Rajab, a month of profound spirituality in Islam, stands distinct for its virtues and blessings. Described by Shaykh-e-Tareeqat, Ameer-e- Ahl-e-Sunnat دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـه, Rajab, derived from ‘تَرۡجِيۡب’[Tarjeeb], symbolizes respect and honor. Known as ‘اَلۡاَصَبۡ’ [Al-Asab], ‘fast flowing’, and ‘اَلۡاَصَمّ’ [Al-Asam], ‘the deaf’, this month witnesses an abundant flow of divine mercy and silences the clamor of conflict. Rajab, also referred to as ‘شَهۡرِ رَجَم’ (the month of stoning), marks a period where Muslims seek to deepen their faith, engage in worship, and attain spiritual purification.
Exploring the Spiritual Essence and Virtues of Rajab
Rajab, known in Arabic as ‘اَلۡاَصَبۡ’ [Al-Asab], meaning ‘fast flowing,’ and ‘اَلۡاَصَمّ’ [Al-Asam], ‘the deaf,’ holds a vital place in Islam. Symbolizing the absence of conflict and an increase in spiritual devotion, people also call Rajab ‘شَهۡرِ رَجَم’ (the month of stoning). In this month, devils are stoned to prevent harm to Muslims, emphasizing a time of peace and spiritual reflection (Ghunya-tut-Talibeen, vol. 1, pp. 319).
The Sacred Status and Virtues of Rajab in Islamic Texts
The sacredness of Rajab is highlighted in the Holy Quran, particularly in Surah At-Taubah:
“اِنَّ عِدَّۃَ الشُّہُوۡرِ عِنۡدَ اللّٰہِ اثۡنَا عَشَرَ شَہۡرًا فِیۡ کِتٰبِ اللّٰہِ یَوۡمَ خَلَقَ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَ الۡاَرۡضَ مِنۡہَاۤ اَرۡ بَعَۃٌ حُرُ مٌ ؕ ذٰ لِکَ الدِّیۡنُ الۡقَیِّمُ.”
This verse proclaims Rajab as one of the four sacred months in Islam, a testament to its divine significance (Part 10, Surah At-Taubah, verse 36).
The Prophet’s Teachings on Rajab
The Beloved Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم highlighted Rajab’s importance, stating it as one of Allah’s favorite months. Observing Rajab aligns with respecting Allah’s commands, promising divine rewards and blessings (Kanz-ul-‘Ummal, vol. 12, pp. 144, Hadees 35212).
Embracing Worship in Rajab
Rajab is a period for Muslims to engage in intensive worship, including the five-times Salah with Jama’at and numerous Nafl acts. It provides an opportunity to purify oneself from sins and focus on spiritual preparation for the Hereafter (Nuzha-tul-Majalis, vol. 1, pp. 209).
The Profound Excellence of Fasting in Rajab
Fasting during Rajab is immensely rewarding. A single fast observed with piety calls for repentance from Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ (Masabata-bis-Sunnah, pp. 342). Fasting not only carries religious benefits but also worldly advantages, enhancing one’s physical and spiritual wellbeing.
The Season of Spiritual Growth
Metaphorically, Rajab serves as a time for sowing seeds of worship, Sha’ban nurtures these seeds, and Ramadan is the time for harvesting spiritual rewards. This period is crucial for personal development and preparing oneself for the blessed month of Ramadan (Nuzha-tul-Majalis, vol. 1, pp. 209).
Special Nights of Worship in Rajab
The first and twenty-seventh nights of Rajab are specially revered. These nights offer heightened opportunities for worship and reflection, marking significant historical events in Islamic tradition (Ghunya-tut-Talibeen, vol. 1, pp. 328).
Rewards for Devotion: The Virtues of Rajab
Performing good deeds during Rajab, particularly fasting and praying Nawafil, brings immense spiritual rewards, comparable to the rewards of a hundred years (Shu’ab-ul-Iman, vol. 3, pp. 373-374, Hadees 3811-3812).
The Significance and Virtues of Rajab-ul-Murajjab
The sanctity of Rajab-ul-Murajjab is evident in both the Quran and Hadiths. Observing Nafl fasts during this month promises divine forgiveness and spiritual elevation, highlighting it as a month of unparalleled blessings and mercy (Shu’ab-ul-Iman).
