The Islamic calendar is rich with sacred months, and **Rajab**, the seventh month, holds a special place. Recognized as one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran, Rajab has historically been a time of reflection, worship, and preparation for the holy month of Ramadan. Its virtues are numerous, and its significance is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and history.
Rajab: One of the Sacred Months
In the Quran, Allah states:
> *“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.”* (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)
Rajab is one of these sacred months, alongside Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram. During these months, acts of obedience are rewarded manifold, while sinful actions are even more grievous.
Principles of Islamic Lifestyle and Mental Peace(read more)
The sanctity of Rajab serves as a divine reminder to abstain from wrongdoing and engage in acts of piety. Scholars emphasize that this month is an opportunity for Muslims to spiritually cleanse themselves and seek Allah’s mercy.
Historical Events in Rajab
Rajab is notable for several significant events in Islamic history, such as:
1. **The Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj):**
The miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascension to the heavens is believed to have occurred in this month. This event is pivotal in Islam as it established the five daily prayers, a cornerstone of Islamic practice.
2. **The First Hijrah:**
The first migration of Muslims to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) took place during Rajab, marking a crucial step in the preservation of the early Muslim community.
These events not only highlight the historical importance of Rajab but also its spiritual weight in the lives of Muslims.
Spiritual Benefits:
awafil and Supplications in Rajab
Rajab is often seen as the month of spiritual rejuvenation While there are no obligatory rituals prescribed for this month, there are various recommended acts of worship that carry immense spiritual benefits.
1. **Nawafil (Voluntary Prayers):**
Offering **Nawafil** during Rajab is a way to draw closer to Allah and seek His blessings. Although no specific Nawafil are mandated, any extra prayers performed during this sacred month hold great significance.
– The **Tahajjud** prayer, offered in the last third of the night, is particularly beneficial for seeking forgiveness and making heartfelt supplications.
– The **Salat al-Duha**, offered in the morning, is another voluntary prayer that brings immense reward.
2. **Supplications (Duas):**
Rajab is an ideal time for making heartfelt supplications. The sacredness of the month enhances the likelihood of one’s prayers being accepted. A famous supplication of the Prophet (PBUH) for this month is:
> *”O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban, and allow us to reach Ramadan.”*
Other general duas for forgiveness, protection, and guidance are also highly recommended.
3. **Fasting in Rajab:**
The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have fasted during the sacred months, including Rajab. Although fasting on specific days of Rajab is not obligatory, voluntary fasting on Mondays and Thursdays or the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the month is considered rewarding.
4. **Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar):**
Rajab is a month for introspection and repentance. Reciting **Astaghfirullah** frequently cleanses the soul and prepares a believer for the upcoming month of Ramadan.
Spiritual Benefits of Nawafil and Supplications
Engaging in Nawafil and supplications
uring Rajab brings numerous benefits, including:
1. **Increased Proximity to Allah:**
Voluntary prayers and duas strengthen the bond between a believer and their Creator.
2. **Inner Peace:**
Worship and reflection in this sacred month bring a sense of calmness and spiritual satisfaction.
3. **Preparation for Ramadan:**
Rajab serves as a spiritual training ground for the holy month of Ramadan. Establishing habits of prayer and supplication now ensures consistency in the future.
4. **Forgiveness of Sins:**
Acts of worship in Rajab provide an opportunity for repentance, which can lead to the forgiveness of past sins.
5. **Boosting Iman (Faith):**
Regular acts of worship in this month help to strengthen one’s faith and reliance on Allah.
Avoiding Innovations (Bid’ah)
While Rajab holds immense significance, it is essential to avoid attributing unfounded rituals or practices to it. For instance, certain specific prayers or practices have no basis in authentic Islamic teachings. Islam emphasizes adhering to the Quran and Sunnah.
The Miraj Incident:
A Complete and Detailed Review
The Miraj Incident is an extraordinary event in Islamic history that strengthens the depths of faith and reveals the greatness and power of Allah. This event is not only a faith-building event for Muslims but also carries a great message for the world.
Background of the Miraj Incident
The Miraj Incident occurred at a crucial juncture in the life of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). This was at a time when the oppression of Muslims by the infidels in Mecca was at its peak. This year is called the “Aam al-Huzn” (Year of Sorrow) because in that year the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) lost his beloved wife, Hazrat Khadija (may Allah be pleased with him), and his uncle Abu Talib.
During this sad time, Allah Almighty called the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) on the journey of Miraj to strengthen his heart and make him more powerful for a great mission.
Mention of the event of Miraj
The event of Miraj is mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadiths:
Mention in the Holy Quran:
In the first verse of Surah Bani Israel (Isra), Allah Almighty says:
Glory be to Him Who took His servent by night from Al-Masjid Al Haram to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, the vicinity of wihch We have blessed, that We may show him ofOur signs.”*
(Surah Bani Israel 17:1)
Mention in Hadiths:
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has narrated the details of this event in various Hadiths, which have been narrated by Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim and other Muhaddiths.
Stages of Miraj
1. Isra: Journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa
The first stage of Miraj is “Isra”, in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was taken from Masjid al-Haram (Mecca) to Masjid al-Aqsa (Jerusalem).
– He (peace be upon him) made this journey on a special vehicle **Buraq**, which was much faster than ordinary vehicles.
– Upon reaching Masjid al-Aqsa, he (peace be upon him) led the congregation of the prophets in prayer, which showed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was the Imam of all the prophets.
