night of Isra or Shab e Miraj. In the night of Isra Prophet Muhammad (SAW) visited the heavens in just a second. In the Holy Quran, it is mentioned in these 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) Other than Shab-e-Miraj there are some other important events that occurred in the holy month of Rajab. Hazrat Ali (RA), who is one of the bravest humans in the history of mankind, was the first child to recognize Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) for His Prophethood also born in the month of Rajab which brings immense significance to the month of Rajab. There is an extra reward for those who do Sadaqah and charity in the holy month of Rajab. Saying the Kalima “La Ilaha IllAllah Muhammadur Rasulullah” as much as you can in this holy month. Reciting “Qul HO Wallah Ho Ahad” which is Surah Ikhlas in excess in the holy month of Rajab can return in the peace and blessing on the reciter and his family. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says about the importance of Rajab in these words, “In Paradise, there is a canal named Rajab. Its water is whiter than milk, cooler than ice and sweeter than honey. The one who observes even a single fast in Rajab, he/she will be entitled to drink its water.” In conclusion, Rajab is widely known as one of the sacred holy months in religion Islam. It is sacred primarily because Allah Almighty has said it so in Quran, and secondly, it is the month in which the event of the night of Isra and Miraj took place, which is still revered and celebrated by Muslims all over the world with religious zest and spirit.