Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and is one of the four sacred months.

It precedes the month of Sha’ban and Holy month of Ramadan. It also contains many benefits and virtues, as some of the most precious days of the Islamic calendar occur within this month.

When is Rajab 2025? 

This sacred month is expected to begin on January 1, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.

There is also Isra’ and Mi’raj on 27th Rajab. This is expected to occur on the January 27, 2025. 

Why is Rajab Important in Islam? 

Rajab is one of the four sacred months of the year. In Surah At-Tawbah, it states:

Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve in the book of Allah, since the day He created the Heavens and the Earth. Four of them, they are sacred. 

Qur’an 9:36 

Likewise, the names of these four sacred months are listed in this hadith.

Time has come back to its original state which it had when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth; the year is twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them are in succession: Dhul-Qa‘dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Al-Muharram and Rajab of Mudar, which stands between Jumada (ath-Thani) and Sha‘ban. 

Sahih al-Bukhari 

These months are sacred as there are many virtues attached to them. Fighting is prohibited during these four months. In turn, all transgressions during these months weigh heavier as wrong deeds, while all sincere acts of worship become elevated in their good deeds.

Significant Events Taking Place in Rajab 

The birth of Ali (RA) 

On the 13th Rajab, Ali (RA), the cousin and companion of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), was born.

Al Isra’ wal Miraj 

The Prophet’s (SAW) night journey Al Isra’ wal Miraj is thought to have taken place on the 27th Rajab. 

Battle of Tabuk 

In 9AH, the Battle of Tabuk took place during Rajab. During this battle, the Prophet (ﷺ) took 30,000 men to face the Roman army. As a result, the Romans retreated. Then, afterwards, a peace agreement was made. 

Salahuddin al-Ayyubi liberated Jerusalem 

In Rajab of 583 AH (1187 CE), Salahuddin al-Ayyubi liberated Jerusalem after 88 years of Crusader occupation. 

Fasting in Rajab 

The sacred months are an excellent time to do sunnah (supererogatory) acts of worship, fasting included. Voluntary (nafl) prayers, du’a and Sadaqah Jariyah, are also other virtuous acts that weigh more on the scale as good deeds due to the sacredness of this month.

Whcih days should I fast in Rajab? 

There are many days on which it is Sunnah to fast. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. It is also recommended to fast on the white days (13th, 14th and 15th of the Islamic lunar month).

Make the most of this sacred month

Rajab is one of the four sacred months of the year. It is also the month when Al Isra’ wal-Mi’raj took place. This makes it a month of many opportunities for blessings.  

This month is a time, when we, as Muslims, should increase worship and devotion to Allah (SWT). By working on improving our character and becoming more motivated to earn good deeds, we can earn immense rewards and better prepare for Ramadan (which is coming soon at the end of February!) in these coming months.

As Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq al-Balkhi (RA), the uncle of Imam Tirmidhi (RA), said, ‘The month of Rajab is the month of planting (your seeds), Sha‘ban is the month of irrigating/watering (them), and Ramadan is the month of harvesting the crop’.  

Rajab is the time to prepare for Ramadan – spiritually, mentally and physically. Remember to make the most of this sacred time by performing as many good deeds as you can and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT). May He accept and reward your efforts, ameen!