2. Miraj:
Journey to the Heavens
From Masjid al-Aqsa, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was taken to the heavens:
– **First Heaven:** Meeting with Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him).
– **Second Heaven:** Meeting with Hazrat Jesus (peace be upon him) and Hazrat John (peace be upon him).
– **Third Heaven:** Meeting with Hazrat Joseph (peace be upon him).
– **Fourth Heaven:** Meeting with Hazrat Idris (AS).
– **Fifth Heaven:** Meeting with Hazrat Aaron (AS).
– **Sixth Heaven:** Meeting with Hazrat Moses (AS).
– **Seventh Heaven:** Meeting with Hazrat Abraham (AS), whom he saw near Baitul Ma’mur.
3. Sidratul Muntaha
After the seventh heaven, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was taken to **Sidratul Muntaha**, which is the last limit of the universe. There, he was shown the signs of Allah Almighty and scenes of Paradise and Hell.
4.Direct Meeting
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was called to the presence of Allah Almighty, where he was given the gift of **Prayer**. Initially, 50 prayers were made obligatory daily, but on the advice of Hazrat Moses (AS), Allah was repeatedly requested, after which they were changed to 5 prayers.
The Importance of the Ascension Event
1.The Obligation of Prayer
The greatest gift of the Ascension Event is the obligation of prayer for Muslims. This act of worship brings the servant closer to Allah and is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam.
2. The Test of Faith
The Ascension Event was an event that tested the faith of the Muslims. The infidels of Mecca ridiculed this event, but the Companions, especially Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA), confirmed the Prophet (PBUH) without any doubt, for which he was given the title of “Siddiq”.
3. The Message of Monotheism
The Ascension Event draws man to the oneness and greatness of Allah. This event makes it clear that Allah Almighty can make everything possible with His power.
Spiritual Benefits of Miraj
– **Personal Improvement:** The incident of Miraj reminds Muslims that spiritual growth is essential to getting closer to Allah.
– **Importance of Prayer:** The five daily prayers are a means of connecting us to Allah, which is the great gift of Miraj.
– **Patience and Gratitude:** This incident teaches us to be patient in times of hardship and to be grateful for Allah’s blessings.
Common Misconceptions About Miraj
– Some people consider Miraj to be just a dream, while it is clear from the Quran and Hadith that it was a physical journey.
– Celebrating Miraj with specific rituals or innovations is not proven in Sharia. Muslims should understand this incident in the light of the Quran and Sunnah.
Conclusion
The incident of Miraj is a faith-building event in Islamic history, which assures us of the power of Allah and the greatness of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). This event is a lesson for every Muslim that drawing closer to Allah and observing prayer can improve our lives.
Muslims should not consider this event as just a historical event, but rather consider its spiritual and practical aspects and make changes in their lives.
For more information, you can also refer to [Islamic Guide](https://www.islamicfinder.org/).
Rajab: The best time to prepare for Ramadan
The month of Rajab holds special significance in the Islamic calendar. This month is considered the beginning of preparation for Ramadan because it provides the best time for spiritual growth, increased worship, and self-improvement.
Rajab:
One of the sacred months
The month of Rajab is among the four months that the Quran calls
“Ashhar-e-Haram”, meaning sacred months. Allah Almighty says:
Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months, of which four are sacred.
(Surah At-Tawbah: 36)
The sacredness of Rajab teaches us to avoid sins and increase good deeds in this month, which is the best preparation for welcoming Ramadan.
Importance of Rajab:
hy prepare for Ramadan?
1. Spiritual Preparation
– Practice small deeds in Rajab to raise the standard of worship in Ramadan, such as voluntary prayers, fasting, and reciting the Quran.
– Purify your heart from sins and try to draw closer to Allah through supplication and remembrance.
2. Psychological Preparation
– Start preparing physically for fasting in Ramadan, by observing some voluntary fasts in Rajab.
– Organize your routine so that you can find more time for worship in Ramadan.
3. Social Preparation
– Help others through charity and charity.
– Plan Ramadan with your family and friends to benefit from maximum blessings.
Instructions in the light of Sunnah deeds and Hadiths of the month of Rajab
It is important to seek guidance from the Sunnah and Hadiths to increase worship in the month of Rajab.
1. Venerable Fasting
The virtue of observing the voluntary fast in the month of Rajab is found in the hadiths. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
> **”Fasting in the sacred months is a source of great reward.”**
(Nisa’i)
This supplication reminds us that Rajab is an important stage in preparation for Ramadan.
3. Dhikr and Tasbeeh
Ensure maximum Dhikr, Tasbeeh and Durood Shareef in Rajab to attain spiritual peace.
4. Quran Recitation
Make it a habit to recite the Quran in Rajab and plan to read the entire Quran in Ramadan.
5. Charity and Charity
– Giving charity is always preferable, but its virtue increases in the sacred months.
– Help the needy by giving charity in Rajab and seek the pleasure of Allah.
TAe Month of Rajab:
voiding Innovations
Given the virtues of the month of Rajab, some people include un-Sunnah acts and innovations in it, which must be avoided.
– Performing un-established acts of worship during the special nights of Rajab is not permissible in Sharia.
– We should perform worship only in the light of the Quran and Sunnah.
Conclusion
The month of Rajab is a great opportunity in which we can prepare our spiritual and psychological state for Ramadan. Spend this month according to the Sunnah, increase our worship, and bring positive changes in our lives.
May Allah Almighty grant us the blessings of Rajab and Sha’ban and grant us the opportunity to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan. Amen.