Rajab is the 7th month of the Islamic calendar and is one of the four sacred months, the other three being Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram, the 11th, 12th, and 1st months of the Islamic lunar calendar, respectively. Rajab is distinct in that it is the sacred month that stands alone whereas the other three fall in succession. The word “Rajab” by definition means one that is honored. It’s Arabic roots are “Ra” which stands for the “Rehmat” or Mercy of Allah Almighty; “Jeem” which stands for “Jood” which is the Generosity of Allah Almighty; and “Ba” which stands for “Bir” which is the Goodness of Allah Almighty. The sacred month of Rajab is therefore filled from beginning till end with benefits for the believer from his or her Lord: Mercy without punishment, Generosity without restraint, and Goodness without harm.

Rajab is a great month as is evident from the following Hadeeth of the Holy Prophet as related by Hazrat Abu Hurayra :

“Sha’baan is my month, Rajab is the month of Allah Almighty, and Ramadan is the month of my Community. Sha’baan is the expiator, while Ramadan is the purifier.”

When the Companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasallam) asked the meaning of “… Rajab is the month of Allah Almighty…”, He explained that this month has been made special for the Mercy of Allah Almighty, that fighting and killing is strictly forbidden in this month, and that Allah Almighty has accepted the repentance of Prophets in this month [on behalf of their communities as Prophets are sinless (ma’soom)]. Furthermore, Allah Almighty has protected His Friends (Awliya) from the mischief of the His enemies [i.e. the evildoers]. If a person fasts in this month, Allah Almighty blesses them with three things:

• Forgiveness of past sins

• Protection against future sins

• Protection against the thirst of the Day of Judgment

An old man asked the Holy Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasallam) what he could do as he was not physically capable of fasting the entire month. Upon this the Holy Prophet said that if he fasted on the 1st, 15th and last day of Rajab he would be rewarded as though he fasted the entire month because each good deed is rewarded in ten folds. The Holy Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasallam) went on to exhort to not be heedless of the first Friday eve of Rajab as the angels have named this night “Laylatul Raghaib”. The reason for this is that during the third portion of this night all the angels of the earth and skies gather around the Holy Kaba in praise of Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty asks them what it is that they desire upon which the angels respond that they pray that Allah Almighty forgives all those who fast during the month of Rajab. Allahu Akbar!

We pray that Allah, Most Glorified and Exalted is He, by the Waseela Mubarak (blessed

connection) of His Beloved Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasallam)) increases our understanding of the significance of this great month and accepts our worship therein. May He forgive our faults and make us true servants of His Noble Friends (Awliya Kiram, may Allah be pleased with them all). Aameen.