Introduction
The Islamic lunar calendar is enriched with months holding deep spiritual significance, guiding believers toward greater awareness of their Creator and a better understanding of their purpose in life. Among these, the month of Rajab occupies a prominent position. Recognized as one of the four sacred months in Islam, Rajab is steeped in divine blessings and rich traditions, offering an unparalleled opportunity for reflection, worship, and spiritual purification.
In Islamic teachings, Rajab is referred to as the “Month of Allah” (Shahrullah), symbolizing a unique period of divine mercy and forgiveness. The sacredness of this month is underscored in numerous narrations from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), who encourage believers to seize its moments for fasting, extra prayers, and recitation of supplications. This month also paves the way for the spiritually significant months of Sha’ban and Ramadan, forming a spiritual continuum that cultivates the heart, preparing it for the ultimate blessings of Ramadan. This paper aims to explore the profound significance and recommended practices (A’mal) for the month of Rajab, drawing upon authentic Shia sources such as Mafatih al-Jinan by Sheikh Abbas Qummi, as well as other reliable texts. By shedding light on its virtues, suggested acts of worship, and the ethical reflections rooted in its observances, we hope to encourage a deeper appreciation of this month and inspire its purposeful observance among Muslims.
The Spiritual Significance of the Month of Rajab
Islam designates four months of the lunar calendar as sacred. The Qur’an explicitly mentions their sanctity thus: “Indeed the number of months with Allah is twelve months in Allah’s Book, the day when He created the heavens and the earth. Of these, four are sacred…” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)
In the explanation of the verse, Allamah Ṭabāṭabāī in Al-Mizan writes: “The sanctity of these four months originates in the religion of Abraham, and the Arabs continued to respect this sanctity even in the days of pre-Islamic Ignorance when they would worship idols. However, they might sometimes delay the sanctity of one month to another month for one or more years as part of the practice they called nas (postponement), which is condemned[1].”
The four sacred months as identified by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his household) are Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab: “…The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: Three are in succession Dhul-Qa’da, Dhul-Hijja, and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab of (the tribe of) Mudar which comes between Jumadi-ath-Thaniyah and Shaban[2].”
Thus, the month of Rajab holds a unique position in Islamic spirituality as one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an, in which commencement or continuation of war with the enemies of Allah is prohibited (except a defensive war)[3] and the crimes in these sacred months are heavier[4]. Among these sacred months, Rajab is distinct, being revered as “the Month of Allah” (Shahrullah)[5], a description found in hadith literature emphasizing its sacredness and divine proximity.
The spiritual significance of Rajab is further illustrated through narrations from Imam Rida (PBUH) who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his household) said: “Rajab is the silent month[6] of Allah. In it, Allah pours down mercy upon His servants[7].” This attribution highlights Rajab as a divine opportunity for believers to engage in worship and strengthen their relationship with Allah. Fasting, for example, is repeatedly extolled in the hadiths as a profound act of devotion during this month. Anas reported the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to have said: “Whoever fasts a single day of Rajab with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), Allah, Blessed and Exalted, will place between him and the Fire seventy trenches, the width of each trench being the distance between the heaven and the earth [8].”
According to the traditions, Allah opens the gates of mercy during this month, making it an ideal time for believers to seek His pardon and strive for spiritual reform. Such narrations elevate Rajab as a period of renewal and introspection, offering believers the chance to intensify their devotion and prepare spiritually for the forthcoming months of Sha‘ban and Ramadan.
Virtues and Merits of the Month of Rajab
The virtues of the month of Rajab are deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and are particularly emphasized in Shia sources. This month is described as a period rich with divine blessings and opportunities for spiritual growth. The sacredness of Rajab is so profound that Allah Himself has attributed it as “His month,” highlighting the unparalleled significance of this time.
- Rajab as the Month of Divine Mercy: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described Rajab as a month of unparalleled mercy. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) has reported the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to have said: “…This month is described as the advantageous month because mercy is poured on my people during it so heavily[9].” This statement reflects that worship and obedience in Rajab bring extraordinary spiritual rewards.