“نہ کرنا حشر میں پُرسِش مِری ہو بے سبب بخشش عطا کر باغِ فردوس از پئے شاہِ اُمم مولٰی” – this prayer reflects the profound spirituality and hope that embodies the essence of Rajab, calling for divine mercy and blessings.
Continued Excellence of Fasting in Rajab:
- The sacred nature of Rajab extends to its days, which are inscribed on the portal of the sixth sky. Observing a fast with true devotion prompts the heavens to seek forgiveness for the individual from Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, showcasing the spiritual depth of this act (Masabata-bis-Sunnah, pp. 342).
- The presence of a celestial stream named ‘Rajab’ in Heaven, whiter than milk and sweeter than honey, signifies the purity and sweetness of fasting in Rajab. Those who fast are promised to be quenched by this divine stream, a symbol of Allah’s boundless mercy (Shu’ab-ul-Iman, vol. 3, pp. 367, Hadees 3800).
- The profound impact of fasting in Rajab is such that keeping one fast equates to a year’s fasting. Observing seven fasts seals the doors of Hell, while eight opens the gates of Heaven. Ten fasts grant one’s wishes, and fifteen result in the forgiveness of sins and a new start, with virtues replacing sins (Shu’ab-ul-Iman, vol. 3, pp. 368, Hadees 3801).
The Comprehensive Blessings and Virtues of Rajab:
The virtues of Rajab-ul-Murajjab are richly endowed with divine grace. This sacred month holds significant religious importance, as highlighted in the Holy Quran and Hadiths, offering numerous opportunities for spiritual purification and growth. Fasting, especially Nafl fasts, is pivotal in attaining Allah’s forgiveness and mercy in observing the virtues of Rajab.
The entire month symbolizes a time of blessings and mercy, but the nights of the 1st and 27th of Rajab hold particular significance. These nights, ideal for intensified worship, offer a unique chance to seek Allah’s favor. The revered night of Mi’raaj, when Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم ascended to the heavens, provides an opportunity to earn rewards equivalent to a hundred years of worship.
The practice of observing fasts in Rajab, be it mandatory or voluntary, is highly recommended. Fasting brings about spiritual elevation and physical and mental benefits, contributing to overall well-being. By combining fasting with prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran, believers can guard against sins and foster a deeper connection with the divine, in line with the virtues of Rajab.
During Rajab, believers sow seeds of worship, nurturing them in Sha’ban and harvesting them in Ramadan. This agricultural analogy underlines the importance of consistent and dedicated worship throughout these months. Just as a farmer diligently tends to his crops, believers should diligently tend to their spiritual growth during Rajab, preparing their hearts and souls for the blessed month of Ramadan.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the virtues of Rajab, we realize its profound impact on our spiritual journey. This blessed month, filled with the grace of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, invites us to deepen our faith and enhance our worship. May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ enable us to spend this month performing good deeds and appreciating its significance. Let us embrace this opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy and blessings, and may our efforts be rewarded in this life and the hereafter.
FAQs:
Q: What makes Rajab a unique month in Islam?
A: Rajab, known as ‘اَلۡاَصَبۡ’ and ‘اَلۡاَصَمّ’, is distinct. As one of four sacred months, it bestows increased mercy, blessings on believers engaged in worship, seeking forgiveness.
Q: How should Muslims observe the month of Rajab?
A: Islamic teachings encourage Muslims to observe Rajab by increasing prayers, fasting, reciting the Quran, and abstaining from sins. It’s a time for spiritual reflection and preparing oneself for the Hereafter.
Q: What are the rewards of fasting during Rajab?
A: Fasting in Rajab brings immense rewards, such as forgiveness from Allah and spiritual purification. It is said that fasting even a single day in Rajab can bring significant blessings.
Q: Why are the first and 27th nights of Rajab significant?
A: The first and 27th nights of Rajab hold historical, spiritual importance. They are significant for their association with events like Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم Mi’raaj.
Q: What special practices do experts recommend to observe the virtues of Rajab?
A: For Rajab’s virtues, experts suggest giving charity, performing Umrah, and reciting supplications. This, combined with regular worship, seeks Allah’s favor and mercy.
Source:
Dawat e Islami