By: Alimah Khadijah Patel, IPC Jame Masjid Sisters/Youth Councillor
Alhamdulillah all praises be to Allah ﷻ who has allowed us to see this beautiful month of Rajab. It is a month revered for its spiritual significance and divine blessings, as it is a month of preparation, a month of seeking forgiveness, and a special night amongst this blessed month.
It is narrated by Anas Ibn Malik (RA) said, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to make the following duaa, when the month of Rajab came in: اَللّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَناَ فِيْ رَجَبٍ وَشَعْبانَ وَبَلّغْنَا رَمَضَانْ
“Oh Allah! Grant us Barakah during (the months of) Rajab and Sha’ban and allow us to reach Ramadan.”
A Month of Preparation: Rajab serves as a month of preparation to the holy month of Ramadan, a time when we intensify our spiritual efforts. It is an opportunity for introspection and preparation, as we ready our hearts for the upcoming month of fasting, prayer, and increased devotion. Allamah Suyuti in Jami’ Saghir mentions that Hasan Basri reports that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Rajab is the month of Allah. Shaban is my month. Ramadhan is the month of my ummah”. This Hadith highlights Rajab as a time for seeking forgiveness and turning to Allah in repentance. In this month we should do our utmost best to increase in our deeds. We should start praying more Nafl prayers, recite more Quran, do more Dhikr and increase in our charity. If there are sisters who have Qadha fasts to make up, then this is a great time to make up those Qadha fasts.
The Month of Allah’s Mercy & A Special Night of Rajab: Rajab is often referred to as the "Month of Allah's Mercy." It serves as a reminder of Allah's limitless compassion and forgiveness. We are encouraged to intensify our efforts in seeking Allah's mercy. Rajab is adorned with a blessed night, which is Laylat al-Miraj, the Night of Ascension. It commemorates the miraculous journey of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to the seven heavens. During this journey the Prophet (ﷺ) received the 5 daily prayers as a gift from Allah (ﷻ). We should increase our worship throughout this month and not only during this night. There are beliefs within some communities that this night and day holds a significant reward, however there is nothing from the Qur’an or Sunnah which confirms this as true.
Astaghfaar and Repentance: During Rajab, engaging in frequent Astaghfaar (seeking forgiveness) is highly recommended. Repenting for our past shortcomings and seeking Allah's pardon allows us to purify our hearts and souls. We don’t know when our time of death will come so we should constantly be reciting Astaghfaar and asking Allah for repentance. During these blessed months of Rajab, Sha’ban and Ramadan we should increase in our Dhikr and asking for Allah’s forgiveness.
Rajab is not merely a bridge to Ramadan, it is a sacred time filled with opportunities for spiritual growth, forgiveness, and divine connection. As we immerse ourselves in the blessings of this month, may our hearts be illuminated, and may we emerge spiritually rejuvenated, ready to welcome the holy month of Ramadan with open hearts and souls. May Allah allow us the ability to reap the benefits of these sacred months and allow us to reach Ramadan in the best of Imaan and health. Aameen