- Rajab as the Month of Fasting: Fasting is a recommended act of worship throughout Rajab, and numerous narrations extol its merit: Anas reported the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to have said: “Whoever fasts a single day of Rajab with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), Allah, Blessed and Exalted, will place between him and the Fire seventy trenches, the width of each trench being the distance between the heaven and the earth [10].”
- Rajab as the Month of Seeking Forgiveness: The month of Rajab is a month of spiritual renewal. Beyond fasting, acts such as seeking forgiveness carry heightened significance in Rajab. Reciting Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) is especially emphasized during the month of Rajab. Imam Ja’far Sadiq has reported the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to have said: “Rajab is the month of seeking forgiveness much more than the usual during this month, for Almighty Allah is forgiving and merciful[11].”
- Rajab as the Month of Supplications: This simple act of seeking forgiveness is believed to cleanse the soul and attract divine mercy, making Rajab a month of spiritual renewal. Other recommended supplications, such as “Ya Man Arjoohu Likulli Khair” (O You in whom I have hope for all good), further illustrate the month’s focus on divine mercy and repentance.
- Rajab as the Month of Commencement of the Prophethood (Bi‘that): The 27th day of Rajab commemorates the Commencement of the Prophethood (Bi‘that) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This historic event marks the beginning of divine revelation and carries profound significance in both spiritual and historical contexts. Believers are encouraged to engage in prayers, fasting, and the recitation of special supplications to honor this day.
- Other Notable Events in Rajab: Several important events took place during Rajab, further adding to its significance in Islamic history, such as the birth of Imam Muhammad Baqir (AS) on the 1st of Rajab, the birth of Imam Ali (AS) on the 13th of Rajab, the martyrdom of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (AS) on the 25th of Rajab, etc.
Recommended Deeds (A’mal) in Rajab
The month of Rajab is important not only for its virtues but also for the abundant opportunities it offers for spiritual practices. The recommended devotional acts of Rajab are divided into two parts: general and particular.
General Aamal in Rajab
The general acts are those advisedly said or done each day in the month without distinction. These include:
Fasting: It is recommended to fast on three days in the month of Rajab: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It has been narrated that one who fasts on these three days in one of the Sacred Months will be awarded with the reward of nine-hundred-year worship. However, whoever is incapable of fasting during the month of Rajab should recite the following instead 100 times each day “Subhana al-ilahi Aljalili, Subhana man la yanbaghi al-ttasbihu illa lahu, Subhana al-a`azzi al-akrami, Subhana man labisa al`izzi wa huwa lahu ahlun” (Glory be to the All-majestic God. Glory be to Him other than Whom none should be glorified. Glory be to the All-honorable and All-dignified. Glory be to Him Who has dressed Himself with grandeur that fits none but Him)
Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar): Whoever repeats “Astaghfirullah wa atubu Ilayhi” (I implore the forgiveness of Allah and I repent to Him) 70 times in the morning and 70 times in the evening on each day in Rajab, will be admitted by Almighty Allah if he dies in Rajab and Hellfire will not touch him on account of the blessings of Rajab. After the seventieth time, raise your hands towards the sky and say: “Allahuma igfir lī wa tub alayya” (O Allah, (please do) forgive me and accept my repentance).
Charity: Giving in charity is another meritorious deed during Rajab. It is said that any act of kindness or generosity performed in this month carries multiplied rewards and attracts divine mercy.
Repetition of “Lā ilaha illa Allah”: Whoever repeats “La ilaha illa Allah” [There is no god save Allah] 1000 times in Rajab, Almighty Allah will decide for him 100,000 rewards and award him 100 houses in Paradise.
Recitation of Dua “Ya Man Arjuhu Li kulli Khair…”: Recited daily, this heartfelt supplication reflects reliance on Allah’s mercy and hope for all forms of goodness after every ritual prayer.
Recitation of Surah Ikhlas: It has been narrated that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “One who recites Surah al-Ikhlas 100 times at one night in Rajab will be decided to have fasted for one hundred years for the sake of Almighty Allah, Who will also decide for him one hundred palaces (in Paradise) in the vicinity of one of the Prophet.
Ziyarat of the Shrines of Ahl al-Bayt (as): It is recommended to visit and/or recite Ziyarat Rajabiyah.
