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The lexical definition of Rajaba is “to respect”, of which Rajab is a derivative. This month is regarded as one of the four sacred months in Islam in which battles are prohibited. The pre-Islamic Arabs also considered warfare blasphemous during the four months.
- The reason why the month of Rajab is called “mutahhar (cleaned)” is that the ones who spend this month by fasting are purified from their sins and faults. The month of Rajab has got an important place in the history of prophets. For instance, Prophet Noah and his people boarded on the ark and saved themselves from the flood in the month of Rajab.
- The month of Rajab is the seventh one of the Hijri months and it is two months before Ramadan. It is important because of its virtuousness. The fact that it includes holy nights such as Raghaib and Miraj increases its virtuousness
- Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months. Its name is derived from the classical Arabic verb ‘Rajaba,’ which means ‘to respect.’ Also known as Rajab al-Murajjab (translated as greatly revered and magnified), this month has several virtues according to Muslims. The number of days during Rajab is contested as some people believe that this month has 29 days while others maintain it consists of 30 days.
According to saint Abd al-Qadir, Rajab is made of three letters – Ra, Jeem and Ba. Ra stands for Rah’matullah, meaning the mercy of Allah); Jeem stands for Ju’duAllah, meaning the generosity of Allah, and the last, Ba stands for Bir’uAllah, meaning the kindness of Allah.
Rajab Month Importance
Rajab holds special significance in the Islamic culture and is also referred to as ‘Rajab – the separate month’. It stands distinguished from the other three sacred months that fall together. Owing to its virtues, it is called by 18 different names, some of which are Al Mu’tahir (the cleanser), Al Mu’ali (the elevator), Al Mudar (of the tribe of), Al-Murajjab (the revered), and Al-Asamm (the deafening).During this month, Muslims increase good deeds and refrain from doing anything that is not recommended by Islam. The benefits of Rajab month are as follows:
1. It is the month of Allah
Rajab is believed to be the month of Allah, which is why Muslims pay great attention to it. The Prophet said that Rajab is the month of Allah and the Prophet’s month is Shaban, whereas Ramadan is the month of Ummah. Because of this reason, Muslims devote their time in prayers and helping the needy during Rajab as the good committed during the month of Allah earns rewards and blessings.2. Key historic events took place in the month of Rajab
Rajab is the month when many historically significant events took place, including:The noble parents of the Prophet were married during the sacred month of Rajab.
Aminah, the mother of the Prophet, conceived him during this holy month.
The miraculous night journey and ascension of the Prophet through the heavens also happened during the 27th night of Rajab. This day is remembered as ‘Isra miraj day’.