Particular Aamal in Rajab
These special acts are recommended on some selected nights or days in the month of Rajab. These include:
On the first night, on sighting the new crescent, it is recommended to say the recommended supplicatory prayer. It is highly advisable to bathe oneself [Ghusl]. It is recommended to visit the shrine of Imam al-Husayn (PBUH). It is recommended to offer a thirty-unit prayer in each unit Surah al-Fatihah is recited once, Surah al-Kafirun (No. 109) is recited once, and Surah al-Tawheed is repeated three times.[12]
On the thirteenth night of Rajab, it is recommended to offer a prayer consisting of two units at each of which it is advisable to recite Surah al-Fatihah once and Surahs Yasin (No. 36), al-Mulk (No. 67), and al-Tawheed.
On the fourteenth night of Rajab, it is recommended to offer a prayer consisting of four units at each of which it is advisable to recite Surah al-Fatihah once and Surahs Yasin (No. 36), al-Mulk (No. 67), and al-Tawheed.
On the fifteenth night of Rajab, it is recommended to offer a prayer consisting of four units at each of which it is advisable to recite Surah al-Fatihah once and Surahs Yasin (No. 36), al-Mulk (No. 67), and al-Tawheed. On the fifteenth day, it is recommended to begin with offering the famous Salat Salman (The Prayer of Salman al-Farisi), which consists of thirty units[13].
Meanwhile, for details of the recommended acts of worship in the month of Rajab, kindly consult Mafatih al-Jinan of Shaykh Abbas Qummi.
Conclusion
The month of Rajab holds unparalleled significance in the Islamic calendar as a period of divine mercy, spiritual renewal, and ethical growth. Rooted in profound historical and theological dimensions, it serves as a sacred prelude to the intense worship of Sha‘ban and Ramadan. From its connection to pivotal events in Islamic history to the vast opportunities it offers for self-purification and attaining proximity to Allah, Rajab exemplifies the boundless generosity of the Divine.
The prescribed A’amal—fasting, prayer, supplications, and charitable acts—encourages believers to introspect and realign their lives with the teachings of Islam. These acts not only promise immense rewards but also cultivate ethical values such as humility, patience, and generosity. The spiritual practices in Rajab serve as both a path to divine forgiveness and a means to foster stronger individual and communal bonds.
Ultimately, the lessons and opportunities of Rajab emphasize the importance of utilizing sacred moments to nurture one’s faith and strive toward a more virtuous life. Believers are reminded of their ability to transform spiritually, preparing themselves for the greater challenges and blessings ahead in the holy months of Sha‘ban and Ramadan. This sacred month stands as a testament to Allah’s infinite mercy, a time to reset, renew, and ascend toward divine closeness.
References
[1] . Ṭabāṭabāī, Muhammad Husayn, Tafsir Al-Mizan: An Exegesis of the Holy Quran, vol. 18, p. 153.
[2] . Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. 4, Book 54, Hadith 419 (https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3197)
[3] . Mirza Husayn Nuri, Mustadrak al-wasāʾil, vol. 11, p. 48 (Hadith 2)
[4] . al-Kulaynī, Muḥammad ibn Yaʿqūb, Al-Kāfī, vol. 7, p. 281 (Hadith 6).
[5] . Ḥurr Ᾱmilī, Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan, Wasā’il al-Shi’ah, vol. 8, p. 99; Majlisī, Muḥammad Baqir, Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 94, p. 36.
[6] . Ibn al-Athir stated in his book, al-Nihāyah, “The ‘silent month of Allah’ refers to Rajab, as no sound of weapons is heard during it, due to its being a sacred month.”
[7] . Ibn Bābawayh, Mohammad Ibn Ali, ‘Uyūn Akhbār al-Riḍā (a.s), vol. 2, 71 (Hadith 331).
[8] . Majlisī, Muḥammad Baqir, Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 94, p. 32 (Hadith 4).
[9] . Badr Shahin, The Rites of Rajab, Sha’bān and Ramadān, p. 47.
[10] . Majlisī, Muḥammad Baqir, Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 94, p. 32 (Hadith 4).
[11] . Badr Shahin, The Rites of Rajab, Sha’bān and Ramadān, p. 47.
[12] . Check Mafatih al-Jinan of Shaykh Abbas Qummi, Rajab A’amal.
[13] . Ibid